Inverloch’s Rippleside building abandoned for years
It was once a thriving foreshore restaurant and bar, now it’s just an ugly, abandoned beachfront building – and locals are sick of it. What do you want to see the building turned into?
Bass Coast News
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A building on Inverloch’s foreshore has been abandoned for more than five years, with residents saying it should be redeveloped as soon as possible.
Located on the corner of Cuttriss St and The Esplanade, the once popular Ripples Restaurant and Cocktail Bar hasn’t been in operation for several years.
In 2015, the Bass Coast Shire Council approved a permit for the building to be knocked down and turned into apartments and a shop.
But five years on, the building hasn’t been touched.
A Bass Coast Shire Council spokeswoman said the property is privately owned.
“A planning permit was issued in November 2015 for the construction of a four-unit development with commercial tenancy,” she said.
“To date, this permit is still valid and can be acted on. Since the issue of the planning permit council has had no further applications for this location”.
Residents believe the old building should be turned into something more useful.
Some suggestions include backpackers accommodation, restaurant, nightclub, sports club or salon.
Inverloch local Jan Taylor has lived in the area for more than 15 years and she said it’s sad to see the building unoccupied.
“What a waste! It’s in a prime location by the beach so something really needs to be done,” Ms Taylor said.
“It should be redeveloped so both the locals and tourists can enjoy it”.
She believes the building should be turned into a seafood eatery that sells local produce.
“At a time like this, we need to support local businesses so I think a restaurant would be perfect for the area,” she said.
“The venue could also hold live music to support local acts”.
Maree Dettmann has been a regular visitor for 17 years and she said the building is “incredibly ugly”.
She told The Bass Coast News she is a chef and has been involved in the wine industry so she sees “great potential”.
“It could most definitely do with a makeover,” she said.
“There’s so much potential for this site to be a cafe eatery and a produce store for summertime visitors”.
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Contact Brooke at brooke.grebert-craig@news.com.au