Multi-million dollar plan to restore historic Bellarine pub

A $10 MILLION planning application has been lodged to restore and enhance a 132-year-old pub on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Extensive works have been proposed for Portarlington’s Grand Hotel located in the main shopping precinct.

In the application lodged by owners LG Marine Assets, the proposed design is anticipated to have significant impact on local business activity.

“The proposal will support economic growth within the Bellarine Peninsula and will increase business activity within the hotel,” it stated.

Under the planning application, the developers have proposed the construction of a replacement beer garden and outbuildings to include a pizza kitchen, storage room and bathroom facilities.

“The replacement beer garden will be a contemporary, open-air, single-storey canopy structure containing the pizza restaurant and facilities,” the application said.

The demolishment of the existing beer garden, rear hotel extension and balcony have been earmarked in the permit.

Internal alterations to the ground floor bar, bistro and hotel reception areas have been included to help facilitate the additional patrons anticipated in the design plans.

If approved, the hotel will be able to welcome an extra 132 patrons across the four restaurant service areas including the front bar, bistro, beer garden and lawn.

On top of the existing 23 hotel rooms, six more rooms are being proposed on level one of the accommodating floors.

“An upgrade of the existing car parking area is proposed as a part of this development, with the existing gravel car park to be sealed and resurfaced,” the application states.

“The proposed parking can accommodate 52 parking spaces, inclusive of two accessible parks.

“Developers have said the partial demolition will not impact the heritage protected structures while the refurbishment will strengthen functionality and enhance the existing characteristics.”

The application acknowledged the hotel, which dates back to 1985, was protected by the City of Greater Geelong’s Heritage Overlay and was a distinctive feature in the town’s centre.

“The restoration of the three-level balcony will restore the original architectural character of the hotel and further enhance its status as a landmark in the Portarlington streetscape,” the application states.

“The proposed alterations and additions will provide for the revitalisation of the residential hotel without impacting on the heritage value of the building, and in some sections will enhance them.”

Public comment for the proposed development closes today (Thursday, February 18).