$22 million food and tourist hub set to grow at Williamtown landmark

Wayne Fussell, a former resident of Seaham who has developments up and down the eastern seaboard, purchased the site located near the intersection of Lavis Lane and Nelson Bay Road in 2021 for a reported $7 million.

Mr Fussell heads up the Banner Asset Management Trust which has teamed up with the Newcastle-based Yukon Projects to develop an international standard retail, food and accommodation outlet.

"We have secured the services on Oporto and Starbucks and are awaiting confirmation from two other major retail brands. The site will also comprise a service station, tavern and motel currently with approval for 10 rooms but we are hoping to increase that number to 30 rooms," he said.

"We have been working with Port Stephens Council who have been great to deal with and we look forward to doing more in the area over the coming year."

The new owners have proposed modifications to increase the number of fast food outlets form three to four, a petrol station with convenience store and car wash. Earthworks have already begun on the site.

The applications for the service station (estimated at $2.1m) and a reconfiguration of tenancies and site layout ($11.1m) were lodged with the council in May and are listed on the council DA Tracker while awaiting a decision.

Vehicular access is via a left turn deceleration lane from Nelson Bay Road and two-way access through the adjacent site to the north. A new service vehicle exit is proposed to Lavis Lane.

The previous owners, the Knightsbridge Group, had owned the site since 1999.

A spokesperson told the Examiner that the group had worked hard for many years to develop the site, but the "PFAS contamination destroyed our ability to develop".

Mr Fussell said that the nearby Williamtown Airport and the potential for significant economic and visitor growth was a major consideration when purchasing the property.

"The PFAS issue has been dealt with and we see the airport as just one part of the attraction to the busy intersection ... there is also the high traffic volumes and popular stopover site for travellers," he said.

"The entire area will be fully landscaped for visual impact."

Mr Fussell said that subject to council approvals, he hoped construction would begin within 12 months.

"We intend to use local tradies during the build stage and employ hundreds once it is fully operational."

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