Dimboola Hotel site to house new community arts space

On Monday, the people of Dimboola lined the corner of Lochiel and Lloyd Street to watch installation of the hexagonal tower - a design which pays homage to the original octagonal parapet featured in the original Dimboola Hotel building.

The open community arts and reflection space project, which is currently unnamed, will use the vacant space where the old Dimboola Hotel once sat.

The hotel burned down in 2003, with the land sitting vacant until the new tower was installed.

Dimboola Arts Inc. member Jo Donolly said the community felt satisfaction in completing the first step of the long-planned project.

"We are all so proud, the team that have been involved with this were all so overwhelmed. I think the public as well, they were all so proud," she said.

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"There were people here from all ages. We have already had some visitors to town, it was just amazing to see."

The Dimboola community arts and reflection space project was funded through the Victorian Government's Pick My Project Initiative, where people can vote on community projects for the government to extend funding towards.

Once finished, the space will feature decking built along the exact floor plan of the Dimboola Hotel, a community garden and play area, and pergolas extending from the tower.

Hindmarsh Shire Council has donated steel beams and timber from a previous bridge upgrade project to upcycle for the site.

The tower features laser cut artwork of various native flora and fauna. Dimboola students were asked to submit their favourite designs for the tower, which were collected and sent to a local artist to compile.

Ms Donolly hopes the community park will be a centrepiece for the town's tourism.

"I think a lot of people said it was great to see something happening on this block, because for a long time nothing was happening, it was a desolate landscape," she said.

"It was a bit of a scar on the landscape because they all had fond memories of the hotel itself and then to have a reminder that they have lost it and that nothing had happened - I don't think they ever thought something would happen. And then to see this, people were so elated.

"We would really love for people to have a look at the tower and the site, and there is a lot more to come, there will be pergolas going around the outside and gardens.

"There will be something going up on the wall as well. It will be a real community space."

Ms Donolly thanked land owner Graeme Schneider for providing the vacant block, Jayden and Richard Lehmann for building the tower, and many others for their role in making the plans a reality.

The Dimboola Arts Inc. committee has called on the community to name the new site. To submit an idea, message Dimboola Arts Inc. on Facebook.

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