Oatmill precinct receives facelift

DEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY: Co-owner of the Oatmill Precinct Mark Balnaves is looking forward to the massive redevelopment.

Charlotte Varcoe

THE Oatmill Precinct will receive a facelift scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.

The heritage-listed property – which will be called “The Mills” – will have $1m invested in its redesign aiming to enhance the area into a tourist attraction.

The forecourt at what was previously CJ’s Steakhouse Bar and Lounge will also be transformed and brought forward to include an outdoor area.

A translucent roof will be installed over the top with interactive lights with a new hospitality area already in the works.

Joint owner, Mark Balnaves said the redevelopment was an exciting adventure.

“The first thing we did was organise a new air conditioning system for the site that uses carbon dioxide storage which is very energy efficient,” Mr Balnaves said.

“After that the next big piece of work was the master plan where we worked with architects, councils and council heritage advisors.

“There is a real opportunity for this site including preserving the heritage.

“The architects and other investors have done a lot of heritage work so we are very comfortable working with these buildings.”

Although the works had not yet begun, Mr Balnaves said there was already an interest in tenancies for the area.

“We do have one tenant who has expressed interest and they want a hospitality-styled venue which we are excited for,” he said.

“We also have a mix of tenants who are interested and will be able to support each other.

“I also think there is a great opportunity for a distillery in town and I think that has been proven very popular around Australia at the moment.”

Mr Balnaves said he and other investors saw real potential in Mount Gambier and believed the region continued to grow strong economically.

“We saw the Oatmill Precinct as a growth area and an underutilised area,” he said.

“I think the timing of the redevelopment of the centre of Mount Gambier fits in well with this because it is an opportunity for residents and tourists to have a better food and beverage experience as well as better amenities and more options.”