The Allan Labor Government is supporting northern Victoria's vibrant food, wine and hospitality sectors, with the refurbishment of Rutherglen's iconic Victoria Hotel set to draw more visitors from across Victoria and interstate to regional Victoria.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced the refurbishment of The Victoria Hotel is now complete - backing more local jobs, businesses and the region's economy for years to come.
The historic 156-year-old hotel has undergone a major renovation, with the project creating a new all-seasons dining area for up to 190 guests, an expansive open-air beer garden, along with meeting and events facilities.
It also features new boutique accommodation with six newly designed king suites to open in the coming weeks and an extra eight hotel rooms will be open later in the year, thanks to support from the Labor Government.
The venue is expected to welcome more than 45,000 visitors a year - more than double its patrons before the restoration.
The region's world-class food and wine will be brought to life by the hotel's new menu which will see Brendan Anderson from St Kilda's Stokehouse champion local producers and suppliers.
More than 10 jobs were created for local trades during the renovation including regional firm Porter Architects, to work on the design, with construction by Hotel Renovations and Maintenance from Melbourne, with 15 new ongoing jobs backing local employment, businesses and the economy.
The project closely aligns with the food and drink pillar of the Government's Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan. It aims to provide more opportunities for visitors to explore and enjoy Victoria's first-class produce and locally made drinks.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"This charming refurbishment of the beloved Victoria Hotel in Rutherglen is encouraging more visitors to come to this beautiful part of Victoria, stay longer and spend more - it's a win-win for tourists and local jobs."
Quote attributable Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
"We're backing local businesses, creating new jobs and improving livability for local communities across Regional Victoria - this amazing transformation will be welcomed by locals and a magnet for food and wine tourism."
