CORA sporting precinct faces further delays

COMPLETION of the “visionary” $500 million Modewarre sports training precinct has been delayed another two years, with developers blaming “significant disruptions” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cape Otway Road Australia (CORA) project, which promises to “redefine elite sports training and wellbeing” in the region, received approval from the Victorian government in October 2020 and was slated to begin construction in 2021.

Its opening date was set for 2024.

However, the first delays to the project were made public in January 2022 and a revised opening date was eventually set for 2027, with developers Cape Otway Elite Sports Retreat (COESR) also citing the impacts of the pandemic at the time.

Although predominantly privately funded, the state and federal governments have contributed a combined $3.6 million to the project.

This includes a $490,000 grant from the Victorian government in November last year to help develop a business case for the site’s wetland restoration and architectural designs for the precinct’s masterplan.

CORA co-founder Daryl Pelchen said his team was continuing to progress development of the precinct, with detailed design work for the 110-hectare area earmarked for wetland conservation, currently under way.

“Designed to be a world-class destination and the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the scale of the project is large, complex and involves multiple stakeholders,” he said.

“Our plan was to see CORA open its doors by 2027, however, the extensive delays associated with the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions, impacting timelines for planning, funding and procurement.

“We are now working towards an amended launch date in 2029. This will allow CORA to fulfil its bold vision and to deliver the lasting benefits to the region, the state and the nation as intended.”

But construction at the site must begin before September 30 to meet the conditions of its planning permit, a deadline Mr Pelchen insisted developers were still “on track” to meet.

Delays to the development will also push back the launch of the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy – announced in January last year and originally to start welcoming students in 2027 – which will see legendary French tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou replicate his flagship Nice tennis academy within the Modewarre complex.

A spokesperson for the Victorian government said it was continuing to work with the local community and COESR on the development.

“Once complete, this new facility will help drive visitation to the Surf Coast region and create jobs for the region’s growing tourist sector.”