Max Beck’s blueprint for Sorrento includes new name, merch and high heel permits

Wearing heels higher than 5cm in Sorrento’s main drag will require a permit if billionaire Max Beck has his way.

Max Beck wants to introduce a permit for heels higher than 5cm in Sorrento's main drag. Picture: supplied

Wearing heels higher than 5cm in Sorrento’s main drag will require a permit if billionaire Max Beck has his way.

The construction king wants his “favourite place on the planet” to follow in the footsteps of Carmel-by-the-sea, a unique coastal village in California, US, that once had Clint Eastwood as mayor.

Carmel introduced a permit for high heels in 1963 to protect its cobblestone streets.

The rule is not policed but visitors still flock to city hall to get their certificate which reads: “Permit for the wearing of shoes with heels in excess of certain limitations.”

Asked what he had against high heels, Mr Beck said: “It’s Sorrento-by-the-sea. Get real! You don’t need high heels by the sea.”

Max Beck travelled to Carmel-by-the-sea to meet with mayor Dale Byrne to discuss a sister city relationship with Sorrento. Picture: Supplied

He revealed his ambitious plans for Sorrento to the Herald Sun on Thursday during a no-holds-barred interview about Victoria’s big build and his enduring friendship with former premier Daniel Andrews.

The tradition is not the only ‘Carmelism’ he wants to import.

He was also impressed by Carmel’s merch and would love Sorrento to be marketed as Sorrento-by-the-sea and promoted with branded caps, T-shirts and jumpers. A one-stop-shop for Sorrento-by-the-sea in Ocean Beach Rd would sell the merch, provide tourists with heel certificates and allow regulars to sign up to local clubs.

Max Beck wants to see merch for Sorrento, similar to what is available for Carmel in California, US. Picture: Supplied.

He revealed his ambitious plans for Sorrento to the Herald Sun during a no-holds-barred interview about Victoria’s big build and his enduring friendship with former premier Daniel Andrews.

Mr Beck has just returned from a trip to Carmel-by-the-sea, where he met with current mayor Dale Byrne, to discuss ways Sorrento could step up.

“Carmel has a strong identity, and the people there take real pride in their town,” Mr Beck said.

“I’d like to see the same for Sorrento.”

Max Beck wants to market Sorrento as Sorrento-by-the sea as part of a sister city relationship with Carmel-by-the-sea in California, US. He's had signs designed that he would like to see around the town. Picture: supplied

He plans to meet with Mornington Peninsula Shire council to discuss a potential sister-city relationship with Carmel-by-the-sea.

The agreement could also help promote the wider Mornington Peninsula.

“Carmel is a hub for the Monetery Peninsula with its golf courses and wineries,” Mr Beck said.

“The same sort of thing could happen here.”

Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh said he was aware Mr Beck had visited Carmel and meet with mayor Dale Byrne.

“I’m looking forward to hearing more about it,” he said.

Carmel’s quaint village is known for its European-style cottages housing art galleries, specialty boutiques, and restaurants. Picture: Supplied

Mr Beck, 83, is no stranger to “getting things done”.

In just two hours he raised $1m for the redevelopment of Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club, another one of his “legacy projects”.

The $7m project has been approved after receiving another $3.5m from the state government and $1m from the local council.

Demolition of the ageing clubrooms is expected to take place this month.

Mr Beck said he wasn’t looking for “a pat on the back” from his legacy projects.

“It’s not about me. I don’t want a statue or anything. I just want Sorrento to be the best it can be.”

Originally published as Max Beck’s blueprint for Sorrento includes new name, merch and high heel permits