New designs featuring an expanded Johnstone Park leading to a green spine along Malop Street to Eastern Gardens have been revealed.
City Hall released its draft plans for Malop Street to seek public consultation before moving ahead with its City in a Park and green spine visions, investment and attraction general manager Brett Luxford said.
City officers were also collaborating with the State Government on its separate master plan for Johnstone Park, Mr Luxford said.
The State’s plan could be incorporated with the City in a Park concept, he said.
Work on the Johnstone Park master plan was considering issues such as the park’s drainage, the health of its existing trees and heritage aspects.
An archaeological investigation in conjunction with the park upgrade began trying to locate a set of historical stairs near Gheringhap Street yesterday, Mr Luxford said.
The investigation was using probes to pinpoint the stairs and determine whether they remained intact or in restorable condition.
“If the stairs are located and are found to be in good condition, options will be investigated to integrate them within the new park master plan,” Mr Luxford said.
The Indy reported last June that former councillor Tony Ansett had called for the stairs to be dug up and reinstated, “perhaps further west on the path through the park”.
The plans for the green spine and Johnstone Park were revealed this week as council began dismantalling its successful but temporary Malop Street Lab, one of several projects to improve the amenity of key city streets.
The Malop Street Lab would return in October with new designs, “giving the community a realistic experience of what the future of the street will be”, the City said.
Schematic plans for the Malop Street Green Spine between Gheringhap and Yarra streets will go on display for public feedback.
Mr Luxford said creating a high-amenity street environment would improve opportunities for businesses and encourage new investment and development.
“This will deliver more trees and green spaces to the heart of the city, transforming it into an attractive and inviting place.”
The first section for reconstruction was between Clare and Moorabool streets, Mr Luxford said.
The State Government has committed $3 million to the project in addition to $4.5 million from Council.
“At this stage funding is only available for this first section. Council is currently seeking funding to deliver the balance of the street between Gheringhap and Yarra streets,” Mr Luxford said.
The council would finalise the plans before working with affected businesses to manage construction and minimise impacts.
“Construction is expected to commence in early 2017 and finish by the end of the year.”
Feedback is open until 13 May at The Workshop, 100 Moorabool Street, or online at
geelongaustralia.com.au/revitalisation/greenspine
