Works begin to bring Conti back to life Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au THE on-again, off-again saga that is the redevelopment of Sorrento’s Continental Hotel is, well, on again. The latest consortium behind a proposed $100 million rebuild has unveiled its vision and restarted construction at the iconic site which it says should open in time for summer 2021-22. The emergence of the new backers follows disappointment over the drawn-out and ultimately failed dream of Sorrento local Julian Gerner, who bowed out amid fears the heritage-listed limestone structure could “sink into its foundations” (“Hotel ‘clean’ and up for sale, again” The News 16/3/20). Consortium partners Victor Smorgon Group, Kanat Group and Trenerry Property have engaged Urban as project managers and Hamilton Marino as the builder, with Woods Bagot as principal architects and interior designers. Coincidentally, Woods Bagot CEO Nik Karalis is said to divide his time between New York City and his other home at St Andrews. The latest plan shows a “regional resort venue” with wellness and lifestyle centre, five-star hotel, various food and beverage areas, and spaces for events. The wellness areas will include a hydro spa, gym and day spa with pools, saunas and medi-spa treatment areas. The 100-room hotel extending to Riley Lane and the three event spaces
AN artist’s impression of what the new look Continental Hotel, Sorrento will look like once completed.
will include a ballroom, public bar and bistro, restaurant, glass-ceiling conservatory and cocktail bars. A new, larger crane will replace the existing crane to start phase 1 of construction beginning with reconstruction of the southern and western
walls of the ballroom and a reinforced basement. Remediation works will be done in consultation with Heritage Victoria. Works are expected to ramp up once stage four coronavirus construction restrictions are lifted, the builder says,
adding that they have been “working closely with Mornington Peninsula Shire on the necessary certificates required for the preservation works completed to date”. Heritage Victoria has overseen waterproofing, sealing and structural
reinforcements and regular inspections have “assessed and mitigated degradation” of the 145-year-old building. Trenerry’s Robert Dicintio said the development was a “long-term proposition”. “We are committed not only to its successful redevelopment but its long-term success and viability as a significant economic driver for the peninsula,” he said. “Our vision is to see the hotel revitalised and returned to its former glory – as a place where the community can come together and celebrate the best local produce, service, hospitality and experiences. “The Continental has been around for almost 150 years, and it will still be standing long after we have gone. We are simply the current restorers and protectors of this grand building and we want to do it justice and bring it back to life for the enjoyment of all our current and future stakeholders.” The redevelopment is expected to generate 150 jobs on-site, and 70 offsite. When completed it is expected to provide 100 full time equivalent, ongoing jobs across hospitality, hotel management, service and administration.
Restricted gamblers ‘save’ $34m Woman chains up to protest lockdown MORE than $34 million has stayed in the pockets of Mornington Peninsula pokies players prevented from getting their gambling fix during COVID-19 restrictions. Poker machine players across Victoria have saved themselves $1 billion. “COVID-19 is presenting us with a unique opportunity to rethink the dire situation Australia has gotten itself into with the prevalence of gambling,” Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate the Reverend Tim Costello said. “Australians lost $25 billion gambling last year – the highest rate of losses per head in the entire world.” The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said gambling-related harm could affect health and community services, education institutions, workplaces and local businesses. “It can take a toll on our personal lives, too, damaging families and straining friendships, especially during these unprecedented times,” Cr Hearn said.
“It’s important we support those who may be struggling and are more vulnerable to gambling harm. “Even though people can’t access poker machines during the lockdown, gambling is still accessible online, and we need to support others who may have stopped and are struggling with this change in behaviour.” The Rev Costello said: “Gambling harm impacts more people than most of us realise. The stigma associated with it often prevents people from speaking up or seeking help, and we must overcome this. “As an addictive product, gambling can be sought out by people to self-soothe during times of stress. Gambling is also known to increase during economic crises. This is a major concern right now.” If you or someone you know is experiencing issues with gambling, call Gambler’s Help 1800 858 858 or gamblershelp.com.au Stephen Taylor
MORNINGTON police were surprised were caught off guard last week by a protester who used a thin bike lock to chain herself to a pillar outside their Main Street headquarters. The Mornington woman, who arrived about 10am, Thursday 3 September, said she was protesting in support of a Ballarat woman charged with incitement after allegedly taking to social media to organise an anti-lockdown rally. The mother-to-be was handcuffed in her home, which saw police accused of being “heavy handed”. Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson described it as a “disproportionate” response. Undeterred, an exasperated Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said police were sick of dealing with “so-called sovereign citizens” and the “tin-foil hat” brigade who are “against masks, against vaccinations and believe 5G causes coronavirus”. He slammed “bat shit crazies” who thumb their nose at the state’s COVID-19 rules and
peddle conspiracy theories. This came after a 76-year-old Windsor man was arrested and also charged with incitement ahead of last weekend’s planned anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne’s. Meanwhile, back in Main Street, the 72-yearold protester – who came prepared for a long stint with some nuts and a sandwich – politely alerted senior officers before chaining herself up for the five hours. As well as supporting the Ballarat mother, she too was calling for an end to the lockdowns and for businesses to be allowed to reopen midSeptember. Senior Sergeant Paul Edwards said while he was sympathetic to the woman’s protest, she was in breach of lockdown restrictions. “We let her go to the toilet and she was no trouble but, in the end, it was against the rules.” She is expected to be issued with a penalty notice for breaching COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Stephen Taylor
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Southern Peninsula News 9 September 2020
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