City ‘laneways’ plan

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG could rival Melbourne for a laneway culture, according to Planning Minister Mathew Guy.
Mr Guy made the comparison when he announced $1 million for a central Geelong laneways project in the city on Wednesday.
“Geelong (has) a lot going for it, with a perfect north-facing waterfront location,” he said.
“It has the ability to grow, it has the (potential) for a great laneway culture and this government will do everything it can to work with the council and (regional councils alliance group) G21 to ensure that can come about.”
Mr Guy said the laneways project would aim to reinvigorate public spaces and create pedestrian links throughout the city centre.
“The funding will improve public-realm works, purchase community facilities as well as art works and upgrade the city’s arcades and laneways.
“The money will be used to further enhance the vibrant centre of Geelong by improving connections for locals and visitors as well as improving accessibility and attracting investment. Laneways encourage pedestrian traffic that in turn sustains a range of business activity, from restaurants to cafes to galleries and shops.”
Mr Guy said the funding supported the Government’s partnership with council, Deakin University and Committee for Geelong on a Visition 2 project to revitalise the city centre.
The Government would also support proposals to include city centre residential accommodation, Mr Guy said.
He also outlined the Government’s “vision for the future” of Geelong.
“The Government wants to provide for sustained residential growth in the Lara and Armstrong Creek communities, ensuring issues around land supply, affordability and infrastructure are taken into account,” he said.
Mr Guy said he had approved a Lara Structure Plan to support residential growth. The Government would consider separately a controversial proposal for development on Caddy’s Road.
“I will be rezoning areas in and around Lara in coming weeks to give certainty to the greater Geelong community about growth in the area.”
Mr Guy said he would bring forward land releases in Armstrong Creek’s western, Horseshoe Bend and Marshall precincts before the end of the year.
“There’s no point identifying 20,000 lots on a map if they’re not available for development.”