Point Grey precinct plan to be released in June

THE development of a 10-year draft Urban Design Framework (UDF) to guide redevelopment of Lorne’s Point Grey precinct is nearing an end, with the plan to be shared with the public for feedback in June.

The UDF has been informed by the project’s Community Reference Group, and the community’s feedback on the plan will help determine the future of the Point Grey development.

Last month, tenants of the Lorne Fishing Co-operative building were asked to vacate the premises, to allow essential early works, including the removal of asbestos, to begin.

An assessment of the building, which dates back to 1949, was undertaken during phase one of the redevelopment project and highlighted the significant damage the structure has sustained due to its age and proximity to the shoreline, with water damage, asbestos and rust throughout.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) says usage agreements for the building ended on April 30, but all tenants, including the Lorne Historical Society, have been offered a grace period, until May 31, to vacate.

The Lorne Aquatic & Angling Club, which has been asked to vacate the storage space it has been leasing in the old co-op building, will continue operating as normal.

In a statement, GORCAPA said the organisation had met with the Lorne Historical Society committee to discuss and support the relocation of its operations.

It stated the historical society is exploring options to consolidate its presence at its main location at the Figmore Community House in Mountjoy Parade.

“The Lorne Historical Society has also been encouraged to consider what materials and items they would like to highlight to promote the site’s history through the design development phase [of the redevelopment].”

GORCAPA director of community, corporate affairs and visitor economy Andy Mathers encouraged everyone to have their say and share their ideas when the UDF is released in June.

“We are working with the Historical Society committee to understand how we can reinterpret and celebrate the role of the fishing industry in Lorne’s development, including items from the Fishy Tales exhibition,” he said.

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