As Melbourne’s CBD begins to reinvent itself following the world’s longest lockdown, Victoria Hotel on Little Collins Street is at the forefront by imagining creative ways to bring back visitors and locals to the city.

While the city was put in a stand-still, the historic hotel, more affectionately known as “The Vic” took the opportunity to undergo refurbishment during the pandemic and has taken it a step further by reimagining its surroundings.

Driven by a collaborative vision of Victoria Hotel, from owner Jerry Schwartz to General Manager Simon Coyne, and the City of Melbourne shopfront activation program. Victoria Hotel recently joined forces with Creative Pod as a way to bring vacant shops back to life, facilitated by Ginnane & Associates and Plan1.

Located on the electric part of Little Collins Street, Creative Pod is a collaborative initiative of creative and curious minds led by broadcaster and PR advisor Suzanne Jones and gallery owner Anna Prifti. Home to podcast studio Podnow and a pop-up gallery space for West End Gallery, where local artists will be exhibiting new collections every fortnight from now until the end of June 2022.

Suzanne Jones, founder of PodcastNow, said that the Creative Pod will allow Podnow, a pop up podcast studio, to offer end-to-end podcast services for those wanting to record their own podcasts, or podcast training for guests and would-be interviewers.

“I’m looking forward to speaking with CBD businesses about what they have gone through over the past two difficult years. These interviews will form part of a podcast series ‘Love Melbourne CBD’ that will celebrate Melbourne CBD returning to business,” said Suzanne.

Joining Podnow in the space is the West End Gallery. Gallery owner and well-respected Australian curator Anna Prifiti said that the gallery will celebrate the works of  Australian artists providing a space where curious and creative minds unite.

“Creativity and culture are at the heart of our existence and our stable of artists at West End Gallery is ready to invigorate Little Collins Street,” said Anna.

The Victoria Hotel’s GM Simon Coyne said it’s been a challenging time for businesses everywhere and he’s looking forward to a new chapter at The Vic with the launch of the newly renovated Vic’s Bar, and the re-opening of Mister Munro, the chic dining experience loved by many, and the latest addition coming from the opening of Creative Pod.

“These initiatives are vital to once again active our city and we’re proud to be the first hotel in Australia to boast a dedicated podcast and art gallery under the one roof, that we’ll share with guests and the public,” said Simon.

Little Collins Street, known as Collins Street’s cool little sister, is celebrating the emergence of a number of pop-up spaces thanks to the City of Melbourne’s activation program to bring life back to the city.

“We’re planning monthly events in the dedicated Covid friendly laneway, which provides a perfect set-up for boutique functions,” Simon added.

The Victoria Hotel itself has a colourful history and has been a favourite for regional and interstate travellers for decades. The hotel had a makeover in recent times offering contemporary comforts and style to its heritage character and charm, with a major upgrade of all rooms and public areas.