The draft Urban Design Framework, which has been informed with the insight of the project’s Community Reference Group, will be shared in June for community feedback. This vital feedback will help to determine the future of the site’s development.

At Point Grey, a revised Precinct Masterplan will need to be developed following the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decision in 2022.

• We know Point Grey is a place of great significance for the local community and a revised Masterplan will reflect the community aspirations already identified through valuable community engagement held to date.
• Following the successes of the Community Co-design Group (CCDG) for the Point Grey Redevelopment, a new objective for a community reference group has been set for the project, that expands the remit to take a precinct-wide view.
• The community group will be integral to the success of the redevelopment, working closely with the project team to reach the best outcome for Point Grey. Members will provide input into the revised Precinct Masterplan and feedback on draft documents at key stages of the project.
• The group kicked off in December 2023, with a series of workshops planned in early 2024. The outcomes of these workshops will inform wider community engagement from mid-2024.
• The first round of broad community engagement is a short, simple survey designed to reaffirm what local community members and visitors have expressed about Point Grey over many years and to understand any changes in community sentiment.

The Point Grey precinct sits along the Great Ocean Road at the southern entry to Lorne. It includes the Lorne Pier, Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club (LAAC), Lorne Pier Seafood Restaurant, and the former Lorne Fishing Cooperative.

Click HERE to download a map showing the area of Point Grey that is addressed by the Urban Design Framework

Community Values Survey was completed to reaffirm vision for Point Grey.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Community Values Survey for Point Grey.

We received 1,141 responses, which sets a record for our Have Your Say engagement.

The feedback highlighted that the precinct is loved for its natural setting; its ocean and pier views; and the community-level facilities it hosts.

Most respondents want to see the character and ‘feel’ of the site, and its history as a fishing hub, maintained and recognised in any future development.

You can view the full report here.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is making progress on the Point Grey Redevelopment in Lorne.

The draft Urban Design Framework, which has been informed with the insight of the project’s Community Reference Group, will be shared in June for community feedback. This vital feedback will help to determine the future of the site’s development.

The original Fishing Co-Operative building dates back to 1949 and was assessed as part of the Opportunities and Constraints phase of the master planning and design process for the site. Due to its age and its location near the shoreline, the building has suffered from significant damage, primarily to the roof and masonry walls, with cracking, water damage, asbestos, dampness, and rust throughout.

The current usage agreements for the building will conclude on April 30, 2025, enabling essential early works including asbestos removal to begin.

All tenants, including the Lorne Historical Society, have been given an additional grace period until 31 May to vacate, allowing extra time for a safe and respectful transition.

The Lorne Aquatic & Angling Club will keep operating as normal.

The Authority has met with the Lorne Historical Society Committee to discuss the logistics and support they require to relocate operations from the co-operative during early works.

We recognise that the Lorne Historical Society presence at the Fishing Cooperative represents an additional display to its main location at the Figtree Community House at 16 Mountjoy Parade. We understand the Historical Society is exploring options to consolidate its presence there.

The Lorne Historical Society has also been encouraged to consider what materials and items they would like to highlight to promote the site's history through the design development phase.

The Authority is investigating all options for the site’s future as we prepare for early works.

Independent Assessments Confirm Structural Decline of Lorne Fishing Cooperative Building

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is working with the community to explore options to honour the legacy of the Lorne Fishing Cooperative building at Point Grey following independent assessments confirming structural decline.

We have released the findings of two independent technical assessments, which found the building has reached the end of its useful life.

The building has undergone several engineering and risk assessments as part of the evidence-based planning process for the future of the Point Grey Redevelopment.

The reports provide a thorough technical appraisal of the building’s current state which is unsafe for future use.

Key findings have identified significant safety, compliance, and structural issues in the building, which was originally constructed in 1949 and has been altered over the decades through numerous extensions.

These issues include:

• Severe corrosion affecting key structural elements

• Structural compromises such as roof sagging, water damage, and beam deterioration

• Widespread asbestos and outdated pitch-based switchboards

• Non-compliance with current Australian Standards, including concrete slab deficiencies

• Lack of disability access.

The structure is also located within the coastal erosion zone, so further funding toward remediation works is not advised or available.

While the Co-Op building is not subject to a heritage overlay, GORCAPA is committed to preserving Lorne’s rich fishing and timber history. As part of the redevelopment, we will work with the community to explore how the original building materials and artefacts can be incorporated into the future design of Point Grey.

As part of this transition, current permit arrangements within the Co-Op building will conclude and GORCAPA will formally assume occupancy of the cooperative site on 31 May to commence early works in preparation for demolition.

These will include the safe removal of asbestos and the careful recovery of historical materials. Temporary fencing and security monitoring will be in place to ensure public safety during this period.

As the project enters its next phase, the draft Urban Design Framework will be released later this month for broad community engagement.

The feedback provided by community will be important in finalising the UDF, which will guide the future of the redevelopment.

You can download the relevant reports below:

• Structural Integrity Report
• Asbestos Survey and Risk Assessment
• Building Condition Report
• Peer Review (Building Condition Report)