The Marshall Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) was adopted at last night's Council meeting, paving the way for the creation of a well-connected and attractive neighbourhood only seven kilometres from central Geelong.
Marshall is the northern-most PSP in the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Plan, covering 123 hectares and set to host more than 1,500 homes. The area is bound by significant infrastructure such as the Marshall Train Station, V-Line rail line, Barwon Heads Road and the proposed Bellarine Link Road.
The plan has been prepared by the City in collaboration with government agencies, major stakeholders and the community and sets out how the area will be developed and where services are planned.
Refinements were made to the final plan after the release of the draft PSP in 2019, following community feedback, new technical assessments and further planning review. Complexities around a stormwater drainage strategy for the precinct have been resolved.
Key features include:
- a high use public and active transport precinct around marshall train station with on and off-road connections
- links to green spaces, open space and waterways
- medium and high-density residential development that maximises the location of Marshall Train Station
- commercial development
- retention of native vegetation and tree planting that connects to green links.
Amendment C278ggee is required to facilitate development by proposing to insert a new schedule to the Urban Growth Zone. It will also incorporate the Marshall PSP, Marshall Development Contributions Plan and Marshall Native Vegetation Precinct Plan into the Geelong Planning Scheme and apply overlays.
Community members can sign up to alerts on geelongaustralia.com.au/amendments and be notified when the amendment is exhibited publicly. This is expected to occur later this year or early 2024, depending on Victorian Government authorisation.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
The Marshall precinct is a unique development location for Geelong being close to a train station, arterial roads and set within an attractive natural environment.
A mix of apartments, townhouses and social housing will provide opportunities for new residents to settle in the area and help ease housing affordability pressures.
Greater housing diversity, local employment opportunities and habitat protection are key elements of the PSP.
It will also provide improved access and use of the station and encourage walking and cycling.
Councillor Jim Mason
The Marshall PSP project has a history of engagement and collaboration with landowners, the broader community, prospective developers, authorities and agencies.
We encourage submissions on Amendment C278ggee when it goes on exhibition, as this will be a significant residential, mixed use and commercial development in Marshall.
All feedback will be considered, and submitters will have the opportunity to present their case at a panel hearing if they wish.
