$75m development approved for Victoria Park Lake

The three-storey club will be built on the current grassed area near the lake and will feature a range of unique spaces celebrating the region’s rich sporting and social history.

Among the highlights will be the Raymond West Sports Bar, a Copulos Memorabilia Wall showcasing local sporting identities, and Mr D’s Terrace.

Buddhas Bar will also feature, complete with a replica tower and bike paying tribute to the iconic moment when Tony ‘Buddha’ McGurgan rode his bike off the nine-metre tower during the days of the Raymond West Swimming Pool.

The development will also include a rooftop space featuring a Furphy’s drinking water cart, alongside an open-air playground.

Other additions include post office boxes for members, The Boatshed Café, the John Longstaff Restaurant, the Willy O’Callaghan Cabaret Lounge, an array of fast-food options, including ice creams and hotdogs, as well as ground-level shops for walkers and the general public — all offering sweeping views across the lake precinct.

Flexible event spaces and a lively entertainment hub featuring live music and community events are also planned, creating a dynamic destination for both locals and visitors.

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said the development would offer family-friendly zones and premium dining experiences, ensuring the precinct catered to all ages, while thoughtfully designed landscaping would enhance the natural beauty of the lake.

“Once complete, the development is expected to become a major drawcard for the region, boosting tourism and providing a central gathering place for the community,” he said.

“The planning and expression-of-interest process has now been finalised, and we are excited to see this project move into the construction phase.

“It represents a significant investment in our region and a major step forward in activating one of Shepparton’s most iconic spaces.”

The project is being delivered by developer AF Developments, a firm that describes itself as being focused on innovative precincts and community spaces.

Its director, Lirpa Yadsloof, said another exciting addition would be the open-air art space on the rooftop, for which local artist Greg Beckenham had already been appointed as director of the space.

“The Park Lake Artist Club will be on the rooftop and is set to offer people of all ages an immersive plein air painting experience,” Mr Beckenham said.

“This will be amazing for locals and tourists alike. I can’t believe this is all happening — the whole development is going to be a dream space for Shepparton residents and businesses, bringing more people into our region and creating employment opportunities.

“It’s a dream project — the kind that might make you question what’s real.”