Plans have been unveiled to transform a former service station site in the heart of Drysdale into a new tourism and convenience hub, featuring a motel, a drive-through coffee outlet, and dedicated takeaway food premises.
Details of the Proposed High Street Development
The proposal, submitted to the City of Greater Geelong, targets the old service station lot at 2-12 High Street, Drysdale. The application, lodged by planning firm Beveridge Williams on behalf of the landowner, seeks to construct a two-storey motel with 16 rooms. Alongside the accommodation, the plan includes a drive-through coffee shop and a separate hot food takeaway outlet.
This development aims to repurpose a key site that has been vacant since the servo ceased operations. The design indicates the motel would offer ground-level parking beneath the building, with the drive-through and takeaway facilities positioned to front High Street, a major arterial road on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Addressing Local Demand and Planning Considerations
The planning report submitted with the application argues the project will cater to a clear need in the area. It highlights the growing demand for short-stay accommodation from tourists exploring the Bellarine's wineries, beaches, and the nearby ferry to Melbourne. The drive-through coffee and food offerings are pitched as convenient options for both locals and the steady stream of passing traffic.
The proposal is currently with council planners for assessment. It will need to address standard planning considerations, including traffic management, parking provision, and the overall design's fit with the streetscape. Neighbouring properties and the wider community will have the opportunity to provide feedback during the formal consultation period as part of the council's process.
Potential Impact on Drysdale and the Bellarine
If approved, the development could provide a significant boost to local services and the tourism economy. A new motel adds to the accommodation stock for visitors, potentially encouraging longer stays in the region. The addition of a drive-through coffee shop, a format that has proliferated across Australia, would meet modern consumer habits for quick service.
The project represents continued private investment in Drysdale's town centre, following other recent developments. The successful activation of this prominent, long-vacant site would likely be viewed positively by many residents and business owners seeking enhanced amenity and economic activity. The City of Greater Geelong's decision on the planning application is awaited in the coming months.
