Proposal tabled to build a fine arts faculty and community facilities at Spring Creek

BY NATHAN HALE

SPRING Creek could be turned into a hub for the community - encompassing a fine arts centre, cinema and café - that is 

the vision of Rodney Foord, one of the most vocal opposers of development in the area.

As the extent of development of the Spring Creek area remains up in the air, Foord said his vision was a viable option to widespread residential building.

"It is all about finding an acceptable, viable alternative solution - other than that proposed - regarding the growth option in the Spring Creek area," Foord said.

"This type of development would take up approximately 40 per cent - maximum - of the valley.

"It could contain a campus for fine arts - including a high-quality art gallery - possibly a cinema and café.

"A performing arts faculty could include an indoor and outdoor auditorium, possibly with a film studio, and also an environmental science faculty.

"I think it is a lot better option that having widespread residential development throughout the valley."

Foord, who along with David Bell has been one of the leading activists against the development of Spring Creek, said the idea was a pro-active vision which could be beneficial to both the community and developers.

With the Surf Coast Shire set to take its Sustainable Futures Torquay Jan Juc 2040 paper to community debate shortly, Foord said viable alternatives needed to be tabled - and sooner rather than later.

"It is not good enough to sit back and not do anything," Foord said.

"This is an idea which could have great benefits for the entire region - not just for Torquay and Jan Juc.

"If we had a fine arts campus you would have an influx of students to the community - who would in turn boost the local economy through accommodation needs, recreational spending and employment opportunities.

"At the moment, the majority of the arts and entertainment are around the Bell Street precinct and this is an opportunity to develop something new which would work for the entire community.

"The concentration of tourists is also currently centred around the caravan park, Bell Street and front beach areas.

"This would take pressure off those areas and there is also the opportunity to extend walking and cycling tracks 
from the town through the valley to the area."

Foord also acknowledged there would be residential development in the valley.

While his idea might not be popular with developers - who have purchased large parcels of land in a bid to turn them into residential developments - Foord said the option might prove the best offer they receive.

"Obviously the developers would like to turn the valley into residential housing, but if it is decided they cannot put large scale housing in the valley, this could be a way of them getting some return for their investment," Foord said.

"It might not be the ideal scenario, but it is something I think is worthy of consideration."

Have your say on the community hub idea for Spring Creek by emailing Letters to the editor at editor@surfcoasttimes.com.au