Resort ‘likely’

By Dion Teasdale
THE construction of a $30 million resort and spa complex in Warburton is likely to be given the go-ahead, according to the project’s planning consultant principal, Ron Mason.
Mr Mason, of Connell Wagner, said he was confident Planning Minister Rob Hulls would grant final approval for the former Sanitarium Weetbix factory on Warburton Highway to be transformed into the Edgewater Resort and Spa.
The resort will include 104 four-star accommodation units in new buildings surrounding the heritage-listed factory while the factory building will house a day spa, and a wine and food hub showcasing produce from the Yarra Valley.
The factory building will also house a restaurant, dining rooms, a major wedding and special occasions function centre, and conference and corporate facilities.
The development, which is scheduled to begin construction in August next year and could take up to 18 months to complete, is expected to provide more than 120 ongoing jobs.
“The resort will bring a lot of economic activity to Warburton. It will bring back some of the spending power the town had when the factory was operating,” Mr Mason said.
“It will also add to Warburton being a must-see destination and encourage people to use the town as a base for exploring the rest of the Yarra Valley.”
Mr Mason said the owner and developer of the site, Garry Crockett, was also confident the project would now proceed.
“It has taken seven years to get to this point. Mr Crockett has had to get a permit from Heritage Victoria, approval from the Environment Protection Authority and the site has had to be partially rezoned,” he said.
“We are now waiting for Mr Hulls to sign off on a planning amendment and we are feeling confident that this will happen soon.”
Mr Mason said Mr Crockett had insisted on a “hands-on” approach to the project and had engaged in close consultation with the Warburton community.
“In the end there were very few objections. The community has been fully briefed all along and we feel there is strong support for the project,” he said.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges’ economic development executive officer, Ian Stewart, said he was confident Mr Hulls would hand down a favourable decision by the end of the year.
“The shire is very supportive of the development and the developer, who has worked very well with the council and the community, and I think this will be evident in the result,” he said.
“The shire is looking forward to a development of this size and quality coming to fruition.
“It will stimulate and reinvigorate Warburton and bring many social and economic benefits to the area.”
Sue Mann, the secretary of Warburton township group Bridge 3799, said the community would welcome confirmation that the Edgewater Resort would be built.
“I expect most people in the community will be delighted to hear that this project is going ahead. It will be great to see the former Weetbix Factory given a new lease on life,” she said.
“The developer has been very careful about involving the community every step of the way, and that has helped the whole project.”
Mr Hulls’ spokesperson, Melissa Arch, said an official announcement about the resort development was expected in the new year.