The truck wash at the former Geelong Saleyards is set to close in late September after a three-month public notice period, following a Council resolution at its meeting on Tuesday 27 May.
The truck wash runs at a loss of $228,411 per year and usage has declined by 73 per cent over the past 12 months.
The closure of the facility is also an important step for the planned redevelopment of the former saleyards site.
Council resolved to close the saleyards in August 2017, and in June 2020 adopted the Geelong Saleyards Precinct Plan, rezoning the 4.3-hectare site to Comprehensive Development Zone 4 (CDZ4).
The rezoning allows for the integrated planning, development and subdivision of the land, primarily for higher density housing.
The precinct plan outlines steps to create a high amenity, walkable residential environment with high-quality public spaces, community facilities and a limited range of commercial uses.
It aims to ensure a diversity of housing types – including social and affordable housing – and encourage best practice environmentally sustainable design and stormwater management.
In support of the proposed redevelopment, Council also voted to give public notice and undertake community engagement of its intent to sell the former saleyards.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The proposed sale presents a fantastic commercial opportunity to redevelop the site in-line with Geelong Saleyards Precinct Plan.Developments like these will be crucial in our efforts to meet the Victorian Government's ambitious target of 128,600 additional homes in Greater Geelong by 2051.
With Geelong's population rapidly expanding, we can't just build out – we also need to look for ways build up in our CBD and established suburbs.
Council's City Planning portfolio chair Andrew Katos
The truck wash was running at a loss of close to a quarter million dollars each year.The closure means more money back in Council's coffers that can be better spent on the many other services and infrastructure upgrades that we provide.
