Greater Geelong needs 19 MCG ovals worth of extra retail space within 18 years, City Hall says.
But growing existing shopping centres to supply the additional 465,000 square metres of floor space is favoured over building new retail sites, according to council’s retail strategy until 2036.
Councillors adopted the strategy this week, noting that the existing 120 centres were “enough for the existing population” but inadequate for projected growth rates.
“The strategy supports expanding or redeveloping existing centres rather than building new centres,” City Hall said.
“It also acknowledges there may be areas needing new centres where demand is large enough, as long as there’s no impact on existing retail and it provides a net community benefit.
The strategy foreshadowed changes to the “look and feel” of shopping centres in areas including Belmont, Waurn Ponds, Shannon Ave, and Separation and Pakington Sts.
Central Geelong’s “identity as a premier retail destination will continue to be supported”, City Hall said.
Mayor Bruce Harwood said the strategy sought to manage growth and competition pressures on the local retail sector, which employs over 10,000 workers in greater Geelong.
“It’s important we manage retail expansion in conjunction with our growing population so that people have reasonable access to essential retail services wherever they live,” Cr Harwood said.
“We also need to consider challenges facing the retail sector with the growth of online shopping and the ways we can combat that to attract people to shop locally by providing attractive and unique offerings.
