Upgrades almost complete to revitalise battling Norlane shopping precinct
Locals are hoping an upgrade to a run-down shopping precinct in Norlane will help entice more people to the area.
Geelong
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There are hopes an upgrade to a run-down Norlane shopping precinct will help to draw more people to the area.
An upgrade to Labuan Square Community Shopping Centre is nearing completion.
The City of Greater Geelong and state government spent $691,000 on the project with the hope it would revive the public space.
Sheila Young has lived in the area for 69 years and currently lives across the road from the shopping hub.
“We’ve heard there will be more shops moving in, which is good,” she said.
“I pop down there all the time for bread and to go to the doctors.
“Covid really took a toll on the area.”
Deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said landscaping works were now complete with construction fencing taken down last week for the community to begin using the new space.
“We hope our investment in the square will make it a more valuable and appealing community space and encourage investment from landlords and businesses,” he said.
Plans for the public space at Labuan Square were based around the community’s desire for sustainable landscapes, al fresco opportunities and more seating and spaces to socialise.
The upgrades also included a new public toilet block, smart pole with CCTV, free wi-fi and more lighting across the precinct.
Ms Young said she has seen more tourists around the area with caravans and winnebagos parked near the shopping precinct.
Locals believe they have arrived off the Spirit of Tasmania.
“It’s the closest shopping area when you get off the boat … it’s been good seeing more people around.”
Some locals have raised concerns that the square is not living up to its potential.
Fran Garlick has owned the Artsy Crafty Lounge for 12 months and is concerned that people are drinking alcohol in the square.
“They could start drinking as early as 9am and consume 10 to 15 cans in a day,” she said.
“They meet here to socialise ... but there is a sign that clearly states ‘no alcohol.’”
Ms Garlick is concerned that their drinking is reducing the amount of foot traffic in the square.
Locals also have concerned that some shops in the precinct are still experiencing vandalism and graffiti.
“There is a Thai restaurant opening up soon and their roller door was graffitied, which was disappointing,” Ms Young said.
“I don’t understand why someone would do that.”
Council said it had more than doubled its expenditure to remove graffiti around the region and encouraged residents to report any vandalism to the city’s website.
Council said there would be an official event to open the new square in April.
Originally published as Upgrades almost complete to revitalise battling Norlane shopping precinct
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