By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A PROPOSED 12-storey office building on a Kings Funerals site in Myers St, Geelong, has earned planning approval.
The proposed building aims to snare tenants from government agencies the National Disability Insurance Agency and Victorian Workcover Authority.
The permit allows for a main entry from Myers St with a secondary access point on Fenwick St.
The building would be “best practice in terms of environmentally sustainable design, flexible floor plates and setback from Myers St as the building rises in height”. It would predominately be glazed with areas of landscaping and green walls.
Mayor Darryn Lyons said he was excited the project had been given the go ahead.
“The City has been working with Kings Funerals throughout the planning process to ensure their permit was lodged quickly and thoroughly,” he said.
“It’s great to have a number of projects for Geelong’s CBD, some of which have been granted approval and others are still in the pre-application stage with council planners.
“We’re a 21st Century smart city with a thriving city centre that has lots of potential for growth.
“Council is open for business, with more investment and development in the CBD.”
Cr Lyons said council’s Central Geelong Action Plan aimed to attract more investment initiatives such as the new high-rise office space.
Two other high-rise office buildings are also targeting the NDIA and VWA as tenants.
Proponent Michael King said the “landmark” building would also target the insurance industry and a proposed defence procurement office for Geelong.
“There are a whole range of service industries that will be eyeing Geelong off the back of the Workcover and NDIA locations here,” Mr King said.
“While I think we are well placed to participate in the public government tender process for those agencies, if we’re unsuccessful there are many other potential tenants.
“There’s an enormous amount of interest nationally in Geelong.”
Mr King said Kings Funerals would continue to operate as normal from its facilities at Newcomb and Grovedale, with the possibility of a third site being added.
