Third stage of Green Spine project in Malop St underway

A main road in Geelong’s CBD is set to be closed until the end of 2023 as the third stage of a controversial revitalisation project gets underway.

Construction is underway of the third stage of the Green Spine project in Malop St. Picture: Alan Barber

A main road in Geelong’s CBD is set to be closed until the end of 2023 as the third stage of a controversial revitalisation project gets underway.

Work started earlier this month on the south side of Malop St between Yarra and Bellarine streets as part of the Green Spine project.

The block’s westbound car and bike lanes are closed and are not expected to reopen until December.

The Green Spine project aims to turn Malop St into a linear park dividing the CBD and is part of the Revitalisation Central Geelong Action Plan, which is funded by the $500m Geelong City Deal.

The deal is a collaboration between federal, state and local governments.

Construction is underway of the third stage of the Green Spine project in Malop St. Picture: Alan Barber

The controversial Green Spine project has been in the works since 2012 when architects, designers and planners reshaped the future of Geelong’s CBD.

The project’s leader, Professor Hisham Elkadi, coined the phrase “green spine” to describe the linear park he imagined would run through Malop St from the Geelong train station.

In 2017, Malop St between Moorabool and Yarra streets was closed for more than a year until the first stage of the project was completed.

At the time, traders said it significantly disrupted their business, with some even launching legal action against the council for compensation.

But less than 10 months after the stage was finished, Geelong councillor Eddy Kontelj called for significant changes to the completed stage.

A majority of councillors agreed with him and voted to rip up parts of the project and reintroduce turning lanes, increase parking spaces and remove bike lanes, despite warning from the Victorian government to not waste taxpayers’ money.

However, in response to the backlash, the state government seized control of the project in 2020.

Construction is underway of the third stage of the Green Spine project in Malop St. Picture: Alan Barber

The second stage, on Malop St between Gheringhap and Moorabool streets, included a landscaped triangle park, tree plantings and seating.

The third stage will include native plants, seats, outdoor dining spaces and public art and is scheduled to be completed in early 2024.

Once complete, the botanic walk and bike lanes will be extended and complemented by native plants, better lighting and rehabilitation works of the road.

The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Corporation played an “integral part” in delivering the project and ensuring the new spaces includes cultural heritage features.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said Malop St was a key social and is central to the continued development of the CBD.

“Making it more functional and attractive for a range of uses and activities will have a number of benefits,” he said.

State Regional Development Minister Harriet Sing said: “This project will see locals and visitors enjoy a more vibrant and liveable city centre – delivering big benefits for residents, businesses and the environment.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Corio MP Richard Marles said: “This is another exciting project which will add so much more to the heart of Geelong for locals and tourists alike.”

Originally published as Third stage of Green Spine project in Malop St underway