Rose set to bloom

Karen Hart
THE OWNER of Torquay’s Rose Restaurant has revealed plans for 96 holiday units, a convention centre and a day spa on the site.
Southern Rose sole director Pier Loren told the Independent he had submitted an application to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for the $10 million development.
Mr Loren said Surf Coast Shire had approved his initial application in 2003 for 48 motel units and a convention centre but he had expanded his plans after talks with the restaurant operators, who had a 20-year lease.
“We want to build a total of 96 units because 48 would not be viable,” he told the Independent.
“We need to have enough accommodation to cater for visitors to the convention centre and day spa.
“At the moment I’m waiting on a hearing date from VCAT and hopefully that will be in the next month or so.”
Mr Loren said the day spa would include a heated pool, a gymnasium and a beauty centre.
“We’re also looking at extending the restaurant,” he said.
“This development, costing in excess of $10 million, would cater to all visitor needs and open up the area for further tourism.”
The Melbourne businessman was also in discussions with Mill Markets operator Ian Ballis about plans to set-up a second-hand goods market and a surf culture museum on the 18-hectare site.
Mr Loren said he would consider either leasing land or selling the site after the hearing regardless of the tribunal decision.
“I told him (Mr Ballis) he could go ahead and get the permit only after the result of my VCAT result,” he said.
“I’m open to discussion on the sale of the property.”
Mr Loren expected work on the first 16 units to begin in around four weeks.