Hotels (Commonwealth Union) _ Nearly five years following the devastating fire that razed the Plaza Hotel to the ground, a developer has stepped forward with ambitious plans to revitalize the site. Ocean Gate Developments has recently submitted a proposal to erect a 12-storey building on the corner of Pandora Avenue and Government Street, aiming to breathe new life into the vacant lot left by the Plaza’s demise.
The proposal, now under consideration by Victoria’s Community Association Land Use Committee, outlines a comprehensive vision for the site’s redevelopment. The proposed structure will comprise two storeys of commercial space at its base, topped by a striking 10-storey hotel. Anticipating a significant influx of guests, the development forecasts welcoming approximately 70,000 visitors annually.
Architectural renderings accompanying the proposal reveal a contemporary interpretation of Edwardian and classical revival design elements, with a keen emphasis on seamlessly integrating the building into the historic fabric of Old Town Victoria. Notably, the plans include the creation of a vibrant public plaza adjacent to the hotel, featuring interactive elements such as a misting feature, inviting rest areas, and a verdant tree canopy.
The proposal underscores the urgent need for additional hotel accommodations in Victoria, citing data from Tourism Victoria indicating substantial visitor spending of $1.4 billion annually. Moreover, recent events and regulatory changes, including the provincial government’s impending ban on short-term rentals, have exacerbated the shortage of tourism lodging in the city.
Originally conceived as a 150-room hotel during public consultations in 2019, the project has since evolved to address the evolving needs of the community. Ocean Gate Developments now contends that a 12-storey structure is imperative to ensure the financial viability of the hotel, estimating that approximately 200 rooms would be necessary to meet demand in Victoria’s burgeoning tourism sector.
