The former Kogarah Council building could be transformed into a five-star hotel under plans presented to the Georges River Council’s economic committee.
The proposal was raised by Economic Development Advisory Committee member Frank Bates.
Mr Bates, who is also the Beverley Park Golf Club President and a marketing consultant, presented the idea at the committee’s final meeting last month.
‘’When you live in an area you look around at what you have and what we’re really void of is decent accommodation,’’ he said.
‘’When the opportunity came up I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to plant the seed.’’
In fact, he said finding a suitable site was one of his main goals after joining the committee.
His vision is to demolish the former council building and build a four to five star hotel in its place.
It would include 150 hotel rooms, conference space, a ballroom, restaurants and an entertainment deck.
He said the location was a perfect fit and would help service the nearby hospitals by providing the families of patients the option to stay close by.
It could also be used by fans and teams visiting Jubilee Oval and other St George sporting grounds.
Importantly, he said it was close to the airport and public transport.
‘’We need to generate business here and make it a destination for people,’’ he said.
‘’At the moment people visiting their sick loved ones can stay at the Novotel or go into the city and that’s taxing on people.
‘’It would generate so much business for the local shopkeepers and it’s an incentive for other new businesses to open up.
‘’It’s long overdue.’’
The idea has been supported by the St George Business Chamber.
Chamber vice-president Carlos Zeidan said the former council building would be an ideal location.
‘’The direct impact of a hotel would mean jobs for the local community, local business suppliers, and apprenticeship take up,’’ he said.
‘’The greater local business community would also benefit with more employees, hotel guests and visitors spending on local consumer products.’’
The proposal will now go to Georges River Council to consider.