Sarah Luke
WITH feedback on the Port of Sale redevelopment master plan closing on Monday, Wellington Shire Council is encouraging residents to have their say on a proposed redevelopment of “Sale’s jewel in the crown” this weekend.
Among the proposals is the construction of two four-storey buildings on the sites of the former Sale high and specialist schools, and two pedestrian and cycling bridges connecting the north and east banks with the west bank of the port.
The review doesn’t just take in the area immediately around the Port of Sale, but also the future site of TAFE Gippsland, land currently occupied by Dyers Transport and the former Sale police station.
Expansion plans for The Wedge are in their early stages, but include new foyer and café facing the port, new performance studios, additional offices facing the Princes Highway and an amphitheatre between the venue and the former high school site.
The plan has been given the all-clear from Sale Business and Tourism Association, with its president Julian McIvor enthusiastic about the possibilities the development could offer the area.
“The feedback I’ve gotten from people that have come into town and from here is that it’s a great little precinct, so I think any development around that would be awesome,” he said.
“The port links to the [Gippsland] Lakes – why not make it attractive for people to come in on their boats?
“The western bank is pretty much vacant land, so there’s plenty of development space.”
Mr McIvor said during the precinct’s early planning, the association’s concerns were focused in ensuring the foot traffic would funnel visitors into the main street through signs and improved pathways.
“I think it’s a great idea, but make sure there’s a good clear direction and flow into the main street, so we bring that tourist money through,” he said.
“Ultimately, the whole project is very exciting.”
Throughout the plan, there is specific mention of ensuring development “allows pedestrian flows from Raymond Street towards the Canal” and “complements the CBD”.
The Port of Sale precinct has already undergone a significant transformation.
The Wellington Centre houses one of the state’s most significant art galleries, and is centred between one of the best skate parks in regional Victoria, and the multi-award winning Wedge.
A state-of-the-art TAFE facility is being built on the town’s old netball courts, and just east, foot traffic from a redeveloped Lake Guthridge walking track seems to grow by the day.
It’s clear the area is an asset, but empty buildings that remain on the eastern bank of Flooding Creek, the abandoned police station and the well-used but unassuming western bank are letting the precinct down, and are now being eyed off for potential uses.
Wellington Shire Council has identified opportunities for improvements to build on its attractiveness, capitalise on its assets and address existing limitations.
Through its master plan, the council is conceptualising future uses and proposing new developments in the area – which stretches from Park St to Lake Guthridge, bordered by the Princes Highway.
Arguably the most ambitious but exciting refurbishment proposed is that of the former schools site, which includes the former Sale Specialist School and heritage-listed Sale High School building, after council allocated $3.75 million last year to buy the sites.
While the red-brick building (formerly Sale High School) is currently used by small community groups, the empty former specialist school site is now overgrown.
Under the plan, any existing non-protected buildings across the two sites would be demolished to make way for two new, four-storey buildings.
Being mindful of keeping competition with the Raymond St’s central business district to a minimum, the plan proposes commercial premises related to the arts and creative sectors, complemented by limited retail and hospitality outlets, on the new buildings’ ground floors.
Apartments, or possibly a hotel and conference facilities, are proposed for upper storeys.
As an historically significant building in Sale, the Sale High School site would continue to lend its character, but would be refurbished.
Its future use is yet to be decided, but could include arts, cultural or community-related pursuits – including educational facilities.
Another abandoned building taking up valuable central Sale real estate, the old police station site could potentially be transformed into apartments, visitor accommodation, a brewery, an eatery spe-ialising in local produce, a cultural museum and visitation building associated with Gunaikurnai, or tourism or civic uses.
The port’s flood-prone west bank currently feels disconnected from the rest of the precinct, housing an expansive gravel car park and a boat ramp, but under the plan could offer a great opportunity to accommodate large-scale events and recreational activities.
Connectivity issues could be addressed by constructing two pedestrian and cycle bridges, with the southern-most bridge towering high enough to allow for boat passage.
Across the canal from the skate park, a new public space featuring a boardwalk along the water’s edge and area for water-based children’s activities is proposed, with new finger jetties creating safe walkways from land to boats.
Concerns regarding the port’s water quality will be addressed through other avenues outside of the port’s master plan.
Further along the bank, a new ‘cradle and tractor’ slipway combination could facilitate transporting boats via the existing boat ramp to a new boat maintenance and storage area, suggested for the southern end of the existing carpark.
This boat storage area would also be used by community groups, such as the Gippsland Water Dragons boat club.
The Canal Reserve market site, just south of the port, would also have its own upgrades, including drainage and public toilet improvements.
The plan proposes moving the market north to take advantage of the higher activity levels at the port, and providing much-needed storage for the Sale Sunday Market committee through an integrated, multi-use facility that also accommodates local dog obedience and rowing clubs.
Mayor Garry Stephens said he was excited about the potential for further development.
“We’d love to hear from locals about how to make the most of the area and what to do with assets,” Cr Stephens said.
“So, I would encourage everyone to head to council’s Your Wellington Your Say website and share your ideas with us about potential new uses, activities the precinct could host, and how to increase the vitality of the area.”
The council is specifically calling for feedback on how it can activate the precinct as a venue for larger community events, such as Race the Rubeena, or as a better tourism drawcard – so it’s even better for the local economy and businesses, and an iconic attraction in its own right.
To provide feedback on the masterplan, visit your.wellington.vic.gov.au.
