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88 Ryrie St, Geelong, is for lease. The building is opposite the old Geelong post office, which is set to be partially redeveloped as a hotel and hospitality complex.

Plans for a hotel and hospitality complex at the old Geelong post office will give confidence to businesses operating on Ryrie and Gheringhap streets and improve links with the Geelong Arts Centre, commercial property agents say.

Geelong’s council squared away a deal to sell the landmark to Geelong CBD developer-landlord Bill Votsaris’s Batman Management Group.

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Geelong’s council has sold the city’s old post office to a property developer.

Mr Votsaris’ plans would offer a boutique hotel and a wellness centre, a restaurant, rooftop bar, cafe, and public artwork.

The development would reinstate the grand entry on Gheringhap Street.

The original 1890 fabric of the post office, and the 1910 clock tower, would be retained, while a 1960s addition to the north would be demolished, making way for a detached building on the same site.

A drawing of the proposed development of the old Geelong post office.

Geelong’s council sold the building through a two-stage process lead firstly by Colliers International, Geelong agents that attracted extensive interest, including “four of Melbourne’s most active historic developers of retail and hospitality venues”.

Colliers agent Ben Young said the development would be a great outcome for the CBD.

“I think it’s outstanding what his plans are for the site,” Mr Young said.

“It’s going to really link the Geelong Arts Centre precinct with the CBD into Little Malop Street and to the core of the CBD.

“It feel it’s on the back of the success of Little Malop Street starting to branch out a little further right through Ryrie Street and up to Gheringhap Street.”

A sandwich bar is set to replace The Rio coffee lounge on Ryrie Street. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

Gartland Property, Geelong agent Adam Farrell said the development would inject confidence for business owners who are shaping that section of the central business district.

Food businesses like Augustus Gelatery and Asian barbecue restaurant Sumi had opened, while the owners of Popcultcha were preparing to relocate to the Griffiths Bookstore building, he said

“I believe that little pocket is now starting to take shape.

88 Ryrie St, Geelong, is for lease.

“That’s only going to enhance that position and give those businesses in and around there more confidence,” he said.

Mr Young said a new tenant has signed a long-term lease for the former Rio Coffee Lounge site, opposite the old post office.

“He’s going to open that up as a sandwich bar and is currently going through a renovation and fit-out,” Mr Young said.

“It’s going to be good. Fresh ideas, modernise the place.”

88 Ryrie St, Geelong, is for lease.

Attention then turns the southeast corner of the intersection where real estate agency Hocking Stuart has closed.

Mr Farrell is handling the leasing campaign for the two-storey building at 88 Ryrie Street, asking $48,000 a year, plus GST and outgoings.

He said despite an initial retail inquiry, the building was best suited to a service industry, like a real estate agent, accountant or financial planner seeking maximum exposure.

“You can’t beat that corner for exposure,” he said.

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The post Geelong post office hotel plans to deliver boost for city businesses appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Jockey Glyn Schofield has listed in Tamarama. (AAP Image/Simon Bullard)

Veteran Sydney jockey Glyn Schofield has listed his investment apartment in Tamarama.

It goes to September 26 auction through Riki Tawhara at Sydney Sotheby’s Inter­national Realty with $2.5m hopes. Schofield paid $2.3m in 2017 for the three-bedroom, two bathroom apartment.

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Schofield has had a successful career spanning two decades. (AAP Image/Simon Bullard)

The most recent asking rent was $1450.

With a large balcony, just 200m from the beach, he initially sought a $1500 a week tenant, reflecting a 3.4 per cent yield.

His most recent asking rent was $1450.

Spanning 120sqm, the apartment with a Scandinavian influence, is set in the Pertama complex, which comprises two apartments per floor, designed by Marchese Architects.

It has 120sqm of space.

One of the three bedrooms.

Schofield, who had three rides at Rosehill yesterday, has secured over $55m in prizemoney for his owners over his illustrious two ­decade career.

The post Sydney jockey Glyn Schofield lists Tamarama investment apartment appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Jordan Lewis is enjoying the good life.

Jordan Lewis is a former Hawthorn and Melbourne AFL player, footy commentator, part-time coach at Melbourne, winemaker and Pentridge Cellars ambassador.

Where do you live?

In Glen Iris with my wife, Lucy, and three boys in a double-fronted Victorian house we bought in 2014. We love the area. It’s family friendly, with great parks close by.

What property do you own?

I have never owned investment properties. I have taken the approach to pay off my own home as quickly as possible, which has allowed me to invest in other opportunities, such as recently co-founding Mornington Peninsula wine label DML.

What do you love most about your home?

I love the homely feel my wife has created. At the same time, there is still enough space for the boys to run around and expend energy. We are also so lucky to have great neighbours and live on a street full of lovely people.

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One thing you’d change?

Lucy would love to modernise the kitchen and build a second storey once the kids are a bit older. It would be great for the boys to have their own getaway as brothers.

First foot on the property ladder?

I bought a single-fronted Victorian home in Hawthorn East around 2010. My wife and I had missed out on a few properties beforehand, but this one was perfect for us – we were rewarded for being patient.

Are you a keen or reluctant property buyer?

I love property but I hate the process of buying, including turning up to houses for an open for inspection with 20 other couples. I enjoy going to home inspections now, purely to see if we could incorporate anything in our home. They can be great for inspiration.

How many homes have you ever bought and ever sold?

I’ve bought two houses, and probably wouldn’t look to buy any more, and sold one, in order to buy our current home.

Highlights of your property journey?

The auction of our first home. The buzz on the day was memorable and there was no better feeling once it had sold.

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Jordan Lewis at Pentridge Cellars.

Best property advice you’ve heard?

Instead of spending money to renovate a property on a small block, think about investing the money to buy a house on a bigger block and then renovate that when you can.

Tips for homebuyers?

Be patient and set a budget. I was always disappointed when we went to an auction and missed out on a property. But, looking back now, we definitely ended up with the better property. Everything happens for a reason.

Future property plans?

We were originally going to renovate and put in a wine cellar, but I have recently bought a cellar at Pentridge Cellars, so I won’t need to do that anytime soon.

The post Jordan Lewis Home Truths: ‘There was no better feeling’ appeared first on realestate.com.au.

323 Belmore Road, Balwyn North has hit the market.

Designed around a horizon-edge pool so almost every room has water views, this Balwyn North dream home is making a splash on the market.

The property was built four years ago by custom home builder Latitude 37 as their Horizon display home, meaning it has never been lived in and features a raft of luxury features.

The four-bedroom entertainer at 323 Belmore Roadis on the market with a $3.5-$3.7m price guide.

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The grand four-bedroom pad has a $3.5-$3.7m price guide.

There might have to be a ‘no bombs into the pool’ rule during dinner.

The design is certainly striking.

Latitude 37 chief executive Nick Warren said buyers would have glimpses of the pool from each room.

The main bedroom has a door that opens directly out to the pool, perfect for a dip to wake you up each morning.

Even the dining room has bi-fold doors, which open to allow you to sit poolside.

“(It’s) not so good if little Jimmy does a bomb while Nan is trying to enjoy her lunch,” Mr Warren said.

“But it creates that enormous space that really gives that feel of openness and creates that real entertainment space.

“The pool reflects more light into the home, making it a super bright space.”

Windows for your feet.

Straight out of bed and into the pool.

Four ovens will make entertaining a breeze.

The main living area has an open-plan design.

Multiple fireplaces, a large cellar, double-height ceilings and an opulent main bedroom suite with a private living room are highlights.

“This is a display home that has really stood the test of time,” Mr Warren said.

“This really demonstrated the custom nature of what we do. It’s on a block with a significant amount of fall and we designed a bespoke home that really ties in with the block.

“You can’t replace this home on any other block.”

The property is on the market through Fletchers Balwyn North agent Daiman Kane.

Business casual.

There are fireplaces throughout the home to keep it cosy in winter.

And of course there’s a luxe spot to store wine.

Balwyn North’s median house price sits at $1.873m, according to realestate.com.au.

The suburb record was set last year with the $7.3m sale of 8 Agnes Avenue.

The record holder, known as a multi-millionaire’s playground, features two infinity pools, a massage station, nightclub-grade bar, games arcade and 25-seat cinema.

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The post Balwyn North house designed around infinity-edge pool for sale appeared first on realestate.com.au.