DEVELOPERS of the Oatmill complex have released a blueprint to revitalise the sprawling inner city heritage precinct into potentially office and tourist-related business spaces.
A massive and cutting edge air-conditioning system was yesterday lifted onto the roof of the Oatmill Cinema, which is the first step in the rejuvenation of the historic Oatmill site.
Artist impressions of the proposed “urban regeneration project” was exclusively released to The Border Watch yesterday, showing a sweeping plan to transform the prominent site into a bustling precinct with multiple tenancies.
Key external features of the plan – which has yet to gain approval – includes a paved laneway, timber decking, improved access, amphitheatre seating, courtyard garden and extensive landscaping.
Prominent Adelaide developer Mark Balnaves – who owns the site along with a syndicate of investors – said a masterplan for the site had been lodged with Mount Gambier City Council for consideration.
He said the “rejuvenation” blueprint would include a new colour scheme and renovated areas for a potential office space, microbrewery/hospitality or other business ventures.
“This is exciting, we have had a lot of tenant inquiry. It will be a significant investment,” the developer said.
“A significant amount of work will be done across the site. We are prepared to make this investment to secure decent leases.”
He said he was buoyed the Oatmill proposal would complement the wider redevelopment occurring in this area of the inner city, which included the ALDI and Coles developments.
“This is all positive for this part of the city,” Mr Balnaves said.
Explaining his company had a solid track record in managing commercial developments in historic precincts, he described the Oatmill as a unique and attractive site for a major redevelopment.
He said the new air-conditioning unit installed on the cinema’s roof yesterday would also see the defunct system removed from the laneway behind the cinema.
“This will open up the laneway for events such as markets,” Mr Balnaves revealed.
The air-conditioning system – manufactured by Glaciem – is considered to b “extremely
energy efficient” and environmental friendly.
Kennett Builders regional manager Stuart Allen said the company – which would undertake the redevelopment works – was thrilled to be part of this important inner city renewal project for such a prominent site.
Overseeing the installation of the air-conditioning system yesterday, he revealed the purpose-built unit – which had been sitting in the carpark in recent days – weighed 12 tonne and would deliver state of cooling and heating to the cinema.
“It is 12 metres long by 4.5metres wide. It was so large it was not allowed to be transported through the Heysen Tunnels near Adelaide,” Mr Allen said.
“We have a meeting next week to decide an approach to the masterplan. We want to do a few things before winter sets in.
“There are a few water damaged areas that need urgent attention.”
He said the process also needed to go through heritage approval.
Kennett Builders was the lead builder on the Mount Gambier ALDI project last year and built the quickest ALDI warehouse in Australia.
The company is currently undertaking the terminal refurbishment and extension at Mount Gambier Regional Airport.
The history of the Oatmill dates back to 1867 when Commercial Flour Mills was established.
Operations ceased in 1975 and parts of it have been used for cinema, retail and restaurant purposes since 1984.
