Peninsula icon set for $7m makeover

Jessica Benton
PORTARLINGTON’S historic Ol’ Duke hotel is set for a $7 million makeover.
The owners of the heritage icon on Newcombe Street have requested a planning permit from City of Greater Geelong for extensions and alterations.
The plan includes an extension to the rear of the building for three levels of accommodation, a day spa, a bar, offices and basement and ground-floor car parking.
The plan would retain the Ol Duke’s front restaurant and bar area, while alterations to the front and side of the building would create new foyer and reception areas.
Owner Melanie Pitman said the plan promised a new standard of accommodation on the Bellarine Peninsula.
“The new development will compliment what we currently offer, which is eight accommodation rooms and a restaurant and bar,” she said.
“We’re hoping to provide a four-five-star hotel, which at the moment doesn’t really exist down here.
“There are lots of B and Bs but there are not many boutique hotels around at the level we’re hoping to achieve.”
Ms Pitman estimated the project could cost up to $7 million, although quotes were yet to be gathered while the project remained in its planning stage.
The development would also create hospitality and construction jobs, Ms Pitman said.
However, Portarlington’s Leah Billeam, who lives near the hotel, has urged other residents to consider objecting to the project.
Ms Billeam called the proposal an “overdevelopment”.
“The whole plan is not sympathetic at all to the area,” she said.
“It’s a beautiful, old building that’s going to be swamped. It’s not only the fact that the building is an old, iconic piece of Portarlington’s heritage but also the huge impact it’s going to have on neighbours.”
Ms Billeam said the redevelopment would lead to removal of trees and overshadowing of neighbours.
Residents still had time to lodge objections with City Hall, she said.
The Ol’ Duke was built in 1855 as Portarlington’s first hotel.
Council officers will prepare an assessment of the redevelopment application for a panel to make a final decision.