Buyer plans to reboot abandoned Salvos crisis accommodation hub in Belmont

An abandoned former Salvation Army crisis accommodation hub will soon be helping Geelong’s most vulnerable again after selling to a mental health service provider.

The unnamed organisation has secured the 3810sq m site at 2A Settlement Rd, Belmont, from the State Government in a $2.08m deal.

Whitford Troost, Newtown listing agent Frank Troost said the buyer was keen to start renovating existing buildings with a view to offering respite and other services.

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The Salvos previously offered emergency housing in 14 units at the property, which was once the Barwon Valley Manor Motel and Function Centre.

But the units and a substantial two-storey office building have sat vacant since the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020 when the doors were closed due to concerns about occupants sharing communal kitchen facilities.

Mr Troost said the existing infrastructure, though vandalised, appealed to a range of community and church groups, with seven parties submitting 11 different expressions of interest.

“We got a lot of inquiry as you would imagine and it was across a broad spectrum of community groups, charitable organisations, religious and even accommodation places to escape,” he said.

“Of course the challenge was what the cost of the renovation was going to be.

“We thought we would probably lean towards more a redevelopment site but part of site is subject to flooding and that seems to turn away developers so it came from these real community groups.

“The eventual purchaser was someone who provides mental health services through the NDIS so they will do essentially what was done previously. They’ll do respite accommodation there and they will also run several other services from that space once they renovate.”

He said the bones of the building were good, despite vandalism such as holes kicked in internal walls and wiring ripped out.

He estimated it would take a good 12 months to get the facilities back up to scratch.

The former function centre turned administration building is currently configured as 12 offices, both communal and commercial kitchens, two reception areas and a large reception hall/function area.

There’s also a double garage and double carport on the site, which is zone neighbourhood residential.

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