Wollongong City Council is holding a drop in information session to discuss the proposed draft Vision for Headlands Hotel, Austinmer, in Wollongong’s northern suburbs.

The public drop in session will be held on Thursday 22 July at the Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre & Library to provide the opportunity for the community to ask questions about the draft Vision.

Council’s Director Planning and Environment Andrew Carfield said it is important for Council to prepare a Vision for the site as it represents an iconic an historic part of the northern beaches of the Illawarra.

“The site, occupied by the Headlands Hotel, has been a guesthouse and licensed premises since the early part of last century,” Mr Carfield said. “At present the site is one of the most significant privately owned headlands on the Wollongong coastline and has potential to become a key tourist destination because of its prominent location, accessibility, spectacular views and surrounding natural environment. The site has a tourism zoning and is the only foreshore area north of Bulli Tourist Park zoned specifically for tourism purposes. “

The draft Vision for the Headlands Hotel site presents key urban design principles and four built form options for discussion and comment by the community. Following community feedback, a preferred option will be defined and presented to the incoming Council for ratification and further consultation with the community.

The community drop in session details:

What: Drop in session, draft Vision for Brickyard Point - Headlands Hotel Austinmer
Where: Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre & Library, Lawrence Hargraves Drive, Thirroul
When: 3pm to 8pm, Friday 22 July 2011.

For more information on the draft Vision you can visit Council’s internet site at www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au.