New owners’ $2.5m fix for Mid City motel

The Buckley’s Group has taken over the Country Comfort Mid City Motel on Raglan Parade and is promising to spend millions in a quest to transform it into a premier accommodation and function centre. 

Buckley’s chief executive Michael Tonks said the company would pump $2.5 million into overhauling all 61 suites and the restaurant. 

“We’re spending just over $2 million to take it back to the icon that it was in the 1970s,” Mr Tonks said. 

“We’re taking possession of the property on July 1.” 

The reception, pool, building exterior and surrounds have all been earmarked for refurbishment. New bars and a top-class restaurant will also take shape, with the developers hoping to score a four-and-a-half-star rating. 

“We want to target the locals with our excellent restaurant menu and corporate travellers with our high-speed internet,” he said.  Weddings and high-end functions are also in their sights, with about $70,000 going towards audio-visual equipment. 

“We’re expecting to employ around 25 full-time staff.” 

He said the company would launch a promotional blitz and erect new signage on the building, including a massive sculpted steel whale above the entrance. 

Buckley’s Group is owned by 38 football clubs in and around the Geelong district. 

Mr Tonks said the company was looking to tap into Warrnambool’s tourism market because of uncertainties facing the gaming industry.

Asked if Buckley’s planned to install pokies at the property, Mr Tonk said “no, 100 per cent no”. 

“We wanted to diversify and get into another income stream,” he said. 

He would not disclose the price paid for the property. 

Current owner Peter Seabrook said he was pleased with the outcome of the sale.

“We’re very happy with the sale, we think it’s a good outcome for the property and a good outcome for Warrnambool,” he said.