Marshall could soon receive 1660 dwellings and up to 5000 new residents after the City of Greater Geelong adopted the Amendment C278ggee – Marshall Precinct Structure Plan.
The amendment seeks to develop 123 hectares of relatively underpopulated rural living land, stretching from the station to Reserve Road in the south and Barwon Heads Road in the east, over the next 10 to 20 years.
Established in the mid-19th century, the suburb of Marshall had a population of 2299 according to the 2021 Census.
The amendment proposes a mixture of conventional housing and medium-to-high density residential development particularly close to Marshall train station, along with areas for limited commercial use.
Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the structure plan provided unique and exciting opportunities for residential development close to Marshall Railway Station.
“It’s rare to have a development right next to a train station,” he said.
“This is a prime opportunity for medium-to-high density residential development close to Geelong’s most important rail corridor.”
Charlemont Ward councillor Emma Sinclair said the PSP struck the right balance between protecting the area’s character and native vegetation and efforts to meet the Victorian government’s target of 128,600 additional homes in Greater Geelong by 2051.
“We can’t just build out – we also need to look for ways to build up in established suburbs with in-fill developments,” she said.
“But while we need to create more housing for our future residents, we also need to protect the charm and character that makes suburbs like Marshall such cherished places to live.”
The amendment rezones the land to Urban Growth Zone Schedule 7, and features provisions to improve drainage, upgrade and realign roads, and protect remnant vegetation, such as Bellarine yellow gums that are native to the area. It also includes provisions for a new intersection on Barwon Heads Road, new shared paths and local parks, and affordable housing contributions.
It is now the last residential PSP in the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area to be adopted by council.
