Lorne Pool Precinct Redevelopment
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The redevelopment of the pool precinct on the foreshore in Lorne is moving ahead.
The redevelopment of the Lorne swimming pool precinct is moving ahead with Surf Coast Shire issuing a notice to grant a planning permit for the project. DSE have granted coastal management consent.
Work is progressing to finalise leasing arrangements to facilitate the handover of the site to the developer.
The site, prominently located on Crown land on the Lorne foreshore, includes the existing swimming pool and trampolines, and the recently refurbished Beach Bar and Grill.
The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee has been working with the developers, Andrew and Kathy Landos, for several years to discuss plans for the redevelopment of the pool precinct.
Community interest in the pool precinct is strong and the site is highly valued by locals and visitors to Lorne.
The redevelopment will deliver a significant upgrade to the pool precinct.
Some heating is now proposed for the existing swimming pool and a heated toddlers play pool is part of the proposal. Unfortunately, upfront and ongoing costs associated with fully heating and enclosing the existing swimming pool are prohibitive. Enclosing the existing pool is also not considered viable due to the prominent location on the Lorne foreshore.
The Lorne Community Building Initiative (LorneCH) has a working group focused on heating the Lorne Swimming Pool. GORCC is currently working with Shire, the developers and the working group to explore heating options for the pool
A shading structure would be constructed around the outside of existing swimming pool to provide shade and shelter. A component of the shaded structure would be enclosed to house new public toilets and changerooms, a first aid area, gymnasium and hydrotherapy spas for therapeutic and relaxation uses.
A mini-golf area and health and lifestyle outlets are also proposed, along with a new and improved boardwalk to better connect Mountjoy Parade with the foreshore. Improved landscaping, seating and other facilities also complement the proposal.
The proposed redevelopment will improve the pool precinct with upgraded and new facilities available for community and visitor use. Importantly, the developer will have a responsibility to maintain the site for the years to come, thereby ensuring a sustainable outcome.
Whilst the existing pool is a significant community asset, it is also in need of an upgrade, particularly to its pumps and pipes. The proposed development will upgrade the existing pool and complement it with a range of new recreational and tourism facilities.
The site itself will change from a fenced-off enclosure only open for several months of the year, to a year-round facility which is sensitively integrated with the Lorne foreshore.
In doing so, the redevelopment will help boost tourism expenditure in Lorne, particularly in the shoulder and off-season. It will substantially add to the benefits enjoyed by locals and visitors to the site.
Finally, the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, as managers of the Lorne foreshore, is very aware of the importance of the site from a community, recreation, tourism and coastal perspective. The proposed redevelopment is a sensitive solution that will deliver much needed improvements without compromising the site’s importance and values.
NB: In late 2007, Kathy Landos was appointed a member of the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee by the State Government. In order to manage her pecuniary interest in this matter, Kathy has not participated in any Committee discussions, decisions or information sharing in relation to the pool precinct, particularly regarding leasing arrangements.