Belmont Hotel seeks Geelong council approval for $2.2m renovation

Changes are afoot at a Geelong hospitality venue that include the revamp an existing outdoor area and the creation of a new one.

Ross McDonald, Bec Newell and Simon Farrell have owned the Belmont Hotel for seven years. Photo: Nick Tonzing.

A popular Geelong pub is looking to again modernise its offerings, including the introduction of a second rooftop area.

Public feedback is being sought currently regarding the $2.2m project at the Belmont Hotel, located on the corner of High St and Mt Pleasant Rd.

At the heart of the plan is a reconfiguration of both the ground floor and first level.

An outside deck would be constructed on the south side of level one, while the existing north-facing terrace would reduce in size due to the addition of a new lounge bar that will extend into some of this space.

The lounge, should it be approved, would adopt a lightweight, glazed form.

Late last year, City Hall asked for more information about the new deck, which would remain open until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights, unlike the terrace which closes at 10pm.

“The rear deck will be open until the hotel is closed and noise from patrons using this area will not impact surrounding noise sensitive uses as the acoustic report confirms,” council was told on January 16.

There are plans for a second rooftop area at the Belmont Hotel. Source: Belmont Hotel Group.

On the ground floor, a staircase leading to level one is planned for the southeast corner and the kitchen would be moved to an extended area on the south side of the building.

“The modest works which are proposed by the application involve limited changes to the building envelope and provide an appropriate response to the prevailing pattern of development within the site’s activity centre context,” the application states.

“There will be no significant changes to the building’s relationship with public areas surrounding the site as the setbacks, building height and pedestrian and vehicular circulation are generally retained.”

The application states there would be “modest demolition works (which do not require planning approval) which generally retain the same form and scale of the existing building”.

The Belmont Hotel is located on the busy corner of High St and Mt Pleasant Rd. Source: Nearmaps.com.au

Rebecca Newell, Simon Farrell and Ross McDonald are listed as the Belmont Hotel’s owners and directors.

The trio took over the pub in early 2018 and immediately undertook a three-month, art deco inspired renovation.

“It needed some love and rejuvenation,” Ms Newell said at the time.

Melbourne-based Planning & Property Partners is managing the current application process on behalf of the owners.

The public consultation period ends March 21.

Originally published as Belmont Hotel seeks Geelong council approval for $2.2m renovation