Council has committed to doing further work with key stakeholders to identify short and medium-term initiatives to activate Little Malop Central, following a notice of motion from Councillor Eddy Kontelj.
Council has asked for a report from the CEO by the end of August, outlining initiatives that can be implemented by December 15, along with their costs and estimated timelines.
The City has been working with Victoria Police, traders and other agencies to address anti-social behaviours in the Geelong Mall.
Council will spend $250,000 on a comprehensive master plan to rejuvenate the Little Malop Central precinct, which will include a thorough community engagement process that is expected to run for six to eight months.
Each year, council hosts more than 500 on-street performances and community activities in the mall, including Food Truck Friday, school holiday activities and buskers.
The City is also working on addressing safety concerns, by funding CCTV that feeds directly to the Geelong Police Station.
Greater Geelong Acting Mayor Peter Murrihy
I welcome any initiatives that may help Little Malop Central become a more inviting, family-friendly and vibrant space.The success of any short to medium-term initiatives may also help guide us in shaping the long-term future of the mall, as part of our fully-funded master plan.
Councillor Eddy Kontelj, Brownbill Ward
There are significant strategic discussions and planning happening as to what should be made of the mall in the future. That's very positive, but we can't wait for that long-term change to occur. There's no doubt there are some great initiatives already taking place, but I believe there's more that can be done in the short and medium-term.This notice of motion is about taking ownership and improving the mall now, not in two or three years' time. It's about installing continuous and consistent activation initiatives into the mall to make it a more engaging, appealing and safer place to spend time. We want it to be a place where people meet and socialise with friends and family, or enjoy visiting as individuals.
