LONG FORM TEXT
Honouring a legacy while ushering in a new era of hospitality.
Kelly’s Motor Club Hotel, an iconic landmark listed in the Heritage Buildings of Victoria register, has served as a cornerstone of the Cranbourne community for over a century. Currently under the stewardship of its fourth generation owner, the hotel embodies a rich history that intertwines with the fabric of local tradition.
This project is Stage 1 of a comprehensive Masterplan developed by BSPN Architecture. With a focus on revitalising key areas of the hotel, namely the Kitchen, Bistro and Front Bar, this stage has set the scene for a broader transformation to follow.
Aesthetic upgrades play a pivotal role in bridging the hotel’s storied past with contemporary sensibilities.
Incorporating a blend of materials, including laminate, stone and tile, pays homage to tradition while infusing modern flair. From geometric patterns adorning the front bar, to timber look wall paneling and tiled columns in the bistro, each element serves as a nod to the hotel’s enduring legacy.
Other notable design features include custom high tables and back of bar shelving, a double sided banquette that creates zones within the bistro space, and an eye catching ceiling feature that provides visual interest. Thoughtful furniture selection provides patrons with a range of options suiting a variety of occassions, from casual group get togethers to more intimate dining experiences.
Central to the renovation was the redesign of the kitchen. Chef Damien is known in the community for his culinary excellence, and as such the kitchen has been reimagined to operate in plain view of patrons, akin to a captivating cooking show.
Previously concealed, strategic spatial modifications have delivered a new opening connecting the front bar and the bistro, elevating visibility of the heart of the hotel, while dramatically improving accessibility.
BSPN are proud to have partnered with the Kelly’s team to deliver this first stage of the Masterplan and look forward to sharing future transformations as this substantial project progresses.
