THE excavators are in, and the first soil has finally been turned on what is being touted as a $130 million investment in accommodation and entertainment that will transform Cowes into the state’s number one regional tourist attraction.
Following the blanket national publicity given to the town and ‘Block Island’ during the hit Channel 9 TV reality renovation show last year, Cowes was already on its way.
The world-famous penguin parade regularly sellouts its evening shows, cruise ships are a common sight in the bay, and agree with it or not, the front beach at Cowes has just been named among Australia’s top 10 beaches by Tourism Australia’s beach ambassador Brad Farmer AM.
So, now’s the time apparently, after a 15-year hiatus since it spectacularly burnt down in May 2010, to return the Isle of Wight to its former glory, and then some.
Purchased in 2021 by “one of Melbourne’s most innovative developers”, the South Melbourne-based Moda group is yet to submit a revised set of plans to the Bass Coast Shire Council after council issued issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit at its September 2023 council meeting, subject to almost 250 conditions including the requirement for 197 car parking spaces for staff and guests, protection of the historic Hoop Pine and Morton Bay Fig trees at the front of the property and a wide range of construction and operation requirements.
The sale of liquor, for example, is to be limited to Monday to Saturday 7am and 1am the following morning and on Sundays 10am and 1am the following morning with a maximum number of 2801 patrons (during Moto GP, summer, and long weekends) and 300 staff at any one time.
However while council is continuing to work with the developers on the conditions, the developers have been allowed to undertake some site works ahead of a start to construction which still awaits the final tick off by the council.
Moda published the latest images of the hotel development on its website recently.
“We’re proud to share a first look of the proposed ‘new’ Isle of Wight on Phillip Island. Located at 9-10 The Esplanade, we’re aiming to entirely rejuvenate the site and return it to the community as a new, much-loved focal point to be enjoyed by Phillip Island locals, holidaymakers and future generations alike.
“Inspired by the most vibrant Australian seaside resorts and iconic international beach venues, we envision the next chapter to be a diverse, mixed-use precinct which sets a new standard for hospitality and accommodation in Victoria.”
The proposal calls for a 160-room hotel, ground floor food and beverage facilities including; bistro, public bar and beer garden, a signature restaurant, a large-scale event space, retail laneway, a state-of-the-art wellness centre and a rooftop pool deck that will take in the spectacular north-facing views over the foreshore and Western Port.
The development seeks to provide an estimated $55M-$76M boost to the local economy annually and provide 150 new employment opportunities.
It is tipped to be opened in 2027.