An iconic pub in the heart of Bendigo is slated for a multi-million dollar upgrade which could see it offer an additional 20 five-star rooms as well as a pool and gym.  

Hotel Shamrock owner Jim Hogan said he had invested heavily in food and beverage since buying the business nine years ago, opening a restaurant, sports bar, TAB gaming room and cocktail bar on the first floor, as well as expanding the bistro and opening a basement night club. 

“Now I’m turning my attention to expanding accommodation,” Mr Hogan said. 

“Bendigo is travelling along nicely commercially and with all the events going on, there’s a demand for accommodation.

I see it as a good investment – and it is an investment back into the Bendigo economy.” 

The redevelopment comes after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeal Tribunal ruled in favour of the Hotel Shamrock's bid for extra poker machines in February last year.

Prior to the ruling, Mr Hogan said his plans would not go ahead unless he received the tax breaks and additional revenue from the 20 extra pokies – which took the hotel’s tally to 65 machines. 

The hotel already has 28 four-star rooms and Mr Hogan said he planned on converting at least 15 empty rooms into five star suites over several stages for the next three years.  

Two internal rooms have already been refurbished and will soon be hired out, he said. 

A proposal is currently before the City of Greater Bendigo planning department to refurbish another three rooms on the ground floor on Williamson Street. The development application also proposes a basement pool below the apartments which would be 6.5 metres by 2.4 metres. 

The Williamson Street wing has been unoccupied for 50 years and Mr Hogan said he hoped to have the three rooms refurbished within six months. 

“There’s nothing structural it’s just a fit out of an existing space which used to be rented out as shops, we’ll be turning it back into the accommodation it originally was,” he said.

“It’ll be very spacious, with large dining rooms – ideal for business people visiting town, ideal to meet with clients...” 

But the William Street wing redevelopment is an early stage in the redevelopment plan, which also includes a gym next to the basement pool and a total of at least 15 five-star rooms. 

“After Williamson Street we’ll move onto the Pall Mall wing, there will be nine rooms there, then we’ll go onto the fifth floor and do between eight to ten, depending on how big we end up doing them.”