The Andrews Labor Government has given the green light for a major makeover of one of Geelong’s most iconic buildings.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today announced the planning approval for a redevelopment of the historic Ritz Hotel.
The $30.8 million development will transform the Ritz Hotel from a state of disrepair into a luxury short stay option for visitors to the thriving city – complete with 110 apartments.
The project will create up to 95 jobs during construction and a further 25 jobs once complete.
Supported by the City of Greater Geelong and the Geelong Authority, the project has been rigorously assessed against heritage requirements and the Labor Government’s Better Apartments Design Standards, which ensure all new apartments are built with light, storage, ventilation and enough room for people to live comfortably.
Once known as the Belle Vue, the Ritz Hotel was built in 1853, serving as a boarding house, a guest house and a hotel well into the 20th century. Since the 1990s, the building has sat disused and fallen into disrepair.
The Labor Government is getting things done in Geelong to ensure the regional centre reaches its potential as a hive of productivity and jobs and a leading destination for tourism.
The Government is encouraging more housing and infrastructure, and the planning process has been streamlined so that all major projects go directly to the Minister.
The Ritz Hotel project is the latest major project for Geelong approved by the Labor Government. Others include the $50 million Deakin University Accommodation Project and the Miramar Apartment Complex.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“This project ticks all the boxes. It’s going to create jobs for Geelong locals, boost housing supply, encourage tourism and add to the city’s stunning waterfront.”
“This approval has been carefully considered to ensure we respect and retain the history of one of Geelong’s oldest sites, and give it a safe and secure future too.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“We want Geelong to retain its status as a thriving regional centre where businesses want to invest and people from right around the world want to visit.”
“We’re getting things done in Geelong. We’ve got cranes in the sky and shovels in the ground, and that means local jobs and a stronger economy.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020