Changes to backpackers plan revealed

THE Surf Coast Shire is advertising plans that would change the use of the former Bells Beach Backpackers site into a medical centre.

Surf Coast Medical Centre and the Pharmacy will not renew its lease at its present home at 100 Surf Cost Highway and is planning to shift down the road to the former backpackers at 51-53 Geelong Road.

The former holiday accommodation site has since been demolished, with building works starting on a new building. Work has paused while applicants seek modifications to their approved permit.

The medical centre would occupy the 1,464sqm site with a two-storey building and car parks, with room to accommodate up to 15 practitioners.

Planning documents say the proposal would allow the local business to continue in a new purpose-built facility.

“The approved operation was solely devised for the operation of Lake Imaging and is not suitable to more traditional GP clinics, which require a higher volume of practitioners.

“The proposal will allow Surf Coast Medical & Pharmacy – an existing Torquay based business – to relocate their operations within a modern practice facility.

“It is understood [the business] cannot renew their lease at their current tenancy and require relocation.”

Bells Beach Backpackers announced last year it would close the business after more than eight years of operation.

Shortly before the closure, property owners had received a planning permit to use the site as a medical centre for Lake Imaging.

The present plans would double the number of practitioners on site from the previous permit.

The shire is advertising the plans for public comment until Thursday, June 29.