THE community can now have their say on the new Isle of Wight site at 9-10 The Esplanade, Cowes, with the planning application now live on the shire’s website.

The new proposal is due to be presented to council in mid-2023, with a proposed timeline to commence construction late 2023, and a grand opening of late 2025 (all subject to planning approval).

The project is a joint venture between Salta Properties, Tabet Development Group and Moda.

The plans are inclusive of a 163-room hotel, suitable for 250 workers in the peak season and 150 full time all year round.

Construction would include a multi-building development with a maximum overall height of seven-storeys.

This includes a residential hotel, residential building, retail premises and a recreation facility.

The ground floor plan features an alfresco beer garden on the corner of Bass Avenue and the Boulevard, while the ‘hotel’ accommodates three pub/restaurant and dining areas.

Plans include 197 car parking spaces across the development as well as 36 public bicycle parking spaces and three electric car charging stations.

Two vehicular access points are proposed: 

— An internal laneway will be constructed to be accessed from Bass Avenue and will operate one-way westbound.  It will only cater for drop off and check in activity associated with the hotel.  Vehicles dropping guests off are provided with a connection to the public car park at the rear and through to Bass Avenue.  Guests checking in can proceed through to the car park after check-in.

— A car park connection is also provided directly to Bass Avenue

The proposed development is located on land that was previously occupied by the Isle of Wight Hotel, which burnt down in 2010 and has been vacant since that time.

To have your say, visit https://engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/230034