Shannon Bennett says Burnham Beeches will be ‘Australia’s premier luxury boutique resort’

IT’S been a long and bumpy ride so far but celebrity chef Shannon Bennett is confident his plans for the historic Burnham Beeches site in the Dandenong Ranges will make it one of the country’s highest-profile tourist destinations.

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CELEBRITY chef Shannon Bennett will turn a historic Sherbrooke estate into one of Australia’s “highest profile” tourist destinations if controversial plans get the tick.

The decision on whether to transform Burnham Beeches into a visitor hub, now stands with Yarra Ranges Council, which will decide on whether to amend the planning scheme.

Final sign off lies with Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

But owners Mr Bennett and developer Adam Garrisson estimate the development will be open by late 2020.

Shannon Bennett is confident the new Burnham Beeches development will be open for business by the end of 2020.

Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader previously reported an independent planning panel, appointed by Mr Wynne to rule on unresolved issues, recommended adopting the planning scheme amendment C142.

Plans include removing a cap on patron numbers, turning the main building — built in the 1930s and now in state of disrepair — into a six-star hotel, and adding a microbrewery, shop and new restaurant inside the existing Piggery Cafe.

The existing pool would be completely revamped, compete with a bar and outdoor decked area.

Since the independent planning panel’s recommendation, owners Mr Bennett and Mr Garrisson are preparing to move on to the next stage of the development.

In a statement to Leader, Mr Bennett said: “After an extended period of planning and community consultation, we’re pleased to be a step closer to realising our dream for Burnham Beeches, restoring this historic property back to Australia’s premier luxury boutique resort”.

A light and airy reception area would greet people upon arrival.

Mr Bennett said Burnham Beeches would become one of the highest-profile tourism destinations in Australia and boost the area’s reputation as one of the most unique regions in Victoria.

He said the project would see a significant investment into the Yarra Ranges and generate up to 250 full-time jobs, plus education and training for young people.

He said with the support the panel had given the project, it was anticipated the hotel and other developments could be open by the end of 2020.

A deluxe suite could look like this.