Minister okays Weetbix resort

By Dion Teasdale
WARBURTON’S former Sanitarium Weetbix factory will be transformed into a $30 million resort and spa complex in the next two years.
Planning Minister Rob Hulls gave the Edgewater Resort and Spa development formal approval to proceed just days before Christmas.
Developer and owner of the site, Garry Crockett, who has spent the past seven years negotiating permits and consulting with the local community, said he felt relieved and delighted by the news.
“It is pleasing to finally be at the point where we can take the vision we’ve had for many years and make it a reality,” he said.
“However, the real challenges still lie ahead. We’ve got a lot of work to do to get the resort built and fully operational.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in August and could take up to 24 months to complete. The development is expected to provide up to 200 ongoing jobs.
Mr Crockett said the resort would include more than 100 accommodation units, a day spa, and a wine and food hub showcasing the best produce from the Yarra Valley.
The former Weetbix factory building will also house a restaurant, dining rooms, a major wedding and special occasions function centre, and conference and corporate facilities.
“The resort will help Warburton reclaim its tourism heritage in a new, exciting way and I believe the timing is right for this exact development,” he said.
Mr Crockett said he was grateful to members of the Warburton community who had supported him and his vision.
“There have been key people in the community who have been very passionate and have understood where we are heading and they have been a great asset.
“We are at a point now where the vision for the project has been taken up by a lot of people who see it is the right development for the town and that is a good thing.
“We’ve built a level of trust and understanding with the community and that relationship will continue as we move into the future.”