Developer Robert Green has offered a substantial space in his Centrepoint Square office, next to the Merimbula intersection, at a peppercorn rent for 10 years.

The space would give the MVIC a prominent position, close to parking facilities and effectively remove the burden of an ageing building – the MVIC’s current location in Beach Street – from council’s asset management register.

The Beach Street building is destined for removal in the plans drawn up in the Spiire masterplan for Merimbula’s CBD.

In his presentation to council tourism manager Chris Nicholls said that Merimbula was at the heart of the tourism experience.

“Where we are is a beautiful location but a lousy VIC. It’s so small we can’t do much more with it and it’s restricting our ability to earn funds,” he told council.

The space offered by Mr Green is a bare bones space that requires a fit out, shelving, cabling, computers, displays and light boxes providing the opportunity to promote local tourism businesses. The space would also allow the MVIC to offer local produce and artisanry as well as tourism information.

President of Merimbula Tourism Kevin Philistin said that while they were grateful to council for bequeathing $25,000, in reality the costs would be more than three times that amount.

“We are investigating other avenues. We may be able to look for matching funding.

“It is an ideal space which would give us room for NPWS and Aboriginal content; we have the support of the chamber of commerce who want to see us remain in town but the clock is ticking and we’re now pulling out all the stops to find other funding,” Mr Philistin said.

Mr Nicholls said the new area could be used as a community space in the evenings.