BARHAM’S entertainment and sporting venue is investigating options for the future use and development of two community assets.
The sites include the Barham Lakes Complex and soon-to-be retired bowling club at Cobwell Street.
“As a community-based not-for-profit, cluBarham values the opinions of its members and broader community and would like to hear ideas/suggestions on how these sites could be improved to deliver maximum benefits to the community,” the club said in a survey.
“cluBarham is open to considering any ideas that provide improved social or recreational opportunities for the community; promote population growth within our township; generate increased tourism to the area; bolster the financial sustainability of cluBarham, and; provide for further economic benefit to the community.”
The lakes complex is a significant 33ha riverfront parcel containing protected manmade lakes.
“cluBarham would like to re-establish the site for public use and enjoyment in association with other feasible and complementary land uses,” the survey said.
“6 Cobwell Street is an 8000 sqm site containing the soon to be retired bowling greens and associated clubhouse facility which is constructed within approximately 20m of the Murray River.
“cluBarham considers that the site may have potential as a tourism precinct incorporating accommodation, fine dining and other complementary land uses.”
cluBarham recently engaged town planning and engineering consultants to undertake investigations to determine what land uses are permitted under current planning legislation and to understand any constraints and limitations with regards to services and infrastructure.
The public was provided with a summary of the information to assist and guide submissions.
Both sites are currently zoned RE2 Private Recreation, which permits a range of recreation, tourism and hospitality-focused land uses including but not limited to food and drink premises; indoor or outdoor recreation facilities; registered club facilities; indoor or outdoor function centres; entertainment facilities and amusement centres; tourism and visitor accommodation, and; camping grounds/caravan parks.
“Residential land use is generally not permitted under current planning controls other than potentially in specific circumstances subject to council approval,” the survey said.
These included a manufactured homes estate at the lakes site. This is a business model where individual house sites are rented to residents who purchase and install a moveable dwelling.
The bowling site could be used for seniors housing (independent living) for people aged 60 and over.
Engineering studies have confirmed that all utility services are available in proximity to both sites.
Some of the land uses that are not permitted at both sites under current planning controls include retail, industry, artisan food and drink industry and business premises.
The survey can be found at clubarham.com.au
