Aprominent South East businessman plans to demolish a 20-room Robe motel and erect eight two-storey town houses.
It is understood the businessman purchased the Haven Motel earlier this year from Naracoorte investors when it was on the open market.
The motel has continued to trade as normal throughout 2024.
Planning documents have recently been lodged on behalf of the businessman by Frank Brennan Consulting Services.
They show the motel stands on a block with frontage to Smillie and Hagen Streets.
Nearby are the Robe council chambers and medical centre along with such historic structures as the Star of The Sea Catholic Church, Robe House, Lake Butler Marina and the original police station.
The development is subject to public consultation but this has yet to open.
It is anticipated the eight townhouses will be high end as Robe has the most expensive houses in the region.
Meanwhile, the Robe District Council is looking at ways of adding to the town’s housing stock.
Council chief executive Nat Traeger said she recently had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Office for Regional Housing to tour Robe’s current and potential housing opportunities.
“As well as private developments, this visit focused on several key council-owned properties, including Apex Lane Reserve and Casuarina Lodge, with the aim of exploring how these spaces could help address Robe’s future housing needs,” Ms Traeger said.
“The visit aligns with the council’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028, which includes priority actions such as identifying opportunities to provide a greater diversity of housing, with a particular focus on advocating for independent living options.
“The Strategic Plan looks to identify areas for residential growth, including the potential rezoning of deferred urban lands for development.
“The document refers to the possible release of surplus council-owned land in appropriately zoned areas, such as Apex Lane and Hateley Crescent, to meet diverse housing needs.
“The Strategic Plan wants to review the long-term land use of the Flint Street/White Street/Denton Drive light industrial precinct, considering both commercial and residential demand, as well as the best use of the land.”
Ms Traeger said the intent of this visit was to gather insights from the Office for Regional Housing and Renewal SA on how they can assist the Robe District Council in implementing these strategic actions.
“By working together, we hope to unlock the potential of Robe’s housing landscape, ensuring it meets the needs of our community now and into the future.”
