By Esther Lauaki
Wyndham’s iconic Bridge Hotel is set for a swish makeover.
The council-owned hotel, which has been vacant for almost two years, will undergo a major internal revamp before opening to the public early next year.
The council announced last week that the MoL Pub Group had been selected as the new operator of the 93-year-old Watton Street hotel.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said the new operators were selected as they best aligned with the council’s vision for the city centre.
“We want residents who are looking to socialise to stay in Wyndham, not leave our borders for Melbourne,” Cr Shaw said.
“That’s why we’re keen to see the Bridge Hotel revamped, creating a fresh, exciting and contemporary venue for our community to enjoy.
“We’re looking forward to the MoL Pub Group creating an experience at a venue that locals and visitors are proud to frequent, with a reputation as an authentic and quality destination.”
The MoL Pub Group also operates Marquis of Lorne in Fitzroy, Union House in Richmond, and Mount Erica Hotel in Prahan.
Cr Shaw said the vision for the site would pay tribute to the building’s heritage.
“The Bridge Hotel has been on Watton Street since 1926, and is an important piece of Werribee’s history,” she said.
“The plans for this site build on that history, reactivating it as a well-visited venue.
“There are already a range of fantastic businesses operating in Werribee, and the reactivation of the Bridge Hotel will bring more people into the area, complementing the existing venues in the Werribee City Centre.
“We know that a vibrant night economy is what helps with economic uplift as well as increased liveability, and this project will do just that.”
In 2016, Wyndham council splashed out more than $10.5 million to purchase the Bridge Hotel site and the former Werribee Toyota site, which has since been turned into a carpark.
MoL Pub Group director Matt Vero said the group was looking forward to the site being reactivated.
“We are very excited to be a part of the Wyndham community and look forward to bringing the Bridge Hotel back to its former glory,” Mr Vero said. “We are currently working on finalising our plans for the venue. What we hear is people are looking for an inner city offer that’s close to home, and we’re confident we can live up to these expectations.”
Refurbish works will start later this year with the venue set to reopen to the public in the first quarter of 2020.
