Local politicians, developers, investors, community groups, government agencies and land owners gathered last week to discuss the direction of Geelong’s central business district in the months and years to come.
Held on Tuesday, March 11 and convened by the City of Greater Geelong, the Central Geelong Revitalisation Forum brought together a wide range of stakeholders in the search for ideas, insights and possible solutions for the city’s ailing CBD.
Among the key issues discussed at the forum were the creation of a Special Economic Zone, activating ‘dead spaces’, buses and transport connections, public safety and the redevelopment of Market Square.
Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj ran his 2024 election campaign on ‘making the CBD great again’.
He said revitalising the heart of Geelong was a top priority.
“Making our CBD great motivated me to run for council and I’m determined to lead a united vision to transform the heart of our city,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“Council and I don’t have all the answers, which is why I convened this forum, and everyone in the room had invaluable insights and ideas to contribute.”
The forum comes at a time of great opportunity, with completion of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre little more than a year away.
However, Central Geelong faces both new challenges and old; to name just two, the local hospitality and nightlife industry is yet to recover post-pandemic, and the near-empty Market Square remains an albatross around the city’s neck.
Ramsey Property Group director and forum panel chair Samantha Ramsey said the discussion had created real outcomes.
“Every city faces challenges,” Ms Ramsey said.
“I was thrilled to be involved in the CBD Revitalisation Forum, which brought together key stakeholders that allowed for meaningful discussion and provided genuine actionable and tangible suggestions to address the challenges we face in Geelong CBD to enhance this beautiful city.”
The event was emceed by Local Government News Roundup podcast host and forum Chris Eddy.
Mr Eddy said the event promoted a lively discussion.
“It was a pleasure to be involved as emcee for the forum,” Mr Eddy said.
“There was terrific engagement in the room, and boundless enthusiasm and passion to capitalise on opportunities for Victoria’s second largest city.”
The City is now working to collate the results of the forum and prioritise what steps to take moving forward.
