$3.5m facelift for Torquay Hotel beer garden, pending planning application approval

The beer garden where Cats star Stevie J once broke his ankles will be getting a facelift if an application is approved.

Torquay Hotel’s beer garden could be getting a facelift. Picture: Alison Wynd

The beer garden where Cats star Stevie J once broke his ankles will be getting a facelift if an application with Surf Coast council is approved.

Owners of the Torquay Hotel have applied to refurbish the site’s popular beer garden.

Henry Johnstone of Ratio Consultants, on behalf of the owners, revealed in planning documents that the $3.5m revamp project would include a full demolition of the existing space at the Bell St site.

“The refurbished beer garden will comprise a revised layout of dining areas that will most be undercover, along with the incorporation of new landscaping scheme and materials to capture the modern, soft and earthy feel of the space,” he said.

A larger toilet area and storage units to “accommodate the growing needs of the venue” are also proposed.

“The proposed works … will ensure the Torquay Hotel continues to operate and contribute to the wider Torquay community,” Mr Johnstone said.

“The overall building design will significantly improve the visual appearance of the site and will assist in strengthening the identity of Bell St and its function as an entertainment precinct.”

Mr Johnstone said the proposed works would feature a “wave-like” roof form that “directly links back to the beach and surfing culture intrinsically linked to Torquay”.

He said it would also “positively contribute to the wider Surf Coast character”, without being visually dominant in the streetscape.

Former Geelong football star Steve Johnson, or Stevie J, jumped a fence at the pub in 2003, and ended up breaking both of his ankles.

The council will not make a decision on the application before January 31, 2024.

Originally published as $3.5m facelift for Torquay Hotel beer garden, pending planning application approval