Revamp closer for beach pavilion
ST KILDA'S dilapidated West Beach Pavilion is a step closer to a radical makeover, with Port Phillip Council narrowing potential developers to a shortlist of three.
Within the next few weeks, the council will invite the three groups, selected from a field of 17, to tender for the redevelopment of the landmark site. The identity of the groups will remain confidential. A winning bidder is likely to be selected by March.
The council has promised that any development will include a range of commercial uses. However, it has not yet decided how much of the redevelopment will be privately funded.
One potential developer expressed concern about the likely high cost. Applicant Tony Haddad, whose detailed proposal included an aboriginal art gallery, wine bar and café, said the cost of his plan could be as high as $10 million. Mr Haddad said he had not been told if he was on the short list.
West St Kilda Residents Association spokesman Colin Fryer said the less money the council contributed the more likely it would be that an expensive restaurant, or other highly commercial development, would result.
The council's "registrations of interest" documents state that any redevelopment must house a kiosk, a food outlet with out-door seating, external decking, public toilets and change facilities, and a plaza-style outdoor space.
A heritage centre is also mandatory.
But the building could incorporate other uses, including dining facilities, skate hire, a tourist information centre and other retail functions.