Hotel Vera at 710 Sturt Street will open in April or May 2022, all things going well, says its developers David Cook-Doulton and Martin Shew.

The pair, who previously restored Lascelles Terrace in Errard Street, have been planning the hotel for around five years, and despite the restraints of the COVID pandemic are finding things running to plan, they say.

The building, constructed in the late 1880s for Dr Stanislaus and Flora Zichy Woinarski, retains its interiors, which Mr Cook-Doulton says is sadly rare for many buildings in the CBD now.

"They're usually gutted, because heritage doesn't extend to the interiors," he says.

"That was the fate facing this building, until we bought it."

The name Hotel Vera is a little less difficult than the one bestowed on the house by the Zichy Woinarskis - Woinarufka. Mr Cook-Doulton says the new hotel is named for his maternal grandmother, whose legacy of kindness inspires him.

"When I think of love, I see my grandmother's face, smiling, reaching for an embrace. I want this hotel to embody this unassuming, yet extraordinary woman."

Mr Cook-Doulton says he and Mr Shew would like the hotel to be considered inclusive, rather than exclusive.

"Working with just seven suites gave us the opportunity and the challenge to readdress what makes a good stay," he says.

"Most five-star hotels focus on providing an impressive foyers and uniform rooms. For us we want to tailor the experience to each individual guest and with seven suites we can provide a customised experience unique to each guest.

"True luxury is about understanding and responding to somebody's needs. Give them a sense of belonging, not just visiting. I want our hotel to celebrate the region and its talents. If someone would like us to point to places to visit or experiences, we can do that. Alternatively if they'd like to be quiet, this will be a place to do that as well."

Mr Cook-Doulton says he regards Ballarat as one of Australia's most beautiful cities, and it should be acutely aware of the value of the integrity of its remaining heritage, and fighting for it.

"We have been planning this project for around five years. Ballarat was chosen because of its grandeur. Where else in Australia can you find tree-lined avenues with so many grand imposing Victorian buildings?

"The goldrush in Ballarat created a world-class city. I think the time is right for Ballarat's second revival; I think COVID has made people see the magic in their backyard. Ballarat is made of magic.

"While COVID certainly delayed the building of the hotel, it gave us the opportunity to do a deeper dive on the little details which will hopefully set us apart. We have spent a lot of time working with local talent - understanding, learning and listening."

Mr Cook-Doulton insists the new use for Hotel Vera will give people in Ballarat an idea of how an historic building can be restored for contemporary purpose.

"In Ballarat I think one of the greatest opportunities is for us to connect all of the amazing locations into one journey," he says.

"Ballarat needs to focus and invest in its "dress circle": the journey from Ballarat Station, down Lydiard Street to Sturt and then to the Lake. All of the shopfronts and streetscapes are our dress circle and should be given priority in terms of urban design, heritage restoration and activation.

"I find Lydiard Street one of the most beautiful, historical streets in the country yet I'm amazed it doesn't have a single blade of grass, no trees or soft surfaces. So many beautiful heritage buildings hiding behind 1960s cladding. I want to see what hides behind facades like Thomas Jewellers and Frangos."

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