Landmark hotel reaches new heights

The hotel is being built at 517 Wyndham St, opposite Shepparton Art Museum and Victoria Park Lake.

Local developer Terry Sofra said the milestone marked the progress of a project that had been 20 years in the making.

“Last time we stood here, it was just a vision on a bit of paper ... for me, it's a milestone, a landmark for Shepparton, and I’m very, very proud of it,” he said.

Mr Sofra said the development reflected his confidence in the growing region.

“We wouldn’t be spending this much money in Shepparton unless we’re confident,” he said.

“It’s about 150 extra people a night that we can take into Shepparton. That creates jobs, creates opportunities, cafes, restaurants.”

He said the hotel would be more than a place for visitors to stay.

“It’s not just a hotel. It’s a landmark that Shepparton will have for a very long time,” he said.

“You won’t get a better view than that in Shepparton.”

The project has already started to generate work for local businesses, with Shepparton trades involved across the build, including plumbers and electricians.

Valeo Construction Group construction manager George Kantzios said even the concrete was sourced in Shepparton.

“We obviously want to use local trades,” he said.

Mr Kantzios said the project was one of Melbourne-based Valeo Group’s few regional builds.

“Here, every time there’s a new building that goes up, you really notice it,” he said.

“It’s shaping Shepparton, giving it a new, fresh look ... a little bit more modern.”

The four-and-a-half-star hotel will offer studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, each with a balcony, kitchen, in-room laundry facilities, Smart TV and high-speed internet.

Facilities will also include a gym and parking.

The hotel is the first stage of a larger development, with a second phase planned to add offices and conference rooms next door.

Mr Kantzios said phase two was set to begin in 2027.