Kingston Council is disappointed that developers of the former Mentone Hotel are seeking to remove the hospitality space that was secured as part of the original approval for the site.
The developer is proposing to replace the public restaurant/bar with two additional apartments, as they say they have been unable to secure a viable hospitality operator.
Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley said this moves away from the work Council and the community put in to preserve public access to the much-loved local landmark.
"The community fought hard for the Mentone Hotel – not just to protect its heritage, but to ensure it remained a place that people could continue to enjoy. Council negotiated in good faith to secure this hospitality space as part of the development," Cr Oxley said.
"Ideally we would like to see the public continue to be able to access this iconic building into the future."
Como Ward Councillor Chris Hill said he has been a long-time supporter of saving the Mentone Hotel, known to locals as 'The Edgy'.
"Before I was elected to Council, I was proud to stand with the 'Save the Edgy' community group that worked tirelessly to keep the hotel accessible for everyone and protect our community's connection to this historic site, not just the bricks and mortar," Cr Hill said.
"More than 90 community members lodged an objection to the proposal, and we encourage them to speak up at the VCAT hearing to make sure the community's voice is heard," Cr Oxley said.
Currently VCAT has listed a Compulsory Conference (mediation) on 8 September, followed by a hearing on 3 - 4 December.
