A $2 MILLION plan to convert the Port Fairy drill hall and parts of the Victoria Hotel into apartments has been submitted to the Moyne Shire Council for approval.
If successful, eight studio apartments will take shape inside the hall and the first floor of the hotel.
While the hotel will be downsized, the bar will still remain open.
“The hotel will remain as it is,” owner Graeme Rodger said.
“While the drill hall is a great venue, Port Fairy doesn’t have the size to support large functions.”
He said increasing demand for accommodation had paved the way for the decision to convert the under-utilised drill hall. “We get so many inquiries for accommodation — we’ve been turning people away,” he said.
Mr Rodger said an extension at the rear of the hotel would also be removed to create a laneway. “I call it the Collins Street solution,” he said.
Multiple heritage officers have been engaged to oversee the changes to the drill hall, which was built in 1874.
Newer sections of the building such as the glass annexe will be removed under the redevelopment.
Mr Rodger said the planned changes would move slowly to ensure works were done correctly.
“We hope to get all the approvals for the plan by Easter next year.”
