Buffalo site overhaul a step closer as Holdfast Bay council calls for tenders for Wigley Reserve revamp
Glenelg’s former Buffalo replica site will be turned into a community meeting place – potentially with a cafe – as Holdfast Bay Council calls for tenders to kick off the project.
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Glenelg’s former Buffalo replica site has moved a step closer to becoming a bustling community meeting place, as Holdfast Bay Council calls for tenders for the project.
The council is looking for a contractor to create concept plans for the site and surrounding land at Wigley Reserve.
If follows the demolition of the dilapidated Buffalo replica ship last year. The former restaurant had been closed since December 2013.
Tender documents show the council could be open to moving the old “red rattler” H-class tram from the site, or integrating it into the development.
The successful tenderer will be asked to submit two concept plans – one for a potential cafe or kiosk with public seating and the other for “integrated informal seating or viewing”.
Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson said the council wanted to make the most of the “iconic” location which has “stunning” views over the Holdfast Shores marina.
The council would looking to proceed to detailed design work by April, aiming to complete the works by Christmas 2021.
“We’re looking for something that lifts the area by having a nice outdoor area,” Ms Wilson said.
“There’s some really interesting stuff coming out of Europe with urban design. The site where the Buffalo was could be turned into a bit of a wharf jetty with seating out there, but we’ll wait and see what the plans come back with.”
The council last year consulted locals on what they wanted in the area, with about 100 of the 176 respondents saying they wanted the site set up for eating and drinking.
Recreation and leisure uses were another popular choice.
“That particular spot … would make a really nice place to sit and contemplate, have a cup of coffee or watch kids play in the playground – it could be a really great family space,” Ms Wilson said.
Removing the reserve’s red rattler would require council approval, and Ms Wilson said if that happened, another site would be found in Glenelg for the tram.
The council is yet to define an approximate cost for the Buffalo site revamp, but the budget for the concept design process is $60,000.
Plans for a $1m redevelopment of the Buffalo were approved in 2017, but were abandoned because of the costs involved and the structure’s condition.
A new $1m playground and fitness hub is also under construction at Wigley Reserve and expected to be complete next month.
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