Apartment, retail complex at Newcombe St, Fenwick St, Portarlington ticked off by council

Plans for a residential and retail development near the Portarlington foreshore have gone to Geelong council. See the designs here.

Portarlington development subject site at 20-34 Newcombe St and 25-27 Fenwick St.

A plan to build 59 apartments across four blocks at Portarlington has been approved by the City of Greater Geelong.

Seven retail spaces are part of the project which will be set across more than 4700sq m of adjoining blocks at 20-34 Newcombe St and 25-27 Fenwick St, Portarlington.

The development is being proposed by a company linked to the Oxygen Music school and shop in Geelong.

Plans for the Newcombe St side of the project include a five-storey building of 35 apartments, seven retail spaces and a common area for residents.

The Fenwick Street side of the development is expected to include a four-storey building of 24 apartments and an entry to a basement car park containing 85 spaces.

Parking has been provided in the building via two spaces for the development’s three-bedroom apartments, and one space for each for the one and two-bedroom apartments.

Two of the blocks of the project site are vacant, one is used for a restaurant and another has a house on it.

City of Greater Geelong councillor Jim Mason, who is chair of council’s planning committee, said the development was in line with the city’s planning scheme, and it was on a site close to the centre of Portarlington.

Artist impression of the street view of the building at Portarlington development site at 20-34 Newcombe St and 25-27 Fenwick St.

“The planning committee found the combined site is well serviced and close to retail, education and recreation, and would provide much needed housing options for the Bellarine Peninsula,” Mr Mason said.

“The 2016 Portarlington Structure Plan outlines that the site at 22-34 Newcombe Street remains a priority for the town centre and we believe the development will add to the vibrancy of the township.”

The development approval was met with mixed reaction online.

One commentor said: “I think this type of development betters the whole community. There is definitely a shortage of accommodation for tourists. Local businesses struggle through the quieter months which in turn impacts the locals. Securing a tourist trade within reason supports a healthy community. I for one don’t want our local options reduced.”

Proposed four-storey building fronting Fenwick Street, highlighted dark blue, as part of the development across at 20-34 Newcombe St and 25-27 Fenwick St, Portarlington.

Another said: “Very sad for Portarlington. There goes that seaside country town.”

A third wrote: “Surely better than a paddock and a run-down restaurant building.”

A council report notes: “the proposed buildings would be constructed of a combination of concrete, brick and aluminium external materials with a mix of grey toned finishes and timber appearance cladding.”

At least one courtyard with a width of about 10m is due to separate the two buildings.

During a public submission process about the development, the City of Greater Geelong council received 44 letters of support and 29 objections.

More details on the proposal are available here.

Originally published as Apartment, retail complex at Newcombe St, Fenwick St, Portarlington ticked off by council