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Bellbridge Boathouse

About the project

The Bellbridge Boathouse project is set to transform the current Lake Hume Boat Club into an iconic destination, and provide much needed tourism and community infrastructure.

The Bellbridge Boathouse will become synonymous with Lake Hume and feature a café, large function space, new club rooms for the Lake Hume Boat Club, and landscaped surrounds to support social interactions and event activation.

To ensure the project is investment-ready, Council secured funding in late 2022 for planning and design.

Working with Geelong based Four18 Architecture, we have a concept design for the new building that incorporates the following functional elements:

  • A spacious functional area.
  • Additional storage space of at least 40sqm, suitable for maintenance machinery and equipment.
  • A large social room equipped with a bar, kitchen, and outdoor space, capable of accommodating at least 100 seated guests. This area can be closed off to public access when needed.
  • A smaller, community meeting and boat club room that can be used independently during events.
  • A café, offering indoor and outdoor dining experiences, separate from the function area.
  • Public bathroom and toilet facilities that cater to the building's size and usage.
  • Tenancy space for commercial tourism operators, alongside the proposed café.
  • Landscaping to enhance the overall appeal of the site.

We believe this ambitious project will not only elevate Bellbridge and the Lake Hume area, but also create a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists to enjoy.

Note: The Bellbridge Boathouse is the name of the project only. An official name for the building itself will be decided with input from the community once funding for construction has been successfully secured.

Why is this project being undertaken?

In 2013, Council engaged Clarke Hopkins Clarke to create a strategic plan, "Our Bellbridge," aimed at fostering growth and prosperity in the Bellbridge area. This plan was carefully developed through extensive planning research and community engagement. Many projects from the plan, designed to enhance resident amenities and support population growth, have already been successfully implemented. However, the pivotal project for driving economic development through tourism investment, the Bellbridge Boathouse, is yet to be realised.

In early 2021, Council enlisted Urban Enterprise to develop a shire-wide Destination Management Plan. This comprehensive plan identifies the Bellbridge Boathouse as one of the top five priority investment projects crucial to developing the Shire's visitor economy.

See below for the latest updates on this project.

Project updates

Four18 Architecture were appointed the design contract for the Bellbridge Boathouse project at the June Ordinary Council Meeting

Council is seeking expressions of interest from suitable tenants in leasing one of the three commercial spaces that will be available at the Bellbridge Boathouse.

If you’d like to express your interest, download a copy of the prospectus form.

Council approved the decision to submit a grant application for construction of the Bellbridge Boathouse Project.

Council secured funding in late 2022 for the planning and design of the Bellbridge Boathouse. Council's funding application for construction was initially unsuccessful. However, we remain committed to pursuing funding opportunities to develop a facility that supports the needs of the growing Bellbridge community. The cost to construct such a facility is not something that Council can do on its own, and funding from the State and/or Federal Government is required.

Frequently asked question

Four18 Architecture were awarded the contract for the design of the Bellbridge Boathouse project at the June Council Meeting.

Council in collaboration with the Project Steering Group reviewed a number of submissions for the design of Bellbridge Boathouse and were unanimous in selecting Four18 Architecture’s design as the clear standout.

At this stage, Council has only received funding to deliver construction designs and financials operating plans for the proposed building

By delivering these, it ensures the project is shovel-ready and viable, which will increase the likehood that Council is successful in securing funding.

Council is continuing to seek funding for this project. The cost to construct such a facility is not something that Council can do on its own, and funding from the State and/or Federal Government is required.

Project documents

Bellbridge Boathouse Design Documents
Bellbridge Boathouse Prospectus Form
Bellbridge Boathouse Financial and Governance Model
Bellbridge Boathouse Business Case

Contact the Project Manager

Project Manager: Kerissa Heritage
Phone: 1300 365 222
Email: info@towong.vic.gov.au

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