Rex Gorell, sons, owners of Drumcondra site earmarked for development

The plans for a waterfront property put forward by a well-known Geelong family can be revealed for the first time, following its $5.25m sale a year ago.

Render of a proposed redevelopment at 63 The Esplanade, Drumcondra. Source: Kennon.

A waterfront property that sold for a record price to a well-known Geelong family will be demolished and replaced by a two-storey residence with sweeping views of Corio Bay, under plans put out by City Hall.

The $5.25m sale of 63 The Esplanade in October last year set a Drumcondra record and now plans put out for public consultation by Geelong council reveal a $3.5m redevelopment is in the works.

The project would see a complete overhaul of the 1387sqm site and involve the demolition of the original two-storey art deco dwelling and accompanying garage, as well as the removal of existing fences and landscaping.

Planit Consulting submitted the plans of behalf of Mercredi Pty Ltd, a company jointly owned by Geelong car baron Rex Gorell and his sons Paul, Brett and Jason.

The application includes architectural renders from Melbourne-based firm Kennon.

“Our proposed dwelling at number 63 is a contemporary architectural design that takes reference from the urban fabric of location in both the existing and an emerging context,” Kennon said of its design.

“Utilising the natural environment as opportunity, the design constructs a new addition to the street setting with fluted columns and wall structures that shift in asymmetric fluidity.

“These vertical elements represent the bobbles of the sailing boats that float in the distance deeper into the bay.”

The site falls within a heritage overlay but that doesn’t forbid a new build.

Planit said the proposed development was designed with the overlay in mind, and would not result in any adverse impact on surrounding properties.

“The high quality design and ample landscaping opportunities is consistent with the features of the Drumcondra area,” it said.

Render of a proposed redevelopment at 63 The Esplanade, Drumcondra. Source: Kennon.

Under the plans, the ground floor would include a kitchen, dining room, study, laundry and powder room.

A central spiral staircase would provide access to the second level, which would be home to three bedrooms, all with an ensuite and walk-in robe.

A large living room and terrace would take in the bay views.

A basement carpark, pool and pool house also form part of the plans.

Council’s public consultation period closes November 14.

Residents of The Esplanade are afforded stunning views of Corio Bay.

David Cortous of McGrath Estate Agents sold the property off-market after the previous owners lived there for more than 40 years.

“We’ve been looking for quite some time for this particular client,” he said at the time.

The Gorell family has had a continuous business presence in Geelong since arriving in the city in 1854, according to the company’s website.

“The group’s first dealership Rex Gorell Ford opened in 1980 and the subsequent expansion through the decades that have followed means that The Rex Gorell Family Group now proudly represents 18 marques,” it explains.

Originally published as Rex Gorell, sons, owners of Drumcondra site earmarked for development