DEMOLITION of an eyesore in the Port Fairy town centre and the construction of new shops and offices will be voted on by Moyne Shire councillors tomorrow.
The former petrol station on Bank Street has been earmarked to house the proposed Bendigo Community Bank branch, which has the financial support it needed to go ahead.
Moyne planning officers have backed blueprints to tear down the disused brick building and construct a two-storey building featuring six shops and upstairs accommodation.
Port Fairy & District Community Bank chairman Peter Langley said $15 million in business was already on the books for the bank which is yet to open doors.
Mr Langley said the 11-strong team of volunteers behind the branch was awaiting council approval so it could release a prospectus.
“That’s all we’re waiting for,” Mr Langley said.
“We’re at a critical stage of the process ... we have a site and we have a business plan.
“We want to be in the building by Christmas this year.”
He said there was a shortage of shop fronts in the town.
But Bank Street traders and artists from the Whalebone Gallery have raised objections with the council over the loss of several car parks.
About seven car spaces will be left at the address.
The development plans will go before all seven councillors at Moyne Shire’s monthly meeting tomorrow night in Port Fairy.
s.mccomish@fairfaxmedia.com.au