Redevelopment of the old Slipway in Lakes Entrance as an open space for public use has recommenced, with a likely completion date of July this year.

Passers-by in recent weeks will have noticed increased activity as Council’s in-house building crew has commenced concreting works and repairs to the sheds on site.

Steel works and the concourse concrete slab will be completed in coming weeks.

Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said redevelopment of the iconic Slipway site will reinvigorate a key piece of infrastructure and will enhance the visitor experience,encouraging visitors to stay longer and return.

“Once finalised the project will create a new open space with a large multi-tiered deck area, the hardstand area will be resurfaced, winch sheds refurbished and artwork and bench seating added,” Cr Reeves said.

“This project will create opportunities for hospitality and arts enterprises, local community groups and friends and family to gather. The Slipway site will become an inviting public open space in an idyllic waterfront location,” Cr Reeves said.

The Slipway is a 5,400 square metre Crown land site. It operated as a slipway from1948 to 2005, when operations were transferred to a new Bullock Island Boat Yard facility. It has remained largely unused for the past 15 years.

Redevelopment of the Slipway site was identified as a priority action in the Lakes Entrance Foreshore Management Plan 2012 and the more recent Lakes Entrance CBD Masterplan.