Page 37 - My Memoirs - Max Kurz

I negotiated an option to buy the middle site with the elderly retired fisherman at a premium price, the option period was granted for 6 months. I then proceeded to develop my feasibility study and schematic draft plans for the proposed development subject to council approval. With this in hand, I then approached the Randall family and the Newcastle owner and subsequently found that both site owners were friends.
I submitted my proposal for a joint venture development based on my feasibility to include the consolidation of all 3 sites. Len Randall acted as spokesperson for both the owners, whilst he acknowledged the proposed concept, he did not like the terms of the proposal, so he dismissed the scheme initially. It took time to re- negotiate the terms. Finally, an agreement was reached, and the development application to the Port Stephens council proceeded. It took 18 months to gain final approval which included proceedings before the land and environment court. The Council withdrew its objections in the 11th hour and allowed the development to proceed.
The development was completed in 1974, comprising of 14 shops and 20 units above. The joint venture group sold the units and retained the shops as a holding investment. I held my interest in the development for 27 years until 2001.
(Picture shown taken in 2016, the development sadly showing signs of age)
I went on to transforming 2 of the shops into businesses developed, owned, and sold by me. One was a restaurant and the other was a women’s sportswear and
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