By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG’S council is likely to include funding for a feasibility study into a convention centre at Limeburner’s Point in City Hall’s next budget, according to Cr Bruce Harwood.
Cr Harwood, this week reelected as deputy mayor, said Limeburner’s was still the designed site.
Former mayor Keith Fagg halted the project because he wanted to revisit other potential sites, particularly Deakin University’s waterfront campus car park.
“We’re pushing hard with the steering committee to put some funds in the budget for a feasibility study so we can progress the vision,” Cr Harwood said.
“Instead of waiting for a particular piece of land to become available, we need to keep moving. We’re back on track.
“We’re more than happy with Limeburner’s and what it presents to the City.”
Cr Harwood said council would strongly consider any “waterfront site” that became available.
“But at this point we have Limeburner’s designated as the site. It is the City saying where we want to build it.
“We’re not dismissing any other options but Limeburner’s represents great future potential.”
Cr Harwood said the Limeburner’s site offered complementary development opportunities with Australian Animal Health Laboratories and a future Geelong Centre for Emerging Diseases.
“A strong research and development sector around these two important facilities would enhance the prospects for broader use of a convention centre,” Cr Harwood said.
The site also offered opportunities to tie in with a potential mineral spa and Yarra St Pier development, he said.
