Victoria’s second largest city, Geelong, has recently released revitalisation plans with a focus on investing in the future growth of the city’s centre.
Prepared by the Victorian State Government, the City of Greater Geelong and the Revitalising Central Geelong Partnership Team, the project’s new Central Geelong: Invest in the Future brochure presents an urban, bay-side city poised to become a thriving residential hub.
The collaborated effort is encouraging a variety of housing projects that can cater for a range of households such as students, professionals, families and retirees to reach a target population of 10,000 in central Geelong by 2026. A new streamlined planning approvals process has been developed to assist developers and the local government handle requests.
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Australia’s Fastest Regional Growth
Geelong is Australia’s fastest growing regional city, with an annual population growth of 2.6% in the years 2016/171. By 2036 the population is expected to increase by a further 80,000 residents2.
The period of 2011-2016 also saw the increase of over 15,900 new jobs – an annual growth of 3.7%, which outperformed population growth.
A Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan has been established with the intention of generating a vibrant central hub within the city. The design will stimulate diverse job and development opportunities, boost demand for retail and services, encourage investment confidence and foster the potential for greater recreational and cultural use.
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Current projects
A series of current development projects are already underway, set to capitalise on Geelong’s growth.
Three major projects that all commenced construction this year are; The Mercer, 53 Mercer Street, a 16-storey, 110 apartment residential development; The Ritz Apartments, 10 Bellerine Street, which will deliver 110 serviced apartments across 10-storeys; and The Mirramar, 18-20 Cavendish Street, with 22 storeys and 106 apartments.
Student accommodation project, Brougham House with its 410 student beds, was completed in early 2018.
For more information on the Geelong revitalisation plan and access to the streamlined planning approval process for new developments, click here.
