Portarlington plan expands

By Michelle Herbison
PLANS for a new petrol station and warehouse development at Portarlington could expand to include offices and a gym, according to the proponent.
Lascaris Development’s John Lascaris said he had applied to council’s planning department for an extra 500 square metres of office space and a 280 square-metre gym.
“We’ve firmed up the final layout pending council approval. So far they’ve been supportive of everything we’ve suggested.”
The Independent reported in March that BP would operate a 24-hour petrol station on the site at the corner of Tower and Queenscliff Rds. Mr Lascaris said he also planned to build 26 factory warehouses and a carwash on the site.
Lascaris Developments hoped to build its own 100-square-metre “architectural design” office if council approved the updated plans.
An accountant from Me-bourne’s west and a solicitor had also shown interest in building satellite offices in the development, Mr Lascaris said.
“It’s turned a few heads. It will be a three-storey section in the middle of the development.”
Mr Lascaris told the Independent in March that his design featured modern buildings with a “business, industrial corporate” look.
City of Greater Geelong city development manager Joanne Van Slageren said the amended planning permit application was under consideration.
Council planning portfolio holder Rod Macdonald said the development was “the sort of thing” council was seeking for the region.
“We need to get more investment and more jobs onto the Bellarine Peninsula. It’s great people have confidence in the area to go ahead with business ideas.”