The Port Fairy Business Association has called a meeting for tomorrow night to discuss proposed plans for the new building, which will replace one previously occupied by Wisharts at the Wharf.

The draft plans, released last month by the Port of Port Fairy, retain the current footprint but involve the development of a single-storey building based on what has operated in the past.

Business association member Peter Bond said it was important that people who worked in the central business district, as well as tourist operators, had input.

“This building may be at the wharf, but the issue is very much a whole-town thing because this area is such a showpiece of Port Fairy,” Mr Bond said.

“We want to get as many ideas and thoughts out there as we can on this very important issue.”

Mr Bond said he personally believed a “beautiful building” was needed to make the most of an outstanding part of the town.

“The correct building should give unfettered and unique views of our river and its surroundings. This could only be done with a two-storey building, with panoramic windows, outdoor and roof-top decking.”

Port Fairy resident Fiona Hampson has created a petition calling for the plans to be altered to allow for a double-storey development and has already collected 130 signatures.

Ms Hampson said the meeting of the business and tourism communities was a good step in finding the best result for the development of the site.

“I feel there wasn’t enough consultation about the future of what is a very important development for the town,” Ms Hampson said.

“I believe the King George Square building is an ... important site for the town and we have only been given one option for it.”

Friday night’s meeting will begin at 6pm in Brookes hardware. 

Port officials have also scheduled a public meeting on Thursday, August 7 at 7pm in the community services centre.