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<\/p>\nGEELONG developer Bill Votsaris wants Portarlington to be the home of the region\u2019s first seven-star accommodation and the host of interstate and international conferences, while creating \u201csignificant\u201d employment in the Bellarine town.<\/p>\n
Mr Votsaris\u2019 Batman Management Group is proposing to build the multi-storey Drooping Sheoak, named after the Bellarine native, incorporating 72 hotel rooms, function and conference facilities and wellness centre, incorporating a roof-top terrace and underground carparking.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a first for the Bellarine and something we\u2019re going to be proud of: seven-star accommodation, world-class conference facilities and significant, meaningful, full-time jobs,\u201d Mr Votsaris said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been three years in the making; I\u2019m very excited,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Inspired by Lyndsay Sharp\u2019s Bellarine venues and the Port Phillip Ferries linking Docklands and Portarlington, Mr Votsaris feels \u201cthe stars are aligning for a modern Bellarine\u201d.<\/p>\n
However, he is also focused on the project providing benefits for local residents, outside jobs and economic growth.<\/p>\n
The Geelong Road development, neighboring Jenkins and Son, is proposed to sit on close to an acre with the site created from multiple blocks consolidated onto one title.<\/p>\n
The site design will include open space and public access to the beach and parklands, connecting the town with recreational spaces.<\/p>\n
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The community will be introduced to the project over the next few weeks through online and face-to-face sessions before an application goes to the City of Greater Geelong.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve taken a different approach with this; I\u2019ve written to the Bellarine Ward councillors to tell them what we\u2019re planning and we will then approach the community, through the media and local associations, and gather feedback from the community first.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn November 5 there will an online Zoom conference with the architects and planners, and there will be a display at the football club for those who prefer a face-to-face approach.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce we\u2019ve had feedback, we\u2019ll lodge the application and what we are proposing is within the planning regulations; we are not asking for any exemptions.\u201d<\/p>\n
The development is estimated to be a two-year project from council approval to completion.<\/p>\n
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GEELONG developer Bill Votsaris wants Portarlington to be the home of the region\u2019s first seven-star accommodation and the host of interstate and international conferences, while creating \u201csignificant\u201d employment in the Bellarine town. Mr Votsaris\u2019 Batman Management Group is proposing to build the multi-storey Drooping Sheoak, named after the Bellarine native, incorporating 72 hotel rooms, function […]<\/p>\n