The building of the new Shepparton Art Museum next door and four-star accommodation being created had been flagged as part of the future proposal for the broader new SAM site.
This had presented something of an elephant in the room for the facility’s long-term future.
In recent years, however, support appears to have emerged for sticking with the existing site and the council has made moves to purchase the site.
A tranche of new works will see a caretaker’s office removed and an entrance relocated. Essentially this appears to be pushing the caravan park site south-west to enable the creation of the new SAM, including its car park, and to ensure this is not impeded.
It is pleasing the facility will continue to operate while the new SAM is being built in the next two years.
And surely, the emergence of a world-class art museum next door can only boost its business potential and the value of its prime position on the lake.
But herein lies the question: what will become of the facility once the new SAM has been built?
While some councillors have in recent times argued for the retention of the site as a caravan park, that initial four-star accommodation facility direction stands in contrast to this.
The option of mixed-use accommodation, including cabin accommodation, could present a sensible middle ground.
This leads to other questions that are as yet difficult to answer. What will be the accommodation appetite for visitors to the new SAM and is there interest in developing this?
For now, there are a couple of years during which the new SAM will be built where some of these answers will likely emerge.
Time will tell.
17°C