Developers reveal fresh plans to build Portarlington apartment block, after planning minister rejected previous attempt

Developers have unveiled their latest bid to build a four-storey apartment block in the middle of Portarlington’s main strip, after the state government stepped in to reject the project last year

Developers have lodged fresh plans for an apartment block at 49 Newcombe St, Portarlington

Developers have unveiled their latest bid to build a four-storey apartment block in the middle of Portarlington’s main strip, after the state government stepped in to reject the project last year.

A fresh planning application has been lodged with the City of Greater Geelong to build the $7.5m development on a 990 sqm block at 49 Newcombe St, featuring 10 apartments, two retail units and basement carparking.

The five-level apartment block would replace a small building next to the historic former post office, and have direct views over the Portarlington Pier and bay.

Artist's impressions of the development viewed from Newcombe St (without landscaping)

Developers 49 Newcombe St Pty Ltd – understood to be comprised of local residents – had first attempted to build on the land in 2019 when they sought to build 16 apartments and three retail units in a five-storey building – before then reducing the number of apartments by two in 2020.

A December public notice period for the plans resulted in 124 objections, with the matter then sent to VCAT in February 2021 after the city failed to make a decision within the required time frame – with the city later resolving to advocate against the project at VCAT.

The developers again amended their plans before the VCAT hearing, instead aiming to build 11 apartments and two retail spaces – while shaving a level off the building.

Artist's impressions of the site as viewed from the waterfront

But, in July last year, the planning minister called in the project to make a determination based off the advice of an advisory committee, which in December rejected the project finding its “urban design response is unsatisfactory as it does not sufficiently protect and enhance the valued attributes of the area in line with the declaration of area as a Distinctive Area Landscape and other policy provisions relating to urban design and Portarlington’s character”.

New planning documents argue the latest iteration of the project “has been developed and revised following extensive consideration of the issues, concerns and recommendations raised in the Portarlington Advisory Committee Report”.

The new plans include fewer apartments and storeys than initial plans, and have also increased setbacks of upper levels to reduce visual bulk, reduced the use of glazing and reflective elements, and has increased the use of building materials “that better reflect the existing character of Newcombe Street” such as brown brick and soft wood elements.

A developer behind the project – who last year warned locals “there’s a tidal wave of change coming” to the once-sleepy bayside town – this week said the city had been “constantly consulted” during the latest planning process.

“The new amended plans bear little or no resemblance to the original plans,” developer spokesman Greg Murray said.

“Almost all of the 125 worthwhile original objections have been addressed.”

Originally published as Developers reveal fresh plans to build Portarlington apartment block, after planning minister rejected previous attempt