By NOEL MURPHY
VICROADS has come under attack from Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons for objecting to plans for digital rooftop signs in the city centre.
The historic Bank of New South Wales building, at the corner of Moorabool and Ryrie, would have its distinctive orange brick third-floor facade partially covered by ever-changing advertising under the Independent Outdoor Media proposal.
But VicRoads has argued the signs could be a distraction for drivers, endangering large numbers of vehicles and pedestrians, frustrating Cr Lyons, who told the Independent the project was an important part of an essential revival needed in the CBD.
“I’m furious, I’m appalled at VicRoads’ attitude,” Cr Lyons said.
“This has the full support of the mayor and councillors and City officers.
“I’m so excited about this idea, I think it’s fantastic for the city.
“This intersection used to be called Picadilly Corner and this is trying to bring a bit of modern-day Piccadilly, a bit of Times Square, a bit of Young & Jacksons, to Geelong.”
The iOM plan calls for a central LED panel of 4.5 by three metres flanked by two static faces of 18.9 by two metres.
The Richmond-based company would spend $100,000 on the signs and claims the signage will be designed to “complement the architecture of the building as well as the streetscape”.
Its town planning application to City Hall suggests the building “could become somewhat of a major landmark in Geelong”. The signs would be directly south of the T&G building with its distinctive “Farmer and Son” bell tower.
Chris Tsorotes, of building owner Caldain Pty Ltd, and who lives on the top floor, said the sign plan “all started with a semi crazy idea” but professed to being “very excited if it can be pulled off”.
“This will play another small part in truly reinvigorating Geelong CBD,” he said.
The plans are expected to be voted on by the city council next month.
