Surf Coast Social drops plan for cinema

The five-screen cinema was part of Melbourne investor group IP Generation’s plan to reinvigorate the complex, having purchased it from Boardriders in 2018 for a reported $15 million.

However, IP Generation owner Chris Lock said these plans had now been revised due to the Surf Coast Shire council disapproving of the proposed cinema.

“Despite no specific objection on the cinema and receiving immense support from the community post-deep consultation, the Surf Coast Shire council were not supportive of the cinema at Surf Coast Social.

“For us this was very disappointing and frustrating as considerable workshopping with the council had been completed in the months prior to lodging the application with the council and the property already features a fully equipped cinema.

“We are working to revive the project and to retain Boardriders in Torquay, hence the amended planning application made to Council.”

The Surf Coast Times asked the shire why the cinema was removed from the plan and whether the council had suggested it.

In response, shire general manager of environment and development Ransce Salan said “the applicant has removed the cinema from the proposal.”

“The revised application is now being processed and a decision will be made using officer delegation at the appropriate time.”

The plans for Surf Coast Social also include a coworking hub, hospitality venues and upgraded office spaces for about 80 Boardriders staff, with the company having committed to occupying space within the development under a 10-year lease.

In November, Mr Lock said he was ready to start work on the building and simply needed the Surf Coast Shire council’s approval.

“We’re ready to go on this project now. Should we get our approvals in place in the coming month we’ll be announcing our tenant commitments and investing in excess of $10 million immediately, making this a reality before the end of 2020.”

IP Generation had also planned that, if approved, the cinema would run a summer “pop up” series out of the existing auditorium.