How Hopetoun Tea Rooms will look at new premises

New plans have been revealed for the revamped Hopetoun Tea Rooms — this is how the new venue will look when doors finally open.

An artist’s impression of the new Hopetoun Tea Rooms on the corner of Bourke and McKillop streets.

Melbourne’s historic Hopetoun Tea Rooms would be given a fresh lease of life under new plans being considered by the city council.

Owners of the culinary icon, first opened in 1892, want to revamp a heritage building in the CBD to serve up the future of the business “for the coming decades’’.

The proposal calls for partial demolition, alterations and additions to the three storey building it is making its new home on the corner of Bourke and McKillop streets.

The revamp would see construction of dome window awnings to the shopfront, a retractable awning for the laneway, and an outdoor dining space set up.

Lush furnishings on the inside.

The grand Tea Rooms will take up three storeys.

The building, erected in 1859 and previously a jewellery store, bank and stock agent, would be painted pale green with unique signage installed including an ornamental brass teapot hung 6.4m above the street.

Artist’s impressions reveal the grand plans to try and transfer some of the character of the tea rooms that called the Block Arcade home until late last year.

In a pitch to council, owner Vikramjeet Singh said the plan would write a new chapter of the tea house.

“The business has survived the last pandemic, world wars and is now working hard to survive this current pandemic so that this Melbourne icon can stay to serve the next generation,’’ the submission said.

A giant teapot marks the spot.

How the Kozminsky building currently looks.

“And contribute to the ‘foodie’ culture and laneway character of the city.’’

Wallpaper used inside would be traced from the original Block Arcade premises.

And an outdoor alfresco dining space would “enhance the pedestrianisation of McKillop St and its future activation.’’

Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said the tea rooms had “been an iconic part of Melbourne since 1892’’.

“Having moved from the Block Arcade we’re excited this city institution has found a new home on Bourke Street in another heritage building,’’ he said.

The original tea rooms and famed cake display in Block Arcade. Picture: Alex Coppel

“This application will be carefully considered by council, with the application assessed on its merits.

“Melbourne businesses have been among the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and council is always looking for ways we can encourage businesses to remain and expand their presence in the city.”

Lady Hopetoun, wife of the Victorian governor and Australia’s first governor-general, opened the Ladies Association of Victoria tea rooms in the Block Arcade in 1892.

They were renamed in her honour in 1907 and are considered the oldest surviving cake shop and cafe in Melbourne since the 1910s.