Council last night resolved to grant a 15-year lease to BelgraviaPRO for the Forrest Caravan Park, with a 5-year extension option and a start date to be within six months of 16 May 2022.
"Council is delighted BelgraviaPRO will be the new lessee of the Forrest Caravan Park and believes the improvements they have planned will be a huge asset as Forrest moves forwards in its tourism aims," said Colac Otway Shire Council Mayor, Cr Kate Hanson.
BelgraviaPRO has more than 200 wellness, aquatic, health and leisure, and holiday parks throughout Australia and New Zealand, complementing its offerings in spa and wellness, as well as being a registered training organisation providing specialist and nationally recognised qualifications in resorts, parks and tourism operations and management.
"I've seen BelgraviaPRO facilities and read their submission, including their corporate, community engagement and environmental strategies," said Cr Potter. "I think they will do a very good job."
"It's a very important facility for Forrest," said Cr Hart. "I also acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the existing leaseholders, especially given the past couple of difficult years with COVID and its effects on tourism businesses."
The Forrest Caravan Park is currently the main provider of visitor accommodation to the township and an expression of interest (EOI) process for lease of the site was open between 28 June 2021 and 22 October 2021. Importantly extensive feedback from the community informed the key terms and principles included in the EOI.
Council will now finalise lease documentation and organise signing by both parties.
