Bunbury City Council’s plan to sell Lot 66 Ocean Drive as a location for hotel development has failed.
The land was offered for sale on the proviso that the purchaser submit plans for a hotel development on the site, but despite three extensions of time the Chinese Company selected to purchase the site has failed to provide the necessary development plans.
The sale of the land earlier drew criticism from local residents because it was within the 150 metre exclusion zone intended to protect against future encroachment by rising sea levels and extreme weather events, and the proposal would place a liquor licence within 100 metres of an existing High School. However it became apparent that the City’s desire for more accommodation and access to liquor was greater than its concern for the existing educational uses of the precinct.
Bunbury mayor David Smith is reported to have expressed dissapointment at the abandoned sale, because he believes the city needs more accommodation to service the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre expansion, the Groovin the Moo festival and other events.
It is understood that Lot 66 will be relisted for sale at $2.6 million.