Part of the Helensburgh Golf Driving Range could be converted into a caravan park under plans lodged with Wollongong City Council.
In a development application, owners of the driving range want to transform one hectare of the 7.2ha property into a caravan and camping park.
The triangle parcel of land currently runs along Lawrence Hargrave Drive, opposite Symbio Wildlife Park.
The region is crying out for new short term accommodation options, according to Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh.
“The (Wollongong) northern suburbs in particular are desperately in need of more quality accommodation,” Mr Sleigh said.
“Overnight visitors spend more and travel further, something which benefits all businesses along the south coast.
“The Headlands Hotel was recently named best hotel in regional Australia at the AHA Awards and its success should build investor confidence in the area.”
The proposal is to build 10 two-bedroom, one one-bedroom and one two-bedroom disabled JAYCO cabins; nine tent sites; 19 caravan sites;a new manager’s office and residence; plus amenities and recreational facilities building.
Car parking is to be provided on site in the allocated caravan and tent sites and all cabins will have a space next to the cabin. Seven visitor car spaces are provided that includes a disabled car space.
The exterior of the cabins are to be made from Colorbond steel in colours Deep Ocean, Ironstone and Dune.
The office operating hours would be to open from 8am to 6pm.
Currently the zoning of the land is RE2 Private Recreation, and already allows for a holiday park. The estimated cost of the project is nearly $900,000.
The closest operating caravan parks to the area the Heathcote Tourist Park, Coledale Camping Reserve, plus various camp grounds and more upmarket accommodation.
The DA for the caravan park is on exhibition until October 31 through Wollongong Council’s website.