Transformation of Sorrento’s iconic Continental Hotel to a luxury complex gets council approval
THE landmark Continental Hotel in Sorrento will get a $22 million makeover but opponents aren’t happy and have vowed to fight it.
South East
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TEMPERS are rising after the Mornington Peninsula Shire council approved a controversial $22 million redevelopment of the iconic Continental Hotel in Sorrento.
Conservation and historical groups are angry at the decision, which they claim was rushed and signed off with just five minutes to go in a drawn-out Mornington Peninsula Shire council meeting.
One ratepayer, Wayne Chamley, told Leader he planned to contact the Victorian Ombudsman over the council’s handling of the planning application, particularly its link with the sale of public land for a carpark for the proposed development.
The application approved by council will see developer Julian Gerner buy and refurbish the heritage hotel and add a four-storey apartment building, a wellness centre and cafe, lap pool, 24 new hotel rooms, a modern public bar, an up-market restaurant and two function rooms.
Earlier at the same meeting, the council approved the sale of the public carpark next door, at 23 Constitution Hill Rd — which will form part of the redevelopment — to Mr Gerner for $1.8 million.
Mr Gerner will have to build and maintain at least 25 public parking spaces as part of the sale contract.
A new condition means he will also have to pay the shire an extra $930,000 for the building of 20 extra parking bays within a short walk of the site or an additional level of parking in the development.
“I’m pleased the council has chosen to endorse the planning application, although there are still some details to be resolved,” he said.
The council approved the application despite 13 objections that raised concerns including overdevelopment, traffic issues, and a lack of respect for the historic precinct.
The limestone Continental Hotel is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and Mr Gerner has been working with a heritage consultant on the project.
The president of the Nepean Conservation Society, Dr Ursula de Jong, said the development was inappropriate in its bulk and scale and would “destroy” Ocean Beach Rd.
“The decision was so late and rushed through in the final three minutes, that the community is not even certain exactly what was approved,” she said.
“We are devastated and hope that Heritage Victoria shows greater wisdom in their permit considerations.”
But ward councillor Hugh Fraser said it was an “exciting project”.
“The hotel can’t be left to fall into a derelict state,” he said. “It’s an iconic structure and it will be wonderful to see it back in use as a hotel and a venue.”
Mr Chamley said the historic site was “about to be obliterated”.
“I’m writing a major submission to the Victorian Ombudsman — there are conflicts of interest all over this,” he said. “It’s like living in the Wild West. I cannot believe the processes that go on here.”