Ash Bolt
Creative landscaping will tell the story of Cowies Creek as part of the City of Greater Geelong’s proposed improvements at Labuan Square in Norlane.
The city has released the square’s concept design for public comment, in response to feedback received earlier this year that the community wanted a sustainable landscape, access to nature, public art and play experiences in the redevelopment of the space.
Windermere ward councillor Anthony Aitken welcomed the story behind the concept design for the public space at Labuan Square.
“This project has taken longer than all of us had envisaged; COVID restrictions prolonged the engagement and design development, however what we have now released has been generated from one of the best local neighbourhood engagement processes the Greater Geelong council has ever undertaken,” he said.
“The draft concept embraces a Wadawurrung interpretation of Cowies Creek and its wider landscape, and seeks to attract the community back to Labuan Square, relocate the public toilets and begin attraction of potential new tenants and services to the square.”
Walking from the Forster Street entrance through to Tennyson Street will take community members on a journey depicting four distinct stages of Cowies Creek – the grassy plains of Moorabool, the origins of the creek; the basalt rocks of the gullies; open water and wetlands; and exiting through the bay and cliffs.
The concept was designed in partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
The concept design also includes improvements to the existing toilet facilities and WiFi access, and the installation of additional seats, a drinking fountain and public art.
The changes will also create potential opportunities for alfresco seating for businesses.
An expression of interest process will be undertaken to determine the public art for the space.
Fellow Windermere ward councillor, Kylie Grzybek, thanked thanked the community for providing feedback which had shaped the design.
“In May we heard from over 150 community members who told us they wanted a space that prioritised a sustainable landscape, access to nature, public art and play experiences,” she said.
“We hope the public space concept design has lived up to the vision from the community, and that it is a space they can see themselves meeting friends, relaxing and enjoying the natural environment.
“Community feedback is still an important part of shaping the open space at Labuan Square, so please jump on the website, have a look and share your thoughts.”
Feedback can be provided via the online survey or by attending the drop-in session on site between 10am and noon on Saturday.
The Improvements at Labuan Square will be funded by a $250,000 investment from the city.
View the concept plan, register for the drop-in session or provide feedback on the plan before November 29 at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/Labuan.
