EASTERN PARK BOUTIQUE HOTEL PLAN
A DEVELOPER has revealed plans for Geelong’s first retreat-style boutique hotel at Eastern Park.
Melbourne property developer BEKL, which paid more than $6 million for the Geelong Conference Centre in March, said the hotel and conferencing facility would cater to city escapes, corporate retreats or events, exhibitions, birthdays and weddings.
The owner is in talks with a hotel operators and hopes to appoint a partner ahead of reopening in January 2021. The hotel will build on the existing complex, designed by architects McGlashan Everist in 1981 as an educational bush retreat and upgraded in 2008 for the Salvation Army.
The 4500sq m site includes seven conference rooms, 46 accommodation suites (with four two-bedroom suites), restaurant, guest lounge and bar, multi-purpose mezzanine floor, full commercial kitchen, sprawling gardens, in-ground swimming pool and spa.
BEKL plans a two-stage approach, firstly a cosmetic update to the interior focused on bringing out the original charm of the building’s architecture. The second stage includes plans to add additional rooms to the hotel, next to East Geelong Golf Club.
BEKL managing director Katherine Liu said the development would bring an international artistic feel but also draw local inspiration from its botanical surrounds and “bush retreat” heritage.
“We are huge advocates for the practice of ‘biophilic design’, connecting people and nature within our built environments as a means of reducing stress levels, increasing mood and the overall feeling of wellbeing,” Ms Liu said.
“This will be a big focus as we move to create a wellness destination to be enjoyed.
“We want to provide guests with a slower, more connected experience that allows them to disconnect from the day-today and reconnect with nature, and each other.”
A farm-to-table approach will include sourcing food and beverage produce from the Bellarine region.
Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine executive director Brett Ince said the hotel was an exciting prospect for the region ahead of an expected bump in post-COVID demand for accommodation.
“It is somewhat of a competitive advantage for Geelong having a retreat hotel in a park within proximity to the CBD,” Mr Ince said.
“To be able to expand the offering to consider wellness tourism will be an absolute drawcard.”
The hotel adds to The Ritz serviced apartments under construction on Geelong’s waterfront, and the 4.5-star Holiday Inn and Suites, with building expected to start later this year.