Balmoral Quay expansion back on the books after application to state government

After being unanimously rejected by Geelong council, the group behind a controversial waterfront development is now seeking approval for the project via a streamlined state government program.

An aerial view of the Balmoral Quay development in Rippleside. Image: Supplied.

The development of more than 80 waterfront apartments is back on the agenda 12 months after Geelong council controversially rejected the project following fierce opposition from local residents.

Plans for the fifth stage of the Balmoral Quay development in Rippleside have been submitted to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny via the state government’s development facilitation program.

The program allows the minister to approve projects without the need for council support as part of a streamlined process aimed at increasing housing supply at a faster rate.

The revised plans for the final stage of the $300m development feature 83 apartments – one less than last year’s proposal – across seven storeys, as well as 135 car parks and 115 bicycle spaces.

The apartments would range from one to three bedrooms.

An updated render of the stage five development at Balmoral Quay. Image: Supplied.

Balmoral Quay development director Theo Axarlis said the revised plans factored in community feedback and planning panel recommendations by reducing building bulk along Balmoral Crescent and enhancing southeastern view lines.

“Positioned at the base of the 13.5-metre Rippleside cliff and rising just four storeys at Balmoral Crescent, the building’s unique location delivers a roofline similar to the adjacent neighbouring residence on the clifftop,” he said.

“The new plan further reduces the building and facade heights along the Balmoral Crescent elevation to align more closely with the streetscape.”

The site of the proposed fifth stage of the Balmoral Quay development in Rippleside. Image: Supplied.

Mr Axarlis, a senior executive at Melbourne-based Gersh Investment Partners, said the corner of the proposed building had been “opened up” with new wraparound balconies, which created a stronger “visual connection” to Rippleside Park, consistent with the panel’s direction.

Council referred the project to an independent panel in December 2023, only to ignore its advice to approve the project at its July 2024 meeting.

At the meeting, councillors unanimously sided with Rippleside residents who vehemently opposed the project’s expansion from an already approved permit for four storeys and 40 apartments.

The opposition centred around the development’s density, the impact on views, and overshadowing.

Former Geelong mayor Keith Fagg led the campaign against the proposal.

Keith Fagg. Picture: Alan Barber.

Then-councillor Peter Murrihy said the proposal was “totally out of character” with the surrounding neighbourhood, while Bruce Harwood labelled it “greedy growth”.

At the time, Mr Axarlis said councillors “clearly demonstrated a lack of understanding” regarding City Hall’s own planning and growth strategies.

Mr Axarlis said the project addressed the city’s growing need for housing diversity close to jobs, services and public transport – North Geelong train station is less than 1km away.

“In every respect, this final stage ticks all the boxes,” he said.

Balmoral Quay development director Theo Axarlis. Picture: Supplied.

Stages one through four of Balmoral Quay comprise a total of 104 apartments and townhouses.

In February, the state government set a target of an additional 128,600 dwellings in Greater Geelong by 2051.

The company behind the project is Balmoral Quay Pty Ltd, which is backed by the Bangkok-based Supalai group.

Originally published as Balmoral Quay expansion back on the books after application to state government