VECCI points out centre site

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A SITE for Geelong’s proposed convention centre will be decided within a week, according to Mayor John Mitchell.
“The convention centre steering committee will be meeting within the week to decide on a preferred location,” he said.
“The committee will make a recommendation for council to consider.”
Cr Mitchell was responding to a call from Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief Mark Stone for council to settle on a site.
“For goodness sake, just make a decision,” Mr Stone told a business breakfast.
“We know the Deakin University (waterfront car park) site is off the books.
“In my opinion it must have a water view, so council must look at Limeburner’s Point.”
Cr Mitchell said the site had been the sticking point for the development.
“Everyone is right. We need to come up with a preferred location but we were waiting on answers.
“The reality is we can now move on.”
Council has identified Limburner’s Point as a preferred site identified along with Hearne Pde at Eastern Beach, a former Winter and Taylor dealership yard in Mercer St and Myers St’s Haymarket car park.
Council tourism portfolio holder Bruce Harwood said City Hall was “working hard” to announce the site.
“It will be greatest economic driver in the region, so it’s worth getting it right.”
The Independent revealed last week that the convention centre could be part of a new precinct on the waterfront along with a proposed mineral springs spa.
Cr Rod Macdonald, who holds council’s planning portfolio, said the two drawcards could be linked.