Smedley deal sees Continental Hotel Sorrento pulled from sale
Melbourne property developer, Steller, has entered into a joint venture partnership with hotelier Julian Gerner, to renew the Continental Hotel in Sorrento.
The Victorian landmark has been withdrawn from its current sales marketing campaign which saw a leaseback as a prospect.
It will will undergo total restoration, renovation and refurbishment.
Steller's Nicholas Smedley said the building works will complement and enhance the existing heritage.
It seems Steller had a close eye on the historic hotel since Julian announced plans for restoration.
Julian Gerner acquired the hotel early in 2015, purchased a neighboring parcel of land and obtained heritage and planning approvals to redevelop the site earlier this year.
"I am very proud to be the new custodian of the Continental Hotel and to breathe life back into a Sorrento landmark,” Smedley said.
Construction commences in 2018 with plans for a soft launch in the summer of 2018/2019.
Located at 1-21 Ocean Beach Road, the Continental Hotel is believed to be the largest limestone structure in the Southern hemisphere.
It is National Trust-listed having been built in 1875 by the ‘Father of Sorrento’ comedian, actor, entrepreneur and politician, George Coppin.