Hamilton Group plans to introduce new restaurant at Federal Mills

A former taphouse of a collapsed brewer could be transformed into a hospitality venue featuring tenpin bowling, karaoke and table tennis at Federal Mills.

Hamilton group plan on turning the former Valhalla Brewhouse at Federal Mills into a restaurant. Picture: Brad Fleet

A collapsed brewer’s former taphouse could be transformed into a new restaurant featuring tenpin bowling alleys, karaoke machines and table tennis.

Hamilton Group is behind the application to transform the former Valhalla brewery into a thriving restaurant at the Federal Mills in North Geelong, and recently submitted plans to Geelong council.

A spokeswoman for Hamilton Group said the application was another “Hamo Hospitality” venture.

“Building on the success of 1915 and Paddock Bakery, we’re seizing the exciting opportunity to launch our third hospitality venue at Federal Mills,” the spokeswoman said.

“We believe we have done the due diligence required to ensure we create a restaurant and bar which speaks to the captive audience here, and will also attract visitors to the site.”

The application is also seeking to introduce a new alfresco space, change the hours of operation, increase the number of patrons, as well as introduce some minor buildings and works.

According to the application plans prepared by Context Planning, the internal layout of the building would retain the existing amenities area, however all brewery equipment would be removed.

Hamilton Group plans on turning the former Valhalla Brewhouse at Federal Mills into a restaurant. Picture: Brad Fleet

“The restaurant and bar will include a variety of seating options, including indoor and outdoor dining, booth seating and high tables,” the plans state.

“There will be various ancillary entertainment spaces within the venue, including two tenpin bowling lanes, three karaoke rooms and an open area accommodating billiards and table tennis tables.”

The alfresco area would include an area for informal outdoor games beside a casual seating arrangement.

According to planning documents, the site is within an established mixed-use precinct which supports commercial and light industrial uses, along with other hospitality ventures and many offices.

“The proposed extension to the hours of operation being comfortably outside of regular business hours will be of no consequence to the wider Federal Mills complex,” it states.

The previous business located at the premises, Valhalla Brewery, was wound up after an administrator was appointed earlier this year.

Earlier this year, Valhalla director Scott Hunt said consumers were spending noticeably less as the strain on household budgets continued to grow.

“People are not going out like they used to and we’ve seen a reduction in income,” he said at the time.

Originally published as Hamilton Group plans to introduce new restaurant at Federal Mills