THE Mercure Hotel and Convention Centre has new owners but an old name.
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Austpac Hotels and Resorts has bought the Main Road complex, which has reverted to the Ballarat Lodge name.
Austpac managing director Erik Stuebe said it had been renamed in keeping with its good standing and historic links in Ballarat.
“We wanted to be respectful of the fact it (Ballarat Lodge) has been in the community for a long time,” Mr Stuebe said. “We were looking for an opportunity in regional Victoria. We already have the Sebel in the Yarra Valley and we thought this would be a nice addition to the chain. It’s a high-quality establishment.”
Mr Stuebe also said all services would operate as usual with the same team of employees.
“We’re focused on a busy season of conferencing and social events over the coming months, and patrons will continue to enjoy the same dining and hospitality facilities.”
Ballarat mayor John Burt carried out his first ever ribbon cutting ceremony to rename the complex yesterday.