1990: Highrise apartment scheme for the Hotel Sans Souci (Mick Moylan's) site - Sans Souci

I have developed an interest of the former Hotel Sans Souci which was owned by Mick Moylan and the former Prince of Wales Hotel.

Karen Pentland wrote The Pub on the Point for the 2013 Ron Rathbone History Prize organised by the former Rockdale City Council. It is recommended and contains some great oral accounts, especially from its final years.

However, I am curious as to what led to its closure and conversion into a residential estate.

My memories of Mick Moylans (as the locals refer) go back to my days as an infant. I attended the Sans Souci Community Pre School (1989-90) which was a short walk up Clareville Avenue at Sandringham.

In the late 1980's Mick Moylan's had opened an outlet of the Billabong Family Bistro's which from my understanding were a national chain of fast casual dining restaurants. This was posted recently (below) to the St George District Memories and Old Shops Australia Facebook Groups. The newspaper advertisement was published in the December 22, 1988 edition of The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader. 

Source: Billabong Family Bistro. 1988. "Untitled" (Advertisement). The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, December 22: 27. 

I recall going to birthday parties there during my pre school days and even had my sixth birthday there in 1990. Bill & Bindy were dressed in a more professional koala costume than the advertisement shows. My brother also had his sixth birthday there in 1992. I remember going to the beach outside Mick Moylans in January 1993, and recall seeing fences around the site. Mick Moylan's was gone forever; to be replaced with a residential estate.

Source: Murphy, R. 1990. "Development plans submitted to council for San [Sans] Souci site". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, April 12, 31.

The earliest source that suggested residential development on the site was from 1986 when The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reported that the owner Laurie Beaumont was exploring options for housing including three storey unit blocks or single homes. Under planning guidelines, Rockdale Council would permit construction of free standing dwellings. However, there would be a loss of parking for beach users and a road would be required for access to the boat ramp.

Source: Anon. 1986. "Homes plan for hotel landmark". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, February 6, 11.

In 1990, plans ramped up when proposals for two six level buildings were unveiled to maximise public access. Norfolk pines and the famous Moreton Bay fig trees would be retained. A bistro or restaurant would be also be included. Mick Moylans would still have a presence of some sort on the site.

Source: Anon. 1990. "Developer wants to turn hotel into flats". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, August 21: 5. 

This plan didn't proceed and Rockdale Council approved the construction of 15 luxury townhouses to form The Sandringham estate. It is a gated development. Public beachfront access was retained with a path running along the beachfront.

The boat ramp was also lost.

I have not yet found further details as to how the scheme was scaled back and why. Neither have I found as to when in 1992 did Mick Moylan's close. Was it even announced?

The What if question comes into mind had the council approved the twin six storey apartment towers?

• We would still have "Mick Moylans" in some form even if under another name.
• The Beach Kiosk may have been converted into a cafe going by the conversion of Kiosks at Brighton-Le-Sands and Dolls Point in recent years into cafes. Ramsgate Beach ended up with a restaurant.
• The Moreton Bay fig would probably still be on the beachfront.
• The Norfolk pines and Cook Pine that were knocked down may have removed irrespective, whether it was in 1990's or more recent years. 
• The public would have possibly more access to the beachfront with the boat ramp retained. 

Below are photos of the former Sans Souci Hotel site as seen from Dolls Point (2017). Photos taken by the author.