‘Disused and deteriorated’: Plans revealed for Victoria House

A derelict landmark in central Geelong is set to be transformed into a modern, “sustainable” office block.

Victoria House on Moorabool St will be transformed from an old, empty shell to a modern office block. Picture: Planning documents.

A derelict landmark in central Geelong is set to be transformed into a modern, “sustainable” office block that will set a new standard, according to a proposal lodged with the state’s planning minister.

The six-storey office block at 79-81 Moorabool Street, better known as Victoria House, currently sits vacant, and would be refurbished and extended, with developers planning to retain “as much” of the existing building as possible.

Town planners Urbis, on behalf of owners Victoria House ATB Pty Ltd, have revealed what the resulting building would look like.

79-81 Moorabool St, Geelong.

The plans feature a landscaped terrace, communal areas including a rooftop meeting space overlooking the bay and bicycle storage at the rear of the building.

“The redevelopment of the site will transform a disused and deteriorated building into a desirable office tenancy that will set an architectural standard for future development within the precinct,” planning documents read.

Victoria House was built in the 1970s and held a variety of tenants before it became vacant.

Picture: Planning documents.

The 350 sqm property was bought by injury law firm Arnold Thomas and Becker in 2022 for $3.15m, with the firm aiming to turn the building into its Geelong office.

The rear of the existing building, along with internal walls and the existing roof, would be demolished to allow for works.

Picture: Planning documents.

All parking spaces at the building would be removed, with developers instead opting for bicycle spaces.

“The development seeks to encourage the use of sustainable transport modes and discourage private vehicle use,” planning documents said.

“The site’s location in a highly accessible area with excellent public transport at the edge of the CBD supports the proposal to waive the carparking requirements.”

The plans, drawn by architectural firm Wardle, whose projects include the redevelopment of Geelong College’s Junior School, are “highly responsive” to the building’s context, according to the planning documents.

Victoria House on Moorabool St will be transformed from an old, empty shell to a modern office block. Picture: Planning documents.

Despite the addition of a seventh story, the overall height of the building would not change as the building currently has a plant on top.

According to planning documents, the design demonstrates regard for “the history of the city” through the materials and the gridlike composition of the facade, which takes “cues from surrounding buildings”.

Victoria House on Moorabool St will be transformed from an old, empty shell to a modern office block. Picture: Planning documents.

As part of the plans, hollow letters in building’s signage would pay homage to the missing I and S letters that fell off the building in past decades.

Originally published as ‘Disused and deteriorated’: Plans revealed for Victoria House