Knox Developments Launches Motel Venture

Boutique residential developers Knox Developments will launch their repositioned Motel Molly ahead of summer following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. 

Award-winning design practice Richards Stanisich reimagined the Surfbeach Motel, which Knox acquired earlier this year, to create a boutique beachside accommodation offering in Mollymook, on the NSW south coast. 

Motel Molly is a nod to the motel’s 1980s heritage, while creating a Mediterranean-inspired beach oasis according to Richards Stanisich, which Knox Developments engaged to breathe new life into the property.

“Motel Molly’s design scheme blends the Australian coastal landscape with whimsical moments of Mediterranean influences, revealing playful pastel colourtones, textural exterior and interior touches, and artisan crafted details,” a Richards Stanisich spokesman said.

The new configuration includes a three-bedroom residence, 3 two-bedroom apartments, a one-bedroom apartment and 11 king suites. 

Knox Developments director Josh Crealy said the property would reopen as a “sophisticated yet welcoming retreat” that could accommodate long weekends or extended stays for large or small groups. 

▲ The multi-million-dollar refresh will create a motel asset that Knox Developments will hold long term.

“We are excited to unveil our vision for Motel Molly, a multi-million-dollar refurbishment which will offer hotel-apartment style living and celebrates its iconic location. 

“The mix of Mediterranean and Moroccan inspired interiors by Richards Stanisich evokes a sense of relaxation and halcyon days of past that we know will resonate with a design-savvy traveller.”

The Cronulla-based developer recently won approval for its boutique apartment development at 34 The Esplanade, at Cronulla, and plans to break ground on the project early in a few months' time.

The Urban Developer understands Knox Developments acquired the site in March, and which settled for $4.4 million in June this year. 

The group is currently hiring an onsite manager for Motel Molly and plans to hold the asset as a long-term investment. 

The appeal of the Australian motel is luring investors and developers looking to capture the upside of the land-rich ageing asset class as more Aussies spend their holidays at home.

Once the mainstay of the Aussie driving holiday, motels lost their lustre in the 1990s when hotel developments swamped the cities and regions. But motels are experiencing a renaissance.