OLD POST OFFICE SOLD
Plans for $20m boutique hotel, rooftop bar and wellness centre as Bill Votsaris snaps up historic CBD site.
GEELONG developer kingpin Bill Votsaris has snapped up the city’s former post office, which is set to be transformed into an accommodation and hospitality complex.
City councillors on Tuesday approved the sale of the 130year-old former Geelong post office to Mr Votsaris’ Batman Management Group, following a successful design proposal from the developer.
The $20m development proposal — currently labelled the Precinct Art Hotel — aims to include boutique suites, a rooftop bar, a wellness centre, restaurant, cafe, public artwork and a rotating light sculpture.
The designs include the reinstatement of the historic grand entry space on Gheringhap Street and retention of the original 1890 fabric of the post office and 1910 clock tower, while a 1960s addition to the building’s north will be scrapped to make way for a second building.
The sale, for a non-disclosed amount, comes after the council moved to either sell or lease the building in August 2019, holding a “competitive process” before approving Batman Management’s pitch.
“Council was seeking a proposal that celebrated the building’s rich history, complemented the wider arts and cultural precinct and encouraged diverse community use,” Mayor Stephanie Asher said.
“The proposed development meets those aims.” Mr Votsaris said the post office project would link with the ongoing revitalisation of the Little Malop Street precinct, where he owns properties.
“We continue to be inspired by the overwhelming support and the way the community has embraced our efforts in the transformation of Little Malop Street,” Mr Votsaris said.
“Our vision is to activate this stately building with 21st century amenities, with uses for public patronage seamlessly connecting to the arts.” Colliers International selling agent Ben Young said Mr Votsaris beat out extensive interest, including from “four of Melbourne’s most active historic developers of retail and hospitality venues”.
While selling agents were not informed of the sale price, Mr Young said it would have been close to the previously published expectation of $5m.
Project manager Paul Votsaris said the business was thrilled to be given the green light to transform the building “into a sophisticated hotel, restaurant and tourism complex”.
“The proposal will deliver a $20m contemporary development to connect with Geelong’s thriving arts and food precinct in Little Malop Street,” he said.
The development aimed to allow the original building to reclaim its former grand presence to the street, lead architect Tarryn Joyce said.