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Historic Portarlington Band Rotunda Reopens
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
8:37 AM
Media Releases
The Band Rotunda in Portarlington will officially reopen today - approximately 100 years after it was first opened - after recent restoration works.
The restoration was funded by the City of Greater Geelong, with a contribution from the Brumby Labor Government.
Coryule Ward Councillor John Doull said the iconic rotunda was in urgent need of repair and restoration to return it to its former glory.
“After it was first built the Rotunda was used by the Portarlington Brass Band for practice and recitals for many years,” he said.
“It’s most recent use was a community op shop before it had to close due to structural problems.
“I’m proud that the City could be instrumental in the restoration of this landmark so that it can now be enjoyed by future generations,” Cr Doull said.
Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville welcomed the reopening of the important local attraction.
"The historic band rotunda is an iconic part of Portarlington and I am delighted to see it restored to its former glory,” Ms Neville said.
“I am pleased the Brumby Labor Government was able to support the rotunda's restoration through a $30,000 Small Towns Development Fund grant.
“With the commercial strip, rotunda, park, and the pier and foreshore currently disconnected from each other, restoring the rotunda along with the proposed streetscape project, will strengthen these connections and in doing so increase social and economic activity in our town.
“This restoration is in addition to the $250,000 the State Government is investing in the Portarlington Town Square Redevelopment that will improve the appeal of the town to both visitors and residents.
“The redevelopment will provide a new strong central link between the shops, the parkland and Portarlington Harbour, with the Portarlington Safe Harbour Plan also offering significant improvements to the area.”
The restoration of the rotunda and streetscape redevelopment project both have the full support of the Portarlington Business Development Association and the Portarlington Community Association.
Support has also been received from the Bellarine Bayside Committee, National Celtic Festival and Geelong Otway Tourism.
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