The Diggers Rest Hotel to rise from the ashes, a decade after fire gutted it
Ten years after it was gutted by fire, the 150-year-old Diggers Rest Hotel is finally set to reopen, with plans for the new watering hole now revealed.
North
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TEN years on from the fire that ravaged the Diggers Rest Hotel, residents are another step closer to a new local watering hole.
Melton Council have approved a planning permit to bring the hotel, built in 1854, back to life.
Since it was gutted by fire in 2008, the building has sat dormant, falling falling victim to graffiti and vandalism.
But Interest Property developers have now revealed plans to build a distillery, function space, public bar and restaurant, plus hotel facilities.
October 30 marked the 10-year anniversary of the blaze.
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Project manager Daniel Lyne told the Leader community support since the development was announced had been fantastic.
“It’s been fairly well supported throughout the community and significantly better than we thought,” Mr Lyne said.
“Through the process we had two objectors and we’ve had a fair bit of work to make sure we address their concerns.”
Diggers Rest resident David O’Connor said the community had long advocated for the hotel to be repurposed or redeveloped.
“The hotel has sat in ruin at the entry of the township, creating an eyesore for residents and visitors,” he said.
“The new hotel is sure to provide some much needed amenity for the town, whilst delivering on local employment opportunities.”
Mr O’Connor said a number of prior attempts to redevelop the site “often fell short of the expectations of council, given the historical significance”.
Once the project is complete, Mr Lyne said he was looking forward to enjoying the new site.
“I’m just looking forward to having a beer,” he said.
Objectors to the plan have 28 days to lodge an appeal with VCAT. If none are received, the council will proceed with the permit.
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