Portland Foreshore Multipurpose Facility project update

Published on 18 December 2024

Glenelg Shire Council will support refurbishing two existing buildings on the Portland Foreshore to ensure the foreshore remains the jewel in the city’s crown.

Council voted on Tuesday, 17 December, to proceed with refurbishment of the Portland Yacht Club and Portland Sport Fishing Club buildings, following advice from the Victorian Government.

A formal assessment of the buildings’ conditions together with scoping and costing of the works required will be done in early 2025 in consultation with the Victorian Government and key stakeholders.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Karen Stephens said there were two options – refurbish the buildings or return about $3.5 million of funding to the Victorian Government.

“By refurbishing these buildings we are ensuring they are fit-for-purpose for the future,” she said.

“Refurbishment works to both buildings will provide renewed facilities for use by the community and clubs, extend the life of the buildings and reduce escalating maintenance costs, with a focus on ensuring the buildings meet the building code, all-abilities access and necessary regulatory requirements.

“It is the best outcome for the community.”

The $5 million project has been in development since 2021, with initial plans for a new multipurpose building.

A two-storey building was proposed at two different sites on the foreshore, most recently in 2023 on the site of the existing Yacht Club building.

Then this year two further possible sites were investigated by Council, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Regional Development Victoria.

However, the only viable option left to meet both landowner and funding agreement requirements was to refurbish the existing buildings.