Mornington Peninsula community rally to secure Continental Hotel’s future

The collapse of a proposed $80 million redevelopment of Sorrento’s historic Continental Hotel has prompted locals to rally in an effort to secure its future.

Hotelier Julian Gerner and developer Steller Group walked away from plans to refurbish the pub, with the project abandoned mid-construction and the site put up for sale months ago.

The four-storey limestone pub was built in 1875 and has the highest level of heritage protection due to its historical significance. But the National Trust has warned that if nothing is done, the landmark could be left to deteriorate.

More than 300 people met on Sunday, calling on members of the public to ensure that authorities save the four-storey building.

"Certainly the longer it stays closed, the longer the risk that it’s going to deteriorate, so we want to see things happen sooner rather than later,’’ said National Trust advocacy manager Felicity Watson.

“[The hotel is] a great investment and we hope that there are willing purchasers out there who can see the value in taking on this historic building.”

The Nepean Conservation Group is concerned about the long-term effects of leaving the stripped-back heritage building exposed to the elements, with president Ursula de Jong saying the future of the hotel rested on quickly finding a new owner.

“The worst case scenario would be having the building slide into it. That would be an absolute disaster,” Professor de Jong said.

‘‘The community has been asked to keep an eye on it, to write to the state government, to write to the local councillors, to make sure we ensure this building survives this winter, because work won’t start again until spring, at the very earliest, if everything goes to the best plans.”

The hotel has an expected sale price of $25 million, with the stipulation that any potential buyer must continue with the refurbishment and construction project.

Sheridan Randall - 2/7/19