$70M PLAN FOR LUXURY SPA ON OUR COAST:
$70 million, 180-room hotel plan for coastal town
A $70 MILLION spa hotel proposed for Apollo Bay’s hinterland would be just the first stage in a huge tourism venture.
Oceans United Investment Group has lodged plans to develop a 180-room hotel, which would be supported by 82 villas, a wellness centre and also a 25-metre indoor swimming pool.
The development would be sited on Barham River Rd, 3.6km southwest of the town- ship, on land owned by former mayor Frank Buchanan and his wife Beryl.
Mr Buchanan is no longer on the Colac Otway Shire council after failing to secure re-election last year.
The project has been modelled on the traditional European spa hotel, with two restaurants, a bar, retail outlets and an observatory included.
The council has released the plans for public comment before it makes a decision on the application.
The proponent has floated a further expansion in future years.
A second stage of development proposed to create an extra 140 villas, extend the hotel and build a conference centre, yoga retreat and staff accommodation.
Oceans United Investment Group expects the first stage to support about 250 jobs during construction and about 175 jobs once the complex is operational.
Regional Development Victoria acting chief executive Unni Menon said the government agency was excited by the plans.
“A major quality accommodation investment on the Great Ocean Road will help increase the length of stay and better position this important tourism asset as a destination for national and international visitors,” he said.