Clever and creative feedback from the Greater Geelong community has helped to shape the planned transformation of the historic SaleyardsPrecinct on Weddell Road, North Geelong.
Council has adopted the Saleyards Precinct Plan, which covers the former Geelong Saleyards and Gateways Support Services site.
It outlines a vision that incorporates the site's history into the development of a diverse range of housing, retail, commercial spaces and parkland.
When the precinct is completed, it will provide more than 40,000 square metres of publicly accessible open space and be home to up to 1,300 residents.
The plan's design principles will guide the precinct's planning and sustainable design and will support the case for public infrastructure investment and upgrades, such as:
- Retain historical material from the saleyards wherever possible and reuse or interpret;
- Create a new central park and green links that provide habitat for local species;
- Enhance and prioritise pedestrian and cycle connections to North Geelong train station;
- Provide social and affordable housing;
- Create an attractive plaza space with weather protection, seating, bicycle parking and landscaping; and
- Energy efficient building design.
The City consulted with the community during 2019 and 2020 through workshops, online forums, written submissions and individual interviews.
There was overall general support for the design principles, including the mix of housing types and provision of affordable and social housing, the focus on sustainability and celebration of the site's history.
Feedback led to changes to the Saleyards Precinct Plan, including providing more detail on the implementation process and using the concept plan as an appendix that informed the precinct plan rather than being considered the final design.
A planning scheme amendment will commence shortly, which includes the opportunity for the community to provide further feedback.
The Minister for Planning will need to approve the final precinct plan and associated planning controls.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said a range of housing types and environmentally sustainable design will be delivered in this sought-after area.
The site for the Saleyards Precinct Plan is a strategic one, given its close location to Pakington Street, Central Geelong, the Waterfront, North Geelong train station and other transport links.
This is an exciting opportunity to create something really special for future generations that aligns with our clever and creative vision for sustainable development and innovative design.
Councillor Peter Murrihy, Brownbill Ward said the Saleyards Precinct Plan ensures that the site's history will be celebrated.
The Geelong Saleyards operated for nearly 150 years from 1869 for sheep and cattle sales and this rich history will be woven into the fabric of this new development.
This precinct plan offers so many opportunities to create a new and vibrant neighbourhood that has strong active transport links to the train station and habitat for local species to thrive.
