It would be the largest single residential building project in Warrnambool’s history with a total of 51 mixed-use apartments over seven levels, plus two retail space levels.

At 28.6 metres high from the lowest ground point, it would also be the tallest residential building in the city.

At the top will be three penthouses with 360-degree views, while on the bottom will be two levels of basement parking for 65 vehicles plus bicycle space.

The proposal has been advertised by the council for two weeks of public scrutiny before going back to the council for further review and decision at an open meeting.

It would entail demolition of the 73-year-old former guesthouse and legal office near Liebig Street which had been the subject of a lengthy battle between the council and former owner.

Early in 2009 an independent planning panel recommended the building be retained because of its local cultural heritage significance, but council rejected the advice and voted to approve a demolition permit in 2010.

Now it is set for a new chapter as a bold contemporary landmark gateway to the CBD.

If approved, construction is anticipated to provide 80 to 100 project jobs, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy.

The project application lodged by Tract Consultants on behalf of Baybern Developments Pty Ltd features building designs by Clarke Hopkins Clarke. 

Baybern has been described by Tract as “western Victorian developers” which The Standard understands includes a Warrnambool entity.

Principal contractor is Fairbrother, which built Mercy Place nursing home, the Lighthouse Theatre, WDEA offices and the new Mazda showrooms.

“We’ve been working on this concept for about 18 months and are glad to see the plans announced for public exhibition,” Fairbrother south-west manager Billy Edis told The Standard.

“The designers have tried to give it a country feel taking advantage of the foreshore views and proximity to the city centre.”

Quest, which owns an adjacent accommodation complex, will operate 24 of the new apartments as serviced units ranging from studio to two-bedrooms, while the remaining 27 will be sold for private dwellings.

Tract Consultants town planner Kirsten Kilpatrick said the project would contribute to a more active and vibrant city centre.

“This is an exciting development proposal that seeks to set a precedent for high-quality buildings that contribute to the streetfront,” Ms Kilpatrick said.

“It would mean more people living and staying in the city centre.”

Apartment sales and leasing will be handled by Wilson Real Estate of Warrnambool.

Agency principal Mark Wilson said Quest’s plan to expand reflected increasing demand for quality accommodation for tourists and extended-stay business travellers.

Plans also entail construction of a new footpath on the Merri Street frontage and upgrade of the Gilles Street intersection, street parking and pedestrian access.

A Norfolk Island pine on the corner of Gilles and Merri streets will be removed and a pedestrian link created to the existing Quest complex.

The planning application seeks a waiver of requirements for on-site loading and unloading bays as well as a waiver for parking associated with the 467 square metres of retail space and reduction in spaces required under planning guidelines for residences.

A paragraph in the application argues the case for parking waivers given the central location: “a lack of parking should not inhibit accessibility. Further the provision of bicycle parking promotes a more sustainable form of travel and further reduces demand”.

Approval will also entail an overhang of part of the retail balcony over the council-owned nature strip and other parts of the building design which extend slightly beyond the site boundary.