Sunbury’s Goona Warra Estate could undergo a significant transformation if a proposed $45 million development gets the green light.
Plans for a major investment at the winery on 780-790 Sunbury Road are being considered by Hume council.
The proposal includes construction of a 76-suite hotel, nine self-contained villas, two restaurants, 192 car parks, further function space and a spa.
Compared to the current facilities – a restaurant, function centre and manager’s residence – infrastructure on the property would significantly increase.
Tract Consultants, which prepared the plans on behalf of the estate’s owners, stated that the development would consider the natural landscape.
The planning application stated the winery was currently a “picturesque setting comprising vines and landscaping” which slopes down revealing “magnificent views” of the valley towards Jackson Creek.
“The form of the buildings will minimise height and step down the hill to avoid adversely impacting local views and character,” the application stated.
“Turf terraces and planted roofs will create the impression that the hotel building is emerging from the landscape rather than being an object trespassing on it.”
However resident John Callaghan has expressed concern that the proposed development would “impact on the actual vista of the area”.
“It’s impossible for a development of that size to not stand out like a sore thumb,” he said.
Mr Callaghan said it would be a “massive overdevelopment” in what locals now refer to as “the beautiful gateway to Sunbury”.
Mr Callaghan also raised concern about the historic homestead on the property.
A 2016 Heritage Impact Statement identified the Goona Warra homestead and winery as a place of individual significance.
While the plans propose to retain the bluestone buildings, Mr Callaghan said they will be “dwarfed” by the new construction.
The winery’s owners declined to comment to
Star Weekly, but their application highlighted the new facilities, increased tourism and local employment opportunities as benefits of the project stating: “The proposal will provide hotel accommodation and a high-end tourist and function facility, which is currently lacking in the surrounding area”.
Hume council planning and development director Kevin Walsh said the council would consider all objections received.
“Council is still in the process of assessing this application on its merits,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Callaghan said residents would continue to campaign against the development.
“We’ll do whatever we can,” he said.
Plans for the proposal are available for viewing on Hume council’s website.
