Let’s grow up

ERIN PEARSON
HIGH-RISE buildings could be the key to revitalising central Geelong, according to Liberal MP Andrew Katos.
The Member for South Barwon told a lunch meeting of developers that the central city area’s height restrictions should be lifted.
“If you’re going to renew the CBD, maybe go a bit higher,” he said.
“I’m not talking about a Rialto but I think making buildings higher is a good idea. St Mary’s (church) no longer needs to be the tallest building in Geelong.”
Mr Katos called for the removal of height restrictions as he revealed the Baillieu Government’s plan for residential growth around Geelong at the Urban Development Institute of Australia meeting earlier this month.
The April 15 Independent revealed that the plan earmarked Lara, Lovely Banks and Batesford as well as existing growth targets such as Torquay and Ocean Grove.
Mr Katos said taller buildings in central Geelong was part of the growth plan.
Geelong’s existing development overlay encourages proposals to match the height of adjacent buildings without impeding the “visual dominance” of landmarks such as St Mary’s Church. The overlay restricts buildings in central Geelong’s business zone one to six storeys and to four in zone two.
Plans for taller buildings are permitted in the city’s Western Wedge precinct.
Mr Katos suggested Deakin University could play a “major role” in encouraging waterfront growth and student housing in Geelong.
Deakin Vice Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander backed an increase in height limits as part of the university’s plans for a “major increase” in student numbers in central Geelong.
The university’s Waterfront campus would increase student numbers to around 10,000 over the next decade, she said.
“Clearly, these students will need to be accommodated somewhere close to the campus and there will be a need for an increase in student accommodation in the Geelong CBD.
“An increase in the height restriction of developments in the CBD would seem to be a sensible approach to encouraging further development.