The Old Slipway on Gippsland Lake listed as development opportunity
The Old Slipway site in the East Gippsland tourist town of Lakes Entrance has been listed for sale.
The 5,400 sqm property in the Lakes Entrance central business district is targeting developers to transform the site into a mix of commercial and public space to attract new business investment to the area.
Currently managed by Gippsland Ports, the Old Slipway site fronts directly onto the waters of Cunninghame Arm. It links two commercial precincts and is one of a few waterfront development sites available on the Gippsland Lakes.
Nick Murray, CEO of Gippsland Ports, called the site "an exceptional opportunity" to develop a unique foreshore site right on the Lakes Entrance waterfront.
He suggested in particular the access for boats to the central location opens up many possibilities for visiting boaties and tourism services.
The site, which has been decommissioned for more than 10 years, includes public land, a car park, two timber buildings and a public toilet. It will be managed by East Gippsland Shire Council, with the developer entering into a long-term lease agreement with the Crown.
King & Heath First National is managing an expressions-of-interest campaign.
King & Heath First National managing director Chris Martin said he expected the opportunity to attract an enthusiastic, resourceful and inspired entrepreneur who could see the potential for redeveloping the Old Slipway site into a vibrant new precinct of Lakes Entrance.
"It is rare for such premium land to become available on the shores of the Gippsland Lakes and we anticipate strong interest from developers," Martin said.
"This Old Slipway site provides a once-off opportunity to create a prime visitor destination with the potential to cater to both tourists and locals. There is also an opportunity for the development to extend out into the waterway."
The East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Cr Joe Rettino, said a successful development would provide a seamless integration of innovative, sustainable commercial activities, community sites and open space and reflect the long boating and commercial fishing history associated with the site. There was potential to develop cultural and eco- tourism opportunities highlighting the Gippsland Lakes.
"Lakes Entrance is one of Victoria's iconic tourist destinations attracting over half a million visitors a year and growing at 5.6 per cent each year," Cr Rettino said.
"Whoever develops the Old Slipway is perfectly positioned to take advantage of this, by creating a place that encourages both day and night-time use, with options such as waterfront eateries, outlets offering fresh seafood and regional produce, tourist-oriented retail sales, galleries, public amenities and open spaces."
"There also are wonderful water-based opportunities, such as short-stay and itinerant jetty berths to provide access to the town from the water, and safe swimming and wading sites. We want people from both land and water to stop and enjoy the site."