Ritz gets fresh jazz treatment
SUNNY OUTLOOK
BUILDERS and heritage artists have been hard at work restoring the former Ritz hotel facade to its 1880s glory.
The work by developer Integrated Development Solutions is part of Geelong’s first 4.5 star apartment hotel, rapidly taking shape on Bellerine Street, near the waterfront.
The project is due to open early next year.
Integrated Development Solutions director Phil Petch said construction was running on time.
“Right now, we’re working on the heritage wall of the old hotel, putting back the original fittings and balustrades,” Mr Petch said.
With builders now working from the top of the building, he said the panoramic views were
“even better” than he thought.
“You can see right across Corio Bay, the You Yangs and Eastern Beach. It’s the best side of Geelong,” he said.
“The view from the top is incredible.”
Debate over the site’s use and future has carried on for first decades. Former Liberal MP Andrew Katos even called for the building to be torn down.
Former City of Greater Geelong mayor Peter McMullin threatened to buy the site in 2006 if its then-owner failed to agree to a building plan. After copping $17,000 in council fines, a new buyer emerged.
“It’s really been the ugly duckling of Geelong for a long time,” Mr Petch said.
“But we’re looking forward to changing that.”
There was also an effort to employ local contractors and Australian-made furnishings throughout the building process, he said.
With nine apartments still on offer, Mr Petch estimated between 6-7 per cent net rental returns.
“We have some special developer incentives on offer,” he said.
“We’d encourage anyone who is interested to check out our website.”