Lorne’s Point Grey development could force demolition of historic fishing hub

One of Lorne’s most important historical and cultural hubs could be destroyed as part of a $10 million waterfront redevelopment.

Lorne residents are campaigning to save an iconic 73-year-old fishing co-operative that is facing demolition as part of a $10 million waterfront redevelopment plan.

The Lorne Fishermen’s Co-operative is set to be knocked down to make way for the new $10.45m Point Grey precinct which includes a new 160-seat restaurant, angling club, outdoor space, and scenic lookout.

But some residents argue that the new redevelopment plan does not recognise its historical and cultural significance as a fishing industry hub.

The Point Grey project was approved by Surf Coast Shire councillors in June, but locals have since taken the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

VCAT is due to hand down a final decision next month.

The plans for the new Point Grey precinct which will see the demolition of the old fisherman's co-op.

In a post to Facebook, local resident Judi Kenneally said the demolition would see Point Grey “altered forever”.

“After 12 long years the last piece of old Lorne is about to be demolished and replaced with an inappropriate building that has no relevance to the site and no reference to it’s social and cultural history,” Ms Kenneally wrote.

“Lorne was built by the timber and fishing families along with businesses and tourism. Without those families Lorne would not be what it is today. Their work and lives must be respected.”

An online campaign by concerned residents is encouraging the community to send an email to the state’s planning minister Richard Wynne to “call in” and determine the VCAT case.

The campaign notes that unlike Queenscliff and Apollo Bay fishing co-op’s, Lorne does not have heritage protection.

It comes after a petition to keep the old co-op building was signed by about 1500 people, including 450 residents, last year.

The petition was later presented in state parliament, but only 12 objections against the proposal were officially lodged to council.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is delivering the $10 million development, which has the support of $8 million in funding from the Federal Government under the Geelong City Deal.

A state government spokeswoman said earlier this month that construction is expected to start next year and be completed in late 2023.

The redevelopment is due to create 30 jobs during construction and another 14 roles in hospitality once completed.

The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, which is now known as GORCPA, sates on its website that Point Grey was one of the largest public-space projects along the Great Ocean Road.

“The redevelopment will provide strong links to the Lorne township and hinterland, offer cultural, historic and recreational activities, a range of dining experiences, lighting and interpretative experiences, and ultimately, encourage overnight stays in the region,” it said.

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Originally published as Lorne’s Point Grey development could force demolition of historic fishing hub