Bellbridge Boathouse – From great idea to a shovel ready project

Towong Shire Council have secured funding to take the Bellbridge Boathouse project from a great idea to an investment and shovel ready project.

The Bellbridge Boathouse project proposes the construction of a new multi-purpose community building for the Berringa Peninsula community together with a new home for the Hume Boat Club on the edge of Lake Hume.

Council has secured $324,493 through the State Government's Investment Fast Track Fund which will support planning, design and business case development for the project.

Towong Shire Council Mayor Andrew Whitehead said the Bellbridge Boathouse project would be a game changer for Bellbridge and the Berringa Peninsula community, and an opportunity to boost tourism in area.

“Bellbridge is ideally situated with amazing natural amenity on the edge of Lake Hume, but is lacking when it comes to community facilities. The existing community centre is now home to our growing childcare and kindergarten service and we are desperately in need of a community facility.”

“We need a facility where our community members can come together and connect with each other and we’re very excited that the latest funding announcement will enable us to get this project to a shovel ready stage,” he said.

“The facility will also be a terrific drawcard for visitors to the area and will help to kick-start a tourism economy across the Berringa Peninsula.”

The project will involve the development of operating plans, such as financial modelling as well as construction plans. Based on some initial community consultation, it is anticipated the building designs will incorporate:

• integrated club rooms that will double as a function centre and community space
• a designated space for a café with raised decking
• commercial spaces for tourism related operators
• public amenities accessible both internally and externally
• carparking and landscaping

“The community will be crucial to the development of the project and we are calling on community members to express their interest in being part of the reference group for the project by contacting our Economic Development Team on 1300 365 222 or ecodev@towong.vic.gov.au.’ Mayor Whitehead said.

For more information about the project visit www.towong.vic.gov.au/1-council/projects/current-p...