GORCAPA defends Point Grey designs

THE Great Ocean Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) has defended the designs for the redevelopment of Point Grey, describing it as a “pragmatic” approach acceptable under Victoria’s planning rules.

On November 9, the Committee for Lorne (CFL) hosted a meeting, attended by about 180 people, at the Stribling Reserve pavilion to express concerns about the final Urban Design Framework (UDF) for the precinct.

CFL cited four major issues:

• Lack of transparency and community consultation in the development of the plans for the new building
• Lack of intent to properly showcase the European history of Point Grey and its importance to the social and economic development of Lorne since the 1870s
• The proposed cafe of 10 seats falls well short of what was discussed in Community Reference Groups over the past two years, and is so small that it limits the possibilities of dining options, and
• Functional aspects of the proposed design that will affect use over time.

“I’m sure you all have your own thoughts on what should happen inside the new Co-op building, but having just toilets and a café insults the memories of these people who helped make Lorne a place we all love,” Lorne Historical Society president Jan Spring said at the meeting.

A larger “Beacon” building with a restaurant was originally proposed for Point Grey, but this was denied planning approval in 2022 following a successful challenge at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

At Sunday’s meeting, CFL called for a redesigned Co-Op building that included:

• A return to the promised indoor floor plan of 230sqm
• A viable indoor/outdoor cafe similar in ambience and area to the Apollo Bay Co-op building
• A space for presentation and interpretation of Lorne’s history including European history
• Professional curation funded by the community, if necessary, and
• Engagement in meaningful consultation and communication with the Lorne community to ensure the new Co-op meets community expectations.

“We are continuing to work with Lorne locals to design how the new buildings and precinct can respect the site’s rich history and be a great place for visitors,” a GORCAPA spokesperson said on Monday this week.

“We acknowledge that there are some in the community who would love to see a large restaurant, but we’ve had to be pragmatic and design something that can get planning approval.

“Feedback from the community clearly showed a desire to have a combined hospitality and toilet building to replace the Co-Op that unfortunately has reached the end of its serviceable life.”

The spokesperson said the proposed design was delivered in the footprint of the 1949 section of the structure.

“Responding to clear community support to respect the history of the structure, the proposed new building pays homage to the historic section of the Co-Op in its shape, roofline, and footprint and we will reuse materials where we can.

“To ensure the project continues to move forward by obtaining planning approval, the hospitality offering is to be a smaller cafe style space but it will have indoor and outdoor seating and provide visitors to the area a great new place to grab food and drinks.”

For more information on the Point Grey UDF, head to haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/point-grey-redevelopment