The PS Oscar W will have to squeeze up to make room for a commercial enterprise in the revamped Goolwa Wharf Shed, following an Alexandrina council decision.

At its February 20 meeting, the council allocated just under half the available space, 102.4m2, to the PS Oscar W and 105.6m2 to the commercial tenant.

Both tenancies will also receive outdoor area allocations. 

Nigel Robinson spoke to the meeting on behalf of the Friends of PS Oscar W, Hectors and Market Stallholders, while Steve Ramsey spoke as Director of the Wharf Barrel Shed. 

The allocation move was driven by Alexandrina North ward councillor Christie Thornton, who asked councillors to support the proposal in the interests of future tourism and revenue.

“The commercial space needs enough room for a kitchen to be installed as well as ample seating. If ample seating can’t be provided due to not gaining this additional bay, then this business or any future business may not be viable.”

She noted that offsite storage locations had been offered to the PS Oscar W.

“This new proposed layout provides an equal share of the shed to both parties and will benefit all involved, Oscar will be able to use the area outside for their hard stands giving them even more useable space than the commercial tenancy. 

“Commercial space brings revenue that’ll benefit council for years to come and help pay for the wharf and other projects. 

“This decision needs to be made now, so many people are waiting on us to be able to move forward and make plans.”

Alexandrina Council CEO Nigel Morris says it was an important and well considered decision. 

“The Wharf Precinct Project is about renewing our riverfront assets while activating the space to create a vibrant riverfront, enriched with culture and history. 

“The allocation of space was one of the final pieces of the puzzle to be locked in, which now allows us to go full steam ahead with the project to meet the tight completion timeframes required to by the $5,000,000 grant funding received for the Wharf Precinct Project and the $980,000 grant funding received for the Signal Point Experience Centre. 

“Council is committed to reconstructing the historic Wharf Shed with improvements such as internal lining and glazing and we have also committed to fitting-out the Oscar W tenancy at the cost of around $250,000 to ensure the space meets the needs to Oscar W Volunteers and maximises the space to create an iconic visitor experience in the River Boat Centre. 

“In addition to the Wharf Shed allocation, the Riverboat stories, including those of the Oscar W will be told in the Signal Point Experience Centre, a new story telling exhibition to be opened late 2023.”

“The proposed public toilets have been removed from the Wharf Shed to maximise space for both the Oscar W facility and the commercial tenant, with the council resolving that the toilet facility will be relocated as a stand-alone building.” 

Full details of the Goolwa Wharf Precinct Project are on the Alexandrina Council website. 

Alexandrina Council is down two councillors in its decision making at present while South ward’s Peter Oliver and West Ward’s Michael Scott await the outcome of their appeals for reinstatement.

They are among 45 councillors across the state who did not lodge their election campaign returns on time, as required by legislation, and were stood down.