THE revitalisation of Werribee’s CBD has begun, with the opening of a new information centre and pub on Watton Street.
The Park Hotel on the corner of Watton and Station streets opened last Thursday after six months of renovations to the former Tudor Hotel building.
Werribee Development Centre also opened last week, giving residents and developers a place to discover the council’s plans for the rejuvenation of Watton Street.
Park Hotel co-owner Nick Christou said he and his business partners had been keen to work with the council to create a pub that fitted in with the vision for the street.
The ‘gastropub’ looks nothing like its predecessor, with the new owners changing the building’s facade and low ceilings to modernise it.
“The council helped us get things right,” Mr Christou said.
“Wyndham Council are developing the street so we feel like we are piloting that. I envisage this whole area will change in the next 5-10 years, so we wanted to develop something that wasn’t here before. This is completely different to anything else in Werribee. There is nowhere else you can go for a craft beer and some nibbles.”
Wyndham CEO Kerry Thompson said the council was revitalising Watton Street in the hope of attracting new businesses and developments.
As reported by the Weekly, council plans for the area include a riverbank promenade and piazza kiosk.
Ms Thompson said the development centre featured a display suite and plans for the city centre. “It will also provide our businesses with an easy to access place to drop in and discuss their plans and seek advice from Wyndham’s economic development unit.”
