New life for Old Slipway at Lakes Entrance

Residents and visitors to Lakes Entrance will have access to a new outdoor dining experience over summer at the reactivated Old Slipway site.

Following an Expression of Interest process undertaken by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Gippsland Ports and East Gippsland Shire Council, the opportunity to transform the site has been awarded to the Slipway Collective.

The Slipway Collective is a group of local business owners who have collaborated to reactivate this unique 5,400 square metre space.

DELWP Regional Manager Land and Built Environment Programs Gippsland, Carole Macmillan, said: “The opportunity for the Lakes Entrance business community to capitalise on this fantastic space through a relatively low-cost redevelopment of this special site, sits at the heart of the reason the Slipway Collective was successful in its application.”

“The redevelopment is expected to provide local businesses with an opportunity to operate their ventures during the day and evening trading hours, with high quality, local produce and entertainment available to visitors,” Ms Macmillan said.

Slipway Collective representative, Benjamin Gerbert, said: "The Slipway Collective is thrilled with the opportunity to breathe new life into this space, which will soon play host to some of Gippsland's finest food, beer, dairy, arts and local flair for the region to enjoy."  

Works will begin soon, with the reactivated Old Slipway set to officially open in time for residents and tourists to enjoy over the coming summer season.

The Old Slipway will operate during peak season between December and April.

The ‘Slipway Collective’ is made up of  Sam Malhook, Miriams - wharf to plate casual dining; Sallie Jones, Gippsland Jersey -  ice cream/milkshakes; Gab & Chris Moore, Sailors Grave & Friends - local craft beer and Gippsland wine; Andrew Collier, Seasalt Bakery -  artisan local sourdough; Andrea Lane, Float - art activations and people power, and John Keeble, Event Studio’s Australia - modular corporate studio infrastructure