Point Grey redevelopment closer to fruition

A NEW milestone is set to be achieved for Lorne’s slow moving Point Grey redevelopment estimated to cost more than $10 million dollars.

Planning work is predicted to be finalised before July with construction to follow in the second half of the year, despite waiting on the nod of approval from the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). The redevelopment is one of 30 projects under the Geelong City Deals set to be completed across Geelong and the Great Ocean Road in a bid to boost tourism and employment opportunities.

Now in the final planning phase, the development will be one of the largest public space projects on the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road which is anticipated to be completed by 2023.

The applicant, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA), is working with a local creative counsel to ensure Lorne’s history and culture is recognised in the new development.

The Point Grey development has been in the works for more than a decade with a number of community consultations and redraftings taking place over this time.

Under existing plans, the redevelopment will involve the demolition of the existing restaurant, fishing co-op and Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club which will be replaced with modern structures.

The 1.7-hectare site will also feature new outdoor spaces including a boardwalk and lookout, as well as lawns for the community to enjoy.

Geelong’s City Deal is contributing $8 million to the project while GORCAPA will put forward two million and the angling club to donate $450,000 to the build.

Despite establishing new milestones, the project has also generated strong community opposition.

Lorne resident Lawrence Baker launched a petition that received 1,500 signatures opposing the shovel-ready project, which is now being considered by VCAT and is set to be decided next month.

Lorne Historical Society has opposed the development.

“At a recent meeting, the majority of members voted in favour of reconfirming its opposition to the demolishment,” vice president Peter Spring said.

The Historical Society makes up a portion of the creative counsel which is working with GORCAPA to ensure there is an appropriate heritage element incorporated in the Point Grey development.

“It is still subject to an objection before VCAT and we want to ensure regardless of the outcome there is appropriate presentation and interpretation of Lorne’s heritage especially the timber and fishing industries,” Mr Spring said.

“We have also focused on the Indigenous aspect of the site with the creative counsel really looking after that interpretive element which wasn’t in the design I think among the community a number of people who would like to see the current co-op building repurposed in some way. It is now just a matter of seeing what happens with VCAT.”