No final decisions made about Co-Op site

THE Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) has asked tenants of the Lorne Fishing Co-operative site to vacate the premises within weeks, but insists the building’s fate is not sealed under the wider plans to redevelop the Point Grey precinct.

The Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club (LAAC) has also confirmed it will stay open.

In a statement last week, GORCAPA said the existing usage agreements for the Co-Op building were originally to end on April 30 to allow early works on the Point Grey redevelopment.

“The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has agreed to provide the Lorne Historical Society with additional time beyond the current agreement date to safely remove and relocate all historical society items from the Co-Op building.

“The vacancy period up until May 31 recognises the special care needed for the historical artifacts and archives.

“The same vacancy period has been communicated to the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club and the Lorne Art Bazaar.”

GORCAPA stated the Co-Op building, constructed in 1949, has suffered significant damage, mostly to the roof and masonry walls, with cracking, water damage, damp and rust found throughout.

“The authority hasn’t made any decisions about the old Fishing Co-Operative building yet, but we are investigating all options as part of early works.”

GORCAPA will seek community input on the draft Urban Design Framework for Point Grey in June.

“The Point Grey redevelopment is one of our highest priorities, and we’re excited to see momentum building on this significant project,” GORCAPA chief executive officer Jodie Sizer said.

“Redeveloping Point Grey will create a unique experience for local residents and visitors, which will benefit the local economy and the Lorne and Surf Coast Shire community.

“The Lorne Fishing Co-operative has played a vital role in our town’s history, and we’re committed to working alongside the local community to ensure this heritage is not only preserved but enhanced for future generations.

“Throughout this journey of renewal, we remain committed to ongoing collaboration with the community reference group, ensuring local voices continue to shape the vision for the Point Grey precinct.”

In a post on its Facebook page last week, LAAC stated reports of GORCAPA’s directive to vacate the Co-Op building may have been “misinterpreted” as LAAC itself having to close.

“This is not the case. We have only been asked to vacate the storage space that we have been leasing in the old Co-Op building.

“Rest assured that the LAAC will continue to be open as normal until, if and when the Point Grey redevelopment begins.”