It’s remarkable to consider the post-war development that occurred in Geelong’s north.
Homes popped up in their hundreds to accommodate workers who flocked to the industrial giants of the day, such as Ford, Shell, International Harvester, Pilkington Glass and Rylands.
Norlane was effectively transformed from farmland in the mid-1940s to a thriving working-class suburb within a decade.
To cater to the massive influx of residents, Labuan Square shopping centre opened in 1954.
It became a local hub of economic and social activity.
Given its 70-year history, so many Geelong people have a connection to it.
My mum fondly remembers my grandfather’s hardware/electronics store in Labuan Square, which he ran during the ’70s and ’80s.
However as the key manufacturing sites shut down, and the larger shopping centre at Corio absorbing trade, the strip suffered and declined.
But it is still here, and we know the local community is keen to see Labuan Square revived.
When Council first committed to an upgrade of Labuan Square, we asked residents what they valued most about the area.
A total of 180 community members provided their input, which helped us to focus on improving the streetscape with better surfaces, play items, furniture, and gardens.
We were thankfully able to expand the scope of our own $405,000 project, with the support of the state government.
A total of $326,000 from the government allowed us to upgrade the lighting, install new toilet facilities, and generally improve amenities.
By working together, we’ve helped to create a more welcoming and vibrant space, and delivered a much better outcome for the community.
The upgrade was officially opened earlier this month, and features:
– The above-mentioned streetscape improvements, plus smart nodes, CCTV and free public wifi
– Additional amenities, such as a toilet, shelter, and children’s waterplay fountain; and
– A fantastic public mural, by Nikki McKenzie, Norm Stanley and Tarryn Love, which highlights First Nations creativity and culture.
As part of our commitment for this to be a community-led project, we collaborated with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Norlane Community Initiatives.
Both the landscaping and the art installations reference the nearby Cowies Creek, providing a unique, local touch and a strong sense of community pride.
This upgrade is a big step towards the reactivation that this part of Geelong deserves.
It is now over to the community to take it further.
I encourage other creative businesses and social enterprises to make Labuan Square their home, to attract even more shoppers and diners.
With thousands of visitors accessing the nearby Spirit of Tasmania terminal each week, there is a great opportunity to create an exciting new era for Labuan Square.
