Little Group reveals $10M plan to refurbish 132-year-old Grand Hotel in Portarlington

A 132-year-old heritage-protected Bellarine pub will be returned to its “grand splendour” under a multimillion-dollar makeover proposal, including the demolition and complete overhaul of its beer garden. SEE THE PLANS

A 132-YEAR-OLD heritage protected Bellarine pub will be returned to its “grand splendour” under a multimillion-dollar makeover proposal, including the demolition and complete overhaul of its beer garden.

The Little Group, which owns and operates Port Phillip Ferries, has lodged a planning application with the City of Greater Geelong to refurbish the Grand Hotel in Portarlington at an estimated cost of $10 million.

The Grand Hotel as it once stood, built in 1888.

The extensive plans include the construction of a replacement beer garden complete with pizza oven, extension of the hotel to add six more guest rooms, demolition of the building’s front balcony to be replaced with a replica of the original three-storey cast iron facade balcony, internal alterations to improve “functionality”, a new commercial kitchen, and an upgraded rear car park.

The 1888-constructed hotel is protected by a heritage overlay, with developers saying their refurbishment proposal will strengthen the heritage character of the pub.

“The proposed alterations and additions will provide for the revitalisation of the residential hotel without impacting on the heritage value of the building, and in some sections will enhance the heritage values of the building,” planning documents noted.

A more recent image of the pub. Picture: Alan Barber

“The proposal will support economic growth within the Bellarine Peninsula and will increase business activity within the hotel.

“The architectural significance of the hotel will be enhanced through the reinstatement of the original facade balcony and veranda and improvements to facade cracking on the central tower. The heritage character of the building will be strengthened with proposed balcony decoration directly referencing the original hotel building as it was constructed in the late 18th century.”

Artist's impression of the rear entry of the refurbished Grand Hotel

Little Group chairman Paul Little revealed the groups impending purchase of the pub in 2019, outlining a strategy to link the hotel with the Port Phillip Ferries business.

“That will give us a great opportunity to run ferries in and out of Portarlington coupled with the wonderful ability to offer up meals, accommodation and generally look at what is an amazing architectural building in its own right,” he said at the time.

Port Phillip Ferries chief executive Murray Rance said the group hoped to increase patronage of the hotel through the ferry service.

“Paul (Little) wants to return the hotel to its grand splendour,” he said.

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Originally published as Little Group reveals $10M plan to refurbish 132-year-old Grand Hotel in Portarlington