THOMAS BUILDING VISION
A ROOFTOP restaurant and bar with bay views will be added to one of Geelong’s most significant heritage buildings under a vision to reinvent the 1929 National Mutual Life Building.
A raft of original heritage features, including reinstating the original entrance, are central to plans to completely renovate the building on the corner of Malop and Moorabool streets.
The development by the Hamilton Group in partnership with the Votsaris Group includes ground floor retail space, three levels of premium offices and the rooftop extension.
Cameron Hamilton, who is also behind the heritage-award winning Federal Mills precinct, said the National Mutual Life Building was an icon on Malop St and integral to the architectural heritage of Geelong.
“We like to celebrate the uniqueness of Geelong’s heritage and as a result the development includes keeping all original heritage features including reinstating the original entrance from Malop St, an original marble staircase with ornate steel and timber balustrade, tessellated tiling and original parquetry flooring.
“These heritage features are typical of Neo-Grecian architecture and as a result will be celebrated. The end result will pay homage to this style with high-quality finishes and retention of all remaining original features.”
He said the development would support the dynamic shift occurring in the CBD through the revitalisation of Geelong and the green spine and laneways projects.
“The former Thomas Jewellers building sits on one of Geelong’s most exciting corners and has the opportunity to activate both the laneways and the green spine,” Mr Hamilton said.
“Not to mention the incredible bay views that will be achieved from our new rooftop taphouse and restaurant.
“Whichever way you look at it, this project will build on the incredible story that this building has contributed to Geelong over the last 100 years and activate the site into a commercial and culinary hub.”
Nick Cogger, the owner of Tor- quay’s Frontbeach Taphouse and Restaurant, will operate the rooftop restaurant and taphouse, which will cover two floors.
“I hope that we can create a venue that the people of Geelong can be proud of,” Mr Cogger said.
“A rooftop venue in Geelong has always been something I have wanted to do and I have spent 10 years looking for the perfect location.”
The first floor of the rooftop extension will be restaurant focused with a small bar while the upper floor will have a large bar, live music and possibly its own microbrewery and distillery.
“Both levels will have sweeping views of Geelong’s bay, out to the west over Johnstone Park and to the east looking over the botanical gardens,’’ he said.
Plans for the rooftop development are expected to be submitted to the Geelong council in coming weeks.