THE historic Grand Hotel in Mornington is undergoing its first turret tower restoration in 40 years, with the project expected to be completed next month. The works, which began at the start of this year, will also see upgrades to the original windows and doors on the first floor, as well as to the slate roof and the front façade by blending its historic charm and contemporary comfort for visitors.
Located on Main St, the 125-year-old building is considered of historical significance by the National Trust of Australia. The original building (at the time called the Grand Coffee Palace) was only about ten metres long and encompassed the area below the tower but has since undergone several renovations and additions over the years including in the 1920s.
According to the building’s co-owner Louise Taylor (one of three daughters), the turret had been taken down by the time their father Bernie Taylor bought the hotel in 1976. This was after renovations had taken place in the 1940s including the removal of the tower because of structural concerns. “In about 1986, a bunch of volunteers, including local legend Jimmy Garlick, worked together to build a replica of the turret and had it repositioned on the tower which gave the hotel back its original feel,” Taylor said.
“After sitting atop the hotel for almost 40 years, it was time to redo the tower. We used heritage architects Lovell Chen, in conjunction with our architects, the Kato Group and the heritage section at council to recreate a turret in keeping with the original.”
Taylor added the public may have noticed the new turret being taller and slimmer compared with the one before, but she said this was more in line with the original turret and will “enhance the hotel’s charm as it will be an exact replica of the original”.
“As the turret is five to six storeys high, it was necessary to use extensive scaffolding to make workers safe,” she said. “While this has been unfortunate, it has allowed the whole facade to be fixed, rendered and painted so the front of the hotel will look amazing once it is done. All the slate on the roof will also have been renewed.”
The hotel is open as usual, with Taylor noting the Black Rhino Group were continuing their excellent service, ensuring it remained a place to socialise, enjoy pub meals, and catch live sports.
First published in the Mornington News – 24 June 2025
