A Warrnambool building which housed a law practice for a century could be transformed into a bar.
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Warrnambool City Council has received a planning application for the bar proposal in the former Desmond, Dunne and Dwyer building in Kepler Street.
The proposal, at 95 Kepler Street, would have two levels and a rear outdoor courtyard.
"The rear facade of the building will be altered at basement level to provide new access points to the rear of the building," the application states.
The proposal is seeking approval for up to 462 patrons to be allowed in the venue at one time with a 1am closing time.
"The hours of operation of the premises are typical of a bar or hotel within Warrnambool," it states.
"The proposed 1am closing time will have no substantially greater impact on the amenity of the area than if a closing time of 11pm was proposed, due to the sit down wine bar nature of the venue, the solid construction methods of the building, and the availability of internal spaces across the building.
"The proposed licensee is an experienced hotel/bar operator, having operated Rafferty's Tavern for a number of years, preceded by a long career in the hospitality industry and has the ability to mentor and train staff to ensure that patron behaviour does not have a negative impact on the amenity of the area."
It is proposed to construct a new rear outdoor pavilion on site, generally in the area previously occupied by the carport.
"The outdoor pavilion will include an open fire and wood fired pizza oven for use in association with the bar, as well as the installation of a pre-fitted out, timber clad shipping container to be used as an external bar area."
The site was originally bought by John Ford Strachan in 1847 for 11 guineas.
In 1856 two houses were built on the property, followed by two shops in 1877.
The former Desmond, Dunne and Dwyer building sold to a local investor in November 2019 after it was put up for sale in September that year.
The sale marked an end of an era because the building had housed a law firm for the past 100 years.
Meanwhile the council has also received a planning application from the Dart and Marlin in Timor Street, which is seeking to extend its opening hours to 1am Monday to Saturday.
