Development plans for Returned Sailors and Soldiers Woollen Mill at Pakington St, Newtown
A “multi-building” complex featuring more than 340 homes would be built at a historic Newtown site under plans lodged with council. SEE THE DESIGNS
Geelong
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A $180m high-density development, featuring more than 340 dwellings and a childcare centre, is planned for a historic Newtown site.
The “multi-storey, multi-building” complex is planned for 403 Pakington St, which is known as a former woollen mill established to support returned soldiers and sailors.
Documents lodged with Geelong council on behalf of applicant Mill Properties reveal plans to build 343 dwellings, including a combination of townhouses and apartments with varying numbers of bedrooms, across seven buildings.
The proposed development includes construction of 10 new buildings, according to plans.
Proposed buildings range in height from one to seven storeys and vary in height from 7.3m to 26.1m above lower ground floor level, documents show.
The proposed development would include commercial floorspace capable of accommodating existing and future operators.
“The site is currently occupied by a range of commercial tenants including a weaving operation, rock climbing centre, galleries, studios and offices,” a planning report says.
Plans include a childcare centre for 150 children,399 bicycle parking spaces and 741 carparking spaces.
The majority of car parking would be within basement space.
A planning report lodged with the City of Greater Geelong said the proposal sought tocarefully retain and preserve a significant portion of the former returned soldiers woollen mill complex, and create innovative reuse spaces, new high-density housing, childcare facilities and food and drink premises.
The site is also bordered by Rutland Street and Riversdale Road and has an area of about 29,280 sqm.
The land currently comprises single and double storey buildings, open carparking and undeveloped areas.
The woollen mill complex was established circa 1922 to provide employment to returned servicemen from WWI.
The mill continued to operate into the 1970s.
“The combined attributes of existing heritage structures, interface with the natural beauty of the Barwon River and proximity to the vibrant Pakington Street commercial precinct indicate that this proposal would be a significant landmark project for the Geelong region,” planning documents lodged with council said.
The project has been designed to be constructed over four stages.
The plans are available for viewing on council’s website and no decision will be made before August 19.
Originally published as Development plans for Returned Sailors and Soldiers Woollen Mill at Pakington St, Newtown
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