By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
WORK on a controversial $1 million performance space in an Ocean Grove public park could start in days after moves to stop it were “resoundingly” rejected.
Ocean Grove Park Association president Colin Atkins said a contract had already been let for the construction of the project.
The Independent has reported over the last few months that battlelines had been drawn over the controversial proposal.
A group of park association members pushed for a special general meeting to restrict the committee to financial decisions under $20,000, which would have stopped the proposal. But the motion was defeated 220 votes to 90.
The project will be funded with $500,000 from State Government, $200,000 from City of Greater Geelongl, $153,000 from the park association and $150,000 from Ocean Grove Connecting Communities.
Mr Atkins said Magellan Projects was awarded the $874,500 contract.
“The price is within budget with adequate funds available for the supervision of the project and for (extra) fittings and fit-out.
“Magellan Projects is an experienced building contractor based in Geelong utilising local trades and suppliers. It has successfully completed projects in metropolitan and regional Victoria across various market sectors including commercial, retail, education and community.”
The project was earmed for completion in late February 2015.
Mr Atkins said the association was seeking expressions of interest to join a performance space management committee.
The committee would draft an operations manual and seek bookings, he said.
