Port rotunda reopens as town waits on tenant decision

Kim Waters
PORTARLINGTON celebrated the centenary of a town icon this week with the official re-opening of the town’s band rotunda.
The landmark was closed for several months with structural problems before a restoration project returned the rotunda to its former glory.
Ward councillor John Doull said the rotunda was in “urgent need” of repair before council carried out the renovation.
However, residents are still awaiting a council decision on who will be the rotunda’s tenant.
The Independent revealed earlier this month that two community groups were battling for the rotunda’s five-year lease.
The former tenant, District Hospital Auxiliary Op Shop, wanted to move back into its home of 35 years but faced competition from a push to establish a tourist information centre and “eco-shop”.
Bellarine Community Health chief executive officer John Fendyk, whose organisation benefits from the op shop’s proceeds, said council had yet to reveal its decision.
Portarlington Community Association president John Turner has called for “more discussion” before council extended the op shop lease.
“From a community association point of view, before anyone makes any decisions about whether the op shop goes back there the (eco shop) idea should be canvassed to the community to see what they want,” Mr Turner told the Independent earlier this month.
Council had not responded to the Independent’s call for comment before the paper went to press.