Shepparton Hotel scheme achieves planning approval

Strong tourism and job growth in regional Victoria are attracting investment and stimulating new opportunities for R ARCHITECTURE. One of several regional projects the practice is currently working on, our scheme for a new $14.5 million hotel in Shepparton has recently achieved planning approval.

The 5 star, 12,300sqm hotel development comprises 60 hotel suites, 60 serviced apartments, a restaurant and cafe, a swimming pool and multiple indoor and outdoor function spaces. R Architecture has worked closely with the developer’s preferred hotel operator to develop a design response that meets their brand guidelines and local market requirements. Competing only with existing motels, the project has the potential to be Shepparton’s first hotel.

Featuring a striking ribbed copper facade and located on the Goulburn Valley Highway, the landmark project will elevate the northern gateway to the town centre and, indeed, Melbourne.

The exposed site called for a considered design that would minimise the visual bulk of the building. The long, sculptural facade is punctuated by the entrance canopy, a porte cochère, terraces, balconies, and trellised greenery.

The public-facing aspects of the program have been carefully considered to activate the public realm by positioning the development’s public-facing areas along the front facade. At the ground floor, a light-filled double-height void houses the cafe, restaurant and lobby encouraging foot traffic. A large function centre opens out to the pool terrace on the floor above. A further two storeys accommodate a wellness centre and additional function spaces. The hotel suites, serviced apartments administration areas and car parking are located to the rear of these public-facing spaces.