By LUKE VOOGT
THE Ocean Grove streetscape will change dramatically over the next few years, with a number of buildings over 10 metres tall planned for the CBD.
Character Building recently released concept drawings for a 10.5-metre apartment building at 97 The Terrace.
The building will be taller than the planned motel at 99 The Terrace (although with one less level).
According to plans for both buildings submitted to the council, the apartment building will have a greater area than the motel.
The building’s designer, Mike Higgins, said new State and council legislation could see similar buildings being built near Ocean Grove’s CBD.
“In a lot of areas the direction has been towards higher density,” he said.
He said residents could expect more buildings this size within a 700m radius of the CBD, as well as in Barwon Heads.
Character Building owns the property, and manager Chris Cornell was keen to begin construction and promote the new luxury apartments.
“We’re really looking forward to bringing it to the market in the coming weeks,” he said.
“It’s a pretty exciting development for Ocean Grove.”
Mr Cornell said several apartments will have water views without “the price tag people have come to expect”.
He expects them to appeal to downsizers, first home buyers and professional families.
There were only four objections made before the council approved a permit for the building.
Mr Cornell said these weren’t regarding the building itself but rather design details.
