Revealed: $25m ‘seven star’ hotel vision for Portarlington, by developer Bill Votsaris

A Geelong developer says plans for a $25 million ‘seven star’ hotel and convention centre will support the Bellarine Peninsula’s tourism economy. See what’s proposed.

A Geelong developer has revealed plans for a $25 million hotel and convention centre at Portarlington.

Batman Management Group’s Bill Votsaris said the project would capitalise on its position above Portarlington Recreation Reserve with views over Port Phillip and Corio bays to Geelong, the You Yangs and Melbourne’s city skyline.

The proposed five-storey building at 30-34 Geelong Rd has a rooftop terrace and restaurant plus two basement levels for car parks that will be exposed to the rear where more commercial space overlooking parkland.

RELATED: Sale and auction results for Geelong, week ending Sunday, October 10

Riverside tranquillity sells $340k above hopes at Newtown auction

Geelong suburbs where homes earn more than you

Melbourne architects McIldowie Partners have drawn the plans for project, dubbed Drooping Sheoak on The Bellarine.

It includes a “seven-star” hotel with 72 accommodation rooms and about 3000sq m of commercial space that will host several restaurants and a convention space.

The site would create a new pedestrian entrance to the Portarlington Recreation Reserve and Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve, he said.

Mr Votsaris said wants to explain the project to the community before submitting plans to City of Greater Geelong for approval next moth.

He said construction could start as early as June 2022 if the project doesn’t hit any planning hurdles.

“We are a long way advanced in the economic development of the project, but we are at the beginning of the planning process,” Mr Votsaris said.

Several parties had already expressed interest in the project, which will need operators for the hotel, convention centre and restaurants, he said.

“The amazing service that Paul Little has the ferry will see people come from Melbourne specifically for a day trip because there will be so much to offer in Portarlington,” he said.

“It will be complementary to the town. This is about tourism and full-time employment, not about building houses.”

Mr Votsaris said the Geelong Rd position away from the town centre was best suited to the development’s and the land use provisions under the commercial zoning.

“It’s on the water side of the main road and is has amazing views and it has a bit of scale.

“This is the best site to attract the convention-style facility that provides that sort of service, and other forms of hospitality around weddings and the really high-end restaurants that you come in from the parkland.

“You’re close enough to hear the water, in summer you can sit on the balcony, sip your coffee and watch the cricket.”

The property at 30-34 Geelong Rd, Portarlington overlooks the recreation reserve to the north. Image credit: McIldowie Partners

Mr Votsaris said the convention centre would not target large scale events.

“We’re talking a wedding on a weekend or a business convention for 200 people or 300 people,” he said.

Mr Votsaris said the developers have had planning meetings with council officials and also scheduled meetings to present the project to Bellarine Peninsula councillors, mayor Stephanie Asher, deputy mayor Trent Sullivan and Jim Mason.

Community seminars are scheduled via Zoom on November 5 and in person at the Portarlington Football Netball Club on November 6.

LINK: droopingsheoak.com.au

Originally published as Revealed: $25m ‘seven star’ hotel vision for Portarlington, by developer Bill Votsaris