Public land development investigation

Geelong Railway Station

Under-used sites like the Haymarket car park, Lt Ryrie St car park and the civic accommodation site in Mercer St could be commercialised under a City plan.

Mayor Darryn Lyons said it was time to look “creatively and commercially” at central Geelong land.

He said a $120,000 investigation into potential of key sites in Central Geelong would identify development opportunities.

“I’ve got big plans for Geelong and a dynamic city heart will be at the centre of our success,” Cr Lyons said.

“Now is the time for change and we need to be looking creatively and commercially at these sites that have huge potential.”

Other sites in the investigation are Lt Malop St car park Civic car park, busport, government services site in Mercer St and Geelong Railway Station.

Central Geelong Taskforce chair Cr Michelle Heagney said the investigation was part of the Central Geelong Action Plan.

“It’s time for action, and this is just one step forward in our 15-year blueprint for attracting more investment, business and people to Central Geelong.

“Our goal is to capitalise on well-positioned sites and our brief for the review includes up to 10 Council and State Government owned parcels of land.”

“As well as being potential catalysts for attracting people to the city centre, commercialisation of these sites will stimulate investment activity and potentially create a revenue base for funding other Central Geelong Action Plan initiatives.

“Following completion of the review we’re expecting the next step will be an expression of interest process for priority sites.”

The sites investigation will be funded jointly by the City ($50,000) and State Government ($70,000).