The
new-look Western Beach Boat Yard Reserve has been officially re-opened by Mayor
Bruce Harwood after an extensive restoration, that combines elements of
the site’s history with modern features.
Relatives
of the original boat building families who operated the site attended the
opening after providing old photos and family stories to the project, which
assisted in the research and design of the reserve.
The
space now features restored boat building infrastructure, original boats and
interpretive signage that showcase the rich history of the area.
This
includes a 103-year-old double-ended fishing boat that’s positioned on the old
slipway to show how it would’ve been launched.
New
pathways have been built to link the reserve to the existing waterfront path,
as well as fitness equipment to encourage more physical activity along the
Geelong Waterfront.
Planning
is underway between the City’s Smart Cities team and Deakin University for
augmented and virtual reality technology at the site, that will bring the
reserve’s history to life.
The
marine precinct first became popular for swimmers in the 1840s with the
addition of sea baths, before later becoming a boat building hub.
Council
was determined to bring the 3000sqm reserve back into public use after it was
fenced off in 2005 when the last boat building yard closed.
A
heritage action plan was put in place to make sure any artefacts found during
construction were protected and collected.
The
$340,000 project has been entirely funded by the City.
Councillor Bruce Harwood – Mayor
It’s
wonderful the Western Beach Boat Yard Reserve has been brought back to life,
showcasing the site’s extensive boat building history whilst adding new
elements to the space.The
project has been a huge collaborative effort between the City, contractors and
other stakeholders over many years to open this prominent piece of foreshore
for public use.
Councillor Peter Murrihy – Deputy Mayor
Geelong
has such a rich maritime history and it’s great to see how original boats and
infrastructure have been utilised in new ways.This
upgraded reserve provides locals and tourists with interesting history and a
place to exercise and socialise, against the backdrop of our world-class
waterfront.
