Lorne Historical Society gets makeover

LORNE Historical Society’s home recently enjoyed a major redevelopment thanks to the community’s generosity.

The society inhabits part of Lorne Community House, which sits in a prominent position across from the Visitor Information Centre on the corner of Mountjoy Parade and Otway Street.

Society presidents Gary Allen said the building’s location made its improvement particularly important.

“We’re all very conscious of the entry to Lorne, coming across the bridge, it was a bit shabby, and no one ever knew where the society was.

“Now with this new design, it means we’re more visible.”

The society was fortunate to have two retired architects who were happy to work for free to form a new design for the building’s facade.

Society member and Lorne Men’s shed president Bob Sinclair said that he and fellow men’s shed member Chris Wood shared Mr Allen’s view of the structure.

“We were never enamoured by the old building, it’s in a very prominent position on the entrance to Lorne.

“We always thought one should do something about it, so we thought maybe we should introduce it as a project in the men’s shed.”

Mr Sinclair said the members of the shed took to the project with eagerness, as they helped build the timber panels that were central to the designs.

“We secured some timber, which was donated by Barwon Timber, and then we were able to set about constructing the prefabricated panels that now form part of the new façade.

“All those ‘shedders’ committed themselves to it and were so energetic and passionate about building the panels.”

The façade is not only more appealing architecturally, but also helps make the historical society more visible.

Mr Sinclair said this was central to the plans he and Mr Wood devised.

“A very important part of the first stage design concept was to open the historic club up to the street with the big new window that we have located more or less in the middle. It opens the building up so that people will be able to see into it. And of course when you’re in the building it’s a marvellous view out of the building.”

“It’s really opened the building up. The old building was introverted and very oppressive to be in.”

Mr Allen said both the shire and the local community showed great support for the project.

“We got an agreement with the Surf Coast Shire for a dollar to dollar contribution.

“Apart from fundraising we’ve had individual people donate funds as well.

“The money we raised along with the work in kind and the materials we donated (by Barwon Timber) equalled about $50,000, and then the shire matched that.”

Mr Allen said early feedback showed the community were delighted with the buildings new look.

“People are saying it looks terrific, so it’s giving the society a very good profile in the community.”

Mr Sinclair said he was hopeful there would be further improvements on the building to follow.

“The second stage will include a new entrance and canopy, new steps and a continuation of the screened wall to cover the rest of the building in a similar manner.”

He also said the men’s shed members who helped with the first phase are “champing at the bit” to get to work on the second phase.