30-34 Geelong Rd: Proposed Portarlington hotel development rejected by council

A controversial bid for a $30m hotel on the Bellarine has been rejected by the City of Greater Geelong. Here’s why.

The multimillion-dollar project was first revealed in 2021. Image credit: McIldowie Partners

A controversial bid for a $30m hotel in Portarlington has been rejected by the City of Greater Geelong.

Batman Management Group’s Drooping Sheoaks development would have seen a five-storey, 72 room hotel constructed at 30-34 Geelong Rd.

Nearby to Portarlington Recreation Reserve and overlooking the water, the building would have had a height of more than 22m and included a rooftop restaurant, wellness-centre and six retail spaces.

The site at 30-34 Geelong Rd. Picture: McIldowie Partners

Plans for the site were first revealed in 2021, and after much debate, the project was released for public comment

Last week, the proposal was featured as one of the developments that could shape our changing coast.

However, it can be revealed City Hall had already rejected the plan.

The Geelong Advertiser understands the proposal was refused by city officers at a meeting held on December 14.

The development did not go to councillors for a vote.

Architects renders shows plans for a multimillion-dollar hotel and wellness centre at 30-34 Geelong Rd, Portarlington. Picture: McIldowie Partners

Joanne Van Slageren, the city’s acting-executive director of planning and design, said the proposal was found to be “contrary to the purpose and guidelines of the planning controls” under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme and other zoning schemes.

“It was also considered that the application did not respect the unique coastal landscape and was not consistent with the low scale character in this area of the township,” Ms Van Slageren said.

“These concerns were also highlighted in the 25 objections received to the application.”

Objectors argued it was out of character with the community and would increase traffic, among other issues.

The plans included provisions for a two-level basement with 130 carparks and three bicycle compounds.

However, the city also received 21 letters in favour of the application, with supporters arguing it was necessary to address the town’s accommodation shortage.

If a proposal is rejected, parties have 60 days to apply for a review by the state’s planning umpire, VCAT. In this case, the deadline will be February 12.

Batman Management Group boss Bill Votsaris has been a key figure in the revitalisation of Little Malop St, and bought the Geelong Post Office building from the council in 2020.

Originally published as 30-34 Geelong Rd: Proposed Portarlington hotel development rejected by council