Sorrento’s iconic Continental Hotel upgrade set to boost local economy
STAGE one of Sorrento’s iconic Continental Hotel’s upgrade is now underway. Here’s how the popular tourist watering hole will be transformed under the $80 million redevelopment.
South East
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AN $80 million redevelopment of a Sorrento’s iconic Continental Hotel will provide a $30 million boost to the local economy, say backers and developers.
Hotel general manager Duncan Thomson told the Leader he expected the figure would increase as the business grew.
Work is underway with stage one including a new bar and bistro, fine dining and function area slated to open next September.
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The second stage featuring a wellness centre, 60 hotel rooms along with a lobby, cafe, swimming pool and whisky bar is set to open around March, 2020.
Mr Thomson said the business would employ 218 people in full time and casual positions once it was up and running.
Leading Melbourne developer Steller and the joint venture partner Julian Gerner are behind the development.
Steller chief executive Simon Pitard said 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,” he said.
“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.”.
During a tour of the construction site, Mr Gerner told the Leader said he was excited to see the major development underway.
The redevelopment will pay homage to the Victorian-era design of the original building, marrying modern, streamlined interiors with existing heritage elements and will draw inspiration from Hotel founder George Coppin.
Mr Thomson said the downstairs bar and bistro would be named ‘Coppin’s’ in honour of the founder.
There will also be an alfresco dining area with pavement seating — pending discussions with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council — facing Ocean Beach Rd.
Mr Pitard said he grew up in Sorrento and was rapt to be preserving the hotel for future generations.
The development will include more than 100 parking spaces on site.
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