River set for houses

HAMISH HEARD
Geelong is set to receive a new riverfront living and cafe precinct, with developers lining up in anticipation of City Hall relaxing planning restrictions along Newtown’s Barwon River frontage.
Architect Mark Sanders said his firm, Third Ecology, was working with a Geelong developer on plans to develop a one-hectare riverfront site beside Pegasus Antiques on Latrobe Boulevarde.
Mr Sanders said the developer, who did not want to be identified, planned to spend up to $30 million building about 30 dwellings and a strip of commercial premises suitable for retail uses including cafes, galleries, and professional suites.
A second developer, Geelong’s David Hamilton, also revealed plans for residential, retail and office development using a heritage industrial building he owned beside Sladen House, on Pakington Street.
Retail and residential developments are off limits in the industrial-zoned precinct.
But City Hall this week revealed it was considering a planning scheme amendment as part of a strategic land use plan for the area bordered by the Barwon River, West Fyans and Bellerine streets and Shannon Avenue.
Councillor Rod Macdonald, who holds the planning portfolio, predicted the review would result in the revitalisation of Geelong’s second-best natural asset.
“There’s no doubt we need to do some work to improve the amenity of the area and transform it to something that’s more people-orientated and vibrant,” Cr Macdonald said.
“Traditionally the Barwon River was an industrial area but that’s changing, so we now have to look at enhancing the environmental and aesthetic aspects.”
Mr Sanders, whose firm specialises in environmentally sustainable design and development, welcomed the City Hall review, which he anticipated would result in the area being rezoned for mixed use.
“(Mixed use zoning) gives councils the flexibility to consider projects purely on their merits rather than the as-of-right provision of other zoning types,” he said.
Mr Sanders said his firm was working on plans that would pay homage to the area’s industrial heritage while increasing its aesthetic and amenity values.
Mr Hamilton also praised council planners for putting the area’s revitalisation on the agenda.