Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal approves controversial plans for Hamilton Group’s Newtown restaurant

The state’s planning umpire has delivered its verdict on a restaurant proposed for one of Geelong’s leafiest suburbs following a long fight by local residents.

Someone opposed to a Newtown hospitality venue last year scrawled their thoughts into concrete at the front of the former Bareena Post Office Picture: Mark Wilson.

A trendy, intimate restaurant in a leafy Newtown street has been given the green light following a long fight by local residents to have it shut down before its doors ever opened.

Located on Retreat Rd in the former Bareena Post Office site, the restaurant – to be known as Retreat – is expected to open by November.

The Hamilton Group is behind the project, which faced significant opposition from local residents who labelled the plan “ridiculous”, citing traffic and parking concerns.

After more than 70 objections were received, significant amendments to the planning application were made, including a capacity reduction from 120 to 50.

The venue was also reclassified as a restaurant, rather than a wine bar.

Residents took the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after City Hall late last year flagged its intention to approve the revised application.

VCAT ultimately ruled in favour of the Hamilton Group.

“We are keen to invest in historical sites and continue to evolve with consumer trends, creating a dining option that encourages friends from all walks of life to stop by for coffee, drinks, lunch and dinner,” managing director Cam Hamilton said.

The restaurant’s design and interiors are currently being completed by Hamilton Clark and will feature a main dining space and private room experience.

The modern Australian cuisine will be complemented by an extensive wine list.

Retreat will open from 11am to 4pm Monday and Tuesday, and 11am to 10pm Wednesday through to Sunday.

A rear courtyard must close earlier.

A concept image of the Retreat restaurant in Newtown. Source: Supplied.

Meanwhile, Geelong council has made decisions on two controversial planning applications, rejecting a four-storey Lara development, while approving 10 Highton apartments.

The planning committee rejected plans for a four-storey “tower” with an office, shop and cafe at 26 Hicks St, near Lara Station, which were first lodged with the City of Greater Geelong in late 2022.

During the application process, the development has been on public notice three times, with 125 objections and just two letters of support.

The rejected application proposed a building 11.6m-high, internally illuminated signage and an underground carpark at the 882sq m site.

Planned development at Hicks St, Lara.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said the Lara proposal was rejected as inconsistent with the neighbourhood character and amenity of the area.

“The application also failed to meet carparking requirements,” he said.

In Highton, council approved a three-storey development at 34 Barrabool Rd.

The site is currently home to a single-storey residence on the northern side of the busy thoroughfare near Highton Village.

Geelong council's planning committee ruled a three-storey apartment development at 34 Barrabool Rd, Highton can go ahead.

The 994sq m site will be transformed into 10 apartments across three floors, with a 4m setback, a basement carpark and an outdoor area.

The development has been four years in the making and received 10 objections, eight formal and two informal, and only one submission of support during the public notice period.

The objections inspired amendments to the plans.

Mr Sullivan said with updates, the application contributed to housing diversity in an area earmarked for increased density, diversity and choice.

“It is conveniently located within walking and cycling distance to Highton Village and other nearby services and facilities,” he said.

Originally published as Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal approves controversial plans for Hamilton Group’s Newtown restaurant