The site, which currently houses the Yallarah Estate land sales office, is envisaged to become a boutique hotel. Yallarah developer Wel.Co is heading the project.
Wel.Co founder and managing director Andrew Welsh is excited to begin the development now that the planning permit has been given the green light.
“At Wel.Co, we are committed to working extensively with councils and local communities to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of local areas such as Echuca,” he said.
“The development of our luxury boutique hotel will provide employment opportunities for local residents, helping to strengthen the economic foundation of Echuca.”
The hotel would include 26 rooms over five storeys, with additions and partial demolitions to the original heritage building at 4 Percy St.
The existing building is from the inter-war era, constructed for the former Methodist Church, located across the road at 197 Annesley St, Echuca, to use as a hall.
An application for the development of the site seeks approval from council to use the land for accommodation.
The proposed development would see the rear of the building demolished and replaced, while the front section will remain, forming part of the ground-floor lobby and reception area.
During the public previewing, nine objections were made over the application. Many of these objections came from residents or occupiers of neighbouring properties.
This includes Tony Johnston, a neighbouring resident, who is concerned about the proposed hotel not fitting with the contributory heritage status of the existing site.
Part of the old Echuca township precinct, 4 Percy St is among dozens of contributory places that form the heritage area.
Mr Johnston urged council to consider the aesthetic, cultural, historical and religious impact of the site in keeping with its surrounds.
Likewise, the occupants of 6 to 8 Percy St are concerned about overshadowing and thermal impacts.
Council has set conditions for Wel.Co and its architects to amend the plan. Once revised, council will endorse the plans so they can form part of the permit.
Conditions include deleting the fourth storey, with the existing fifth storey to form the fourth storey, changing setback distances, and treatment of heritage windows.
Approval of the planning permit does not mean building works can begin.
To view the DX Architects’ design, head to www.dxarchitects.com.au/portfolio/echuca-hotel/
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