Proposed Lease of the Port Phillip EcoCentre

Project update

At its meeting on 21 February 2024, Council decided to grant a lease over the Port Phillip EcoCentre site to Port Phillip EcoCentre Incorporated on the following key terms:

Length of lease – 15 years.
Rent – commencing at $104.00 per annum exclusive of GST.
The tenant to be responsible for a schedule of maintenance and for all utilities and outgoings associated with the operation of their service.

Council also authorised the Chief Executive Officer, or their delegate, to execute the lease.

Council officers will now work with the EcoCentre to finalise a lease for the redeveloped facility.

The Engagement Report for this project can be accessed HERE or in the document library on this page.

Further information can be found in the Council Report which is available in the Related Project Links section on this page or via this LINK.

Timeline

Timeline item 1 - complete

Council Meeting

4 October 2023
To approve community engagement on EcoCentre Lease
Timeline item 2 - complete

Engagement period

9 October - 6 November 2023
Timeline item 3 - complete

Consider feedback & prepare report

November/December 2023
Timeline item 4 - complete

Council meeting

February 2024
Decision on the proposed lease
Timeline item 5 - active

Victorian Government approval

February - June 2024

Document Library

Redevelopment of the EcoCentre Facility in the St Kilda Botanical Gardens is underway and due for completion in mid 2024.

Under Council’s Property Policy, leases are typically up to 5 years. The Policy provides guidance that Council may negotiate a non-standard term for a lease or licence in particular circumstances.

The EcoCentre is a unique purpose-built facility co-funded by the Victorian Government for a particular purpose and use and is located on Crown Land. Officers consider that a departure from a 5-year term is justifiable in this instance and have recommended consulting the community on a lease duration up to 15 years. In their report to Council, officers highlighted their considerations relating to a shorter or longer term.

As the EcoCentre Facility is on Crown Land, the Lease requires Victorian Government approval.

Council is consulting on the length of the lease now, to enable approval of the lease by Victorian Government prior to the completion of the construction in mid-2024.

Council has previously engaged the community on the design of Redeveloped EcoCentre - 24 February to 22 March 2020.

Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:

Name	Anthony Savenkov
Phone	0392096777
Email	property@portphillip.vic.gov.au