Redevelopment of Sorrento’s iconic Continental Hotel grinds to a stop with future of project unclear
Late last year, Sorrento’s Continental Hotel was a hive of activity as work started on a new bar, restaurant and function area. But that has ground to a halt, and one thing missing from the site has got neighbouring shopkeepers worried.
South East
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Work on the $80 million redevelopment of Sorrento’s iconic Continental Hotel has halted with the future of the landmark project unclear.
Site offices have been removed and all workers have gone — a far cry from when the Leader visited late last year to tour the development when it was a bustling hive of activity.
Shopkeepers said they feared the project was in trouble after noticing a television screen advertising the project was removed from a prominent position at the site.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council planning and building director David Bergin said they were unsure about the project’s future.
“Council does not have any further information about the future of the Continental Hotel site,” he said.
“Council has liaised with Heritage Victoria and the building surveyor to ensure both the heritage building is protected from the weather and the structural stability is maintained.”
Simon Pitard, co-director of once-leading Melbourne developer Steller, and joint venture partner Julian Gerner were behind the development.
The Continental Hotel’s future was thrown into more doubt, after the Leader recently reported that Steller — which specialised in mid and large-scale apartment complexes in Melbourne’s southeast — was winding down, selling off assets, and had fired 76 staff from its construction team.
Mr Pitard has ignored all calls and messages from Leader and refused to comment on the hotel’s future. Mr Gerner also declined to comment.
Prior to the halt, work was underway with stage one including a new bar and bistro, fine dining and function area slated to open this September.
The second stage featuring a wellness centre, 60 hotel rooms along with a lobby, cafe, swimming pool and whisky bar was slated to open around March, 2020.
Developers said last year that it would provide a $30 million boost to the local economy.
And Mr Pitard told the Leader the 1875 limestone Heritage Trust building was the largest commercial development on the Peninsula when first built.
“We’re pleased to be completing the circle with the redevelopment, which will re-establish Sorrento as the heart of the Peninsula,” Mr Pitard said.
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“Commencing construction is a milestone that we are proud to share with the community, giving them confidence in the project and our commitment to protecting and preserving the legacy of the Continental Hotel.”
A community meeting to discuss the future of the development will be held at Sorrento Community Centre on Sunday, June 30, at 11.30am.
Julian Gerner and representatives from the State Government and National Trust will speak.