While a heritage assessment of 66 Collins St, long the home of Kerns & Garside (which became RMB), has concluded that the site does not meet the threshold for heritage listing as an individual place, there are hopes that the building can be saved from demolition.

This could come either from including it in a new Heritage Conservation Area or by having the developer amend his DA currently
being assessed, which calls for the demolition of it and an adjacent building and construction of mixed use residential development consisting of 25 residential apartments above four commercial shops and basement parking.

Cllr Reilly told the November Council Meeting that he understands the current DA may be altered to preserve the character of the building.

“In speaking with the owner, he (Nick Daoud) has indicated he would like to preserve it,” says Councillor Neil Reilly.

“I appealed to the owner personally as I saw it as our last chance to save it.”
The Meeting decided to keep the Interim Heritage Order in place until it lapses at the end of December.

Constructed for the Hindmarsh family c1925, the Californian bungalow once stood on a much larger block, and has been altered significantly internally and by an addition.

The heritage report says, “it forms part of a collection of cottages that together reflect the historic development and distinct historic character of the Kiama Town Centre area.

“The cottage has a strong contribution to the character and significance of the surrounding area”.