By PAUL MILLAR
OSBORNE House, once an icon of Geelong’s maritime past, could be restored to former glory under an ambitious plan to lease out adjoining clifftop land.
The prime site with bay views has become a weed and rabbit haven since its Shire of Corio depot closed more than 20 years ago.
But all that could change if a councillor’s initiative comes to fruition.
State Tourism Minister John Eren met Cr Eddy Kontelj at the North Geelong site to discuss options for its historic buildings and under-used surrounds.
Cr Kontelj has asked council officers to investigate how to lease off land at the depot, which Mr Eren described as some of Australia’s best-placed real estate.
The site had potential for investors to upgrade and lease the depot as a quality dining area, Cr Kontelj said.
“It’s right on the cliff so the potential is enormous but at the moment it’s just barren land and needs to be cleared.”
Lease revenue could be injected back into Osborne House to pay for renovations and routine maintenance, Cr Kontelj said.
“I see this as a real win. We’d be using an asset to create revenue to provide funds.
“I’ve also been encouraged by the minister’s enthusiasm to work with us on this important project.”
Mr Eren said the site was outstanding but under-utilised.
“It is one of the best pieces of land that you could find anywhere in the country, the potential is astronomical,” said Mr Eren, whose seat of Lara includes North Geelong.
“It’s a council asset and we’re in discussion with council at the moment. It’s a wonderful asset and we believe it could be utilised in a better way and we hope these discussions can assist council.”
Osborne Park Association secretary Susan Allsop said any successful proposal for the site would have to blend commercial enterprise and community organisations.
“It’s a matter of bringing ideas together about what works and what does not,” Ms Allsop said.
“Its location could not be bettered, it’s all useable space and it’s not rocket science or impossible.”
