Community support for improved precinct plans

NEW designs for Lorne’s Point Grey precinct have won over some of the project’s harshest critics, with the local community near unanimous in its praise for updated plans.

The project’s community co-design group (CDDG) released its updated vision for the future the former Fishermen’s Co-Op last week, which committed to incorporating original materials from the existing building into future construction and maintained a similar design and scale.

New plans were in place of a controversial Beacon building that sparked widespread fury following a previous planning process for the $10 million redevelopment.

Lorne man Ian Lovell was among the fiercest critics of original designs, and was a founding member of Friends of Point Grey – a group formed in direct opposition to initial plans.

Mr Lovell said the new Co-Op concept was far better aligned with the community’s vision for the area.

“The new design is absolutely fabulous, we love it,” he said. “Friends of Point of Grey are certain that, of the overwhelming majority of Lorne residents, non-resident ratepayers and visitors to Lorne and everyone along the Great Ocean Road, a very significant majority love it.”

Mr Lovell had also been a sceptic of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority’s (GORCAPA) revamped approach to consultation, but said he was overjoyed with the result of CDDG meetings.

“I was doubtful that the process would be successful. I’m happy to be corrected,” he said.

“GORCAPA said they wanted to consult and listen; they did, and we got the right building.

“We wanted it to respect the social, historical and cultural heritage of that building, because it played an extremely important role in the history of Lorne.”

Community stalwart Ian Stewart, who co-chaired the CDDG alongside GORCAPA chief Jodie Sizer, said he’s received “overwhelmingly positive” feedback on new designs.

“There’s always the odd person that bring up this or that, but that’s outside of our project scope, which is just the Co-Op building.

“We’ve still got a fair bit of work to do and those concerns will be addressed in the coming months.”

The CDDG process was to inform plans for the Fishermen’s Co-Op rebuild, with other elements of the Point Grey plans to be finalised separately.

Social media commenters raised concerns such as maintaining water access and acknowledgement of Indigenous heritage at the site, while a dispute regarding the precinct’s boat wash remained unresolved.

It’s yet to be confirmed whether the CDDG will have input into future design decisions.

GORCAPA is hosting community webinars about new Co-Op designs this Sunday and March 5, and an online survey for community feedback is open until March 11.