Shop in rotunda ‘win’

KIM WATERS
A Portarlington op shop has moved back into the town’s rotunda as it fights to retain residency against plans for a tourist information centre and “eco shop”, council has revealed.
A council spokesperson said the District Hospital Auxiliary Op Shop had resumed occupancy after upgrade works forced it out of the historic building last year.
The spokesperson said council was to choose who would win the five-year lease on the rotunda but the op shop was secure in the building until August.
City Hall would complete an “assessment of the premises and rent to be charged” before the temporary lease expired, the spokesperson said.
The Independent revealed in August that the op shop faced competition for the lease from a push to establish the information centre and eco shop.
Bellarine Community Health chief executive John Fendyk was keen for the op shop to remain in it’s home of 35 years, saying running the outlet could be unviable if it had to operate elsewhere.
The location at the rotunda had been a “significant” part of the shop’s success in raising community funds for the health service, he said.
“I wrote seeking an additional extension beyond the existing lease period and have not received any confirmation to this request.
“The issues of continuing to operate the opportunity shop are around the capacity for the service to continue if the auxiliary have to pay a commercial rate for a premise.
“This could possibly (make) it unviable to continue, as the revenue raised varies depending on the support and people visiting throughout the year.”
But Portarlington Community Association president John Turner 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,” he said.