Development plans for a new $85 million waterfront hotel at the former Isle of Wight site in Phillip Island have been approved by Bass Coast Shire Council, paving the way for a new era for the landmark location.
Council voted at its meeting on September 20 to issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit, subject to several conditions, for Moda Phillip Island Pty Ltd to build at 9-11 The Esplanade and adjoining land at 2-8 Bass Avenue, Cowes.
The development includes a new seven-storey mixed-use hotel with 163 rooms, a pool deck overlooking the ocean, rooftop basketball and tennis courts, and a three-storey 49 room tourist/worker hostel with shared bathroom, kitchen, dining and lounge facilities.
Four food and beverage outlets, including a pub, bistro, hotel dining and flagship restaurant have been included in the plans, as well as a yoga studio, gym and wellness centre, and two function rooms.
Provision has been made for 197 basement car parking bays under the hotel.
The iconic 140-year-old Isle of Wight hotel, which famously played host to Fred Astair, Ava Gardner and Gregory Peck during their filming of the movie On the Beach in 1958, was destroyed by fire in 2010. Since then, it has largely sat vacant.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said the exciting Moda development would return the premium site as a landmark Phillip Island destination, create local employment, support the economy and provide much-needed accommodation for visitors and workers.
"The proposed $85 million development, which will be built on the former site of the iconic Isle of Wight Hotel, will help address the significant shortfall of high-quality accommodation for visitors and workers on Phillip Island," Cr Whelan said.
"Tourism is one of the main economic drivers of Bass Coast, but we currently lack enough accommodation to keep visitors in the region for more than a day.
"This development will feature a pool terrace, four restaurants and 163 hotel rooms, with additional hostel rooms for workers and backpackers. Not only will it greatly benefit existing Phillip Island attractions, it will serve as a catalyst for further economic opportunity and growth.
"There's no better place to be in summer than on The Esplanade in Cowes, and this hotel will enhance our already vibrant island and promote visitation across all of Bass Coast."
In its consideration of the development, Council noted the significant reduction in required car parking, but deemed the new hotel would provide an "overall net community benefit".
Council received 39 objections and seven submissions of support about the development plans as part of the community consultation.
