Corio residents against $50m mega development, developer spruiks affordable housing

After a $3.3bn payout from Crown, businessman James Packer has been linked to a $50m mega development in Corio. Four residents are against it. See the designs.

Residents in Corio are objecting a $50m development on Sharland Rd, which has been linked to billionaire businessman James Packer. Residents (right to left) Lita Huxhagen, Hilario Henriques, Nolan James and Kevin Cooper.

Residents are objecting to a $50m housing development in Corio that has been linked to billionaire businessman James Packer.

But the project’s developer said it was an opportunity to provide more “affordable housing” to the area.

Plans for the project at 26-34 Sharland Rd have been lodged with the City of Greater Geelong by Tract Consultants on behalf of developer Edenville Corio Pty Ltd.

Four objections have been lodged with council.

If approved, the former site of Rosewall Primary School, vacant since 2008, could host 108 dwellings, including 60 single-storey and 24 two-storey dual tenancy units with a combination of two, three and four bedrooms.

Mr Packer has previously been linked to Edenville and his one-time private company, Consolidated Press Holdings, has been connected to the consortium behind the development.

Mr Packer cashed out of Crown Resorts last year in a move that netted him $3.3bn.

Guy Jalland and Michael Johnston, both former board members at Crown, are also linked to the consortium that’s behind Edenville.

Concept images of the proposed development at 26-34 Sharland Rd in Corio.

Edenville developer Deniz Sivasli said the school site had been sitting vacant for far too long and was not benefiting the area.

He said the site was earmarked for development since 2012.

“We are seeking to develop a high-quality master-planned community to cater for both young families and downsizers that have a long history and family connections in the area. People who are proud to call Corio home,” Mr Sivasli said.

“The proposed Edenville Corio project presents an opportunity to introduce affordable housing to cater to Geelong’s growing population, while injecting much needed urban renewal to enhance the attractiveness of Corio as a place to live and invest.

Drone shots of the proposed development site. Picture: Alan Barber

“We don’t believe you need to compromise quality to develop an affordable residential offering and look forward to bringing our expertise to the area.

“We have considered the housing typology and diversity required to be introduced into the community with over 8 different dwellings, ranging across 2 , 3 and 4 bedroom homes.

“These homes are affordable and designed to meet the needs of the next generation of Corio residents.”

Concept images of the proposed development at 26-34 Sharland Rd in Corio.

But locals residents, including Kevin Cooper, are objecting to plans.

The 78-year-old, who has lived across the road from the site for 40 years, said he was concerned “every tree in the park” would be cut down to make space for the development.

“There are fully established gum trees there that are 30 to 40 foot high and there is a lot of bird life like magpies and willie wagtails,” he said.

“There is a lot of vacant land without touching the trees.”

Mr Cooper said children from the neighbourhood played football and basketball at the reserve.

“During the summer I go there and sit under the trees if there is a cool breeze,” he said.

Mr Sivasli said the site would undergo tree regeneration and the development would include landscaped communal spaces.

“We are also working with council to upgrade the playground in Connections Park West for local families.

“We have a history of developing mul]ple projects in the markets we enter and inves]ng in the

community and crea]ng employment for local residents.

“We see a bright future in Geelong and it’s great to have long standing investors in Australian property like Gersh Investment Partners backing the region too.”

As of Wednesday, Geelong council’s acting director of planning and design Joanne Van Slageren said council had received four objections to the application relating to loss of greenery and an increase of traffic and loss of parking spaces for the Rosewall Community Centre, located next to the site.

The planning documents revealed Edenville was also seeking approval for a multi-lot subdivision, including boundary realignment, removal of a reserve and waiver of visitor car parks.

Plans showed two council roads would be built as part of the project; one off Sharland Rd and another off McHarry Crt.

The site is close to industrial precincts, and about 1.5km from Corio train station.

The project is opened for public comment until June 9.

Originally published as Corio residents against $50m mega development, developer spruiks affordable housing