By Rebecca Harris
Three months after being destroyed by fire, iconic hotel The Isle of Wight in Phillip Island, Victoria has reopened temporarily in the hotel premises next door.
Built in the 1920s, the hotel had been a major attraction for Phillip Island, which is home to annual world-class events such as the MotoGP, V8 Supercars and the Superbike World Championship.
Its destruction on May 22 earlier this year represented a major blow to the community and saw more than 100 fire fighters, some from as far north as Melbourne, unsuccessfully fight the blaze.
Owner David Gearing said that the decision to reopen the pub in the Continental Hotel next door had been well received and that, with motor-racing season fast approaching, he was ready to cater for the upcoming crowds.
“It was a tragic event that happened, but we’re excited about the future and we want to let the people know that we are back and open for business,” he said.
The new hotel features full TAB facilities, pool tables, fourteen large flat screen TVs, as well as an adjoining Bar and Grill restaurant.
Plans are underway for a new five star hotel on the former site.