Feedback sought on Anglesea hub plans

ANGLESEA residents are being invited to provide feedback on a draft precinct plan to redesign the town’s McMillan Street Hub to better meet the needs of the community.

The draft precinct plan, which was endorsed by the Surf Coast Shire council at their October meeting, is headlined by a proposed two-storey integrated community and health hub building fronting McMillan Street.

The design concept integrates the community and health functions into one building with their own entrances and fit-for-purpose spaces.

Sitting behind the hub are nature play spaces for kindergarten youngsters and a “green heart” – a public community space for events, activities and informal gathering.

Five townhouses and 14 apartments at the rear of the site are also proposed in the plan and will also help to address the key worker accommodation crisis.

Cr Libby Stapleton said she was pleased to endorse the draft precinct plan.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see what this innovative community and health hub that welcomes a diverse range of people could look like.

“Local businesses including health and community services are struggling to attract and retain workers because they’re unable to find affordable housing in coastal spots like Anglesea – a town with little available public land for affordable housing projects.

“The draft precinct plan is another way that the council is playing its role to find solutions to the affordable accommodation crisis.

“Well-designed housing in this central location would provide homes for local workers and families, all the while keeping with Anglesea’s treasured coastal character.”

The draft precinct plan has been informed by extensive input from key agency stakeholders, Traditional Owners and parcel landowners Barwon Health.

Barwon Health chief executive, Frances Driver said the organisation was pleased to collaborate on the plans.

“This major integrated planning project is a great opportunity to renew the McMillan Street hub, enabling Barwon Health and our on-site partners to continue meeting the healthcare needs of the Anglesea community.”

The shire has contributed $50,000 to the project and secured $200,000 of Victorian government Investment Fast Track funding.

The Community Garden and Ambulance Victoria sites will be retained, as will the Angair propagation shed and the heritage Anglesea Memorial Hall and Rangi Marie – the home of Anglesea and District Historical Society.

No service, program, event, significant trees, or parking spaces will be lost from the site.

Locals will be able to take part in a site walking tour and have their say on the plan at an Open Day at the McMillan Street site on November 17.

Feedback can also be provided online or in writing.

The draft precinct plan can be viewed online at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/AngleseaHub, where a survey can be completed.

Comments and submissions are also welcome via mail at Surf Coast Shire Council, PO Box 350 Torquay VIC 3228; or can be dropped off at the shire’s office at 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay