Public urged to have its say on future of Geelong waterfront

Apartments will be built on one of Geelong’s most well-known landmarks, if one councillor has his way – but the actual landowner “doesn’t know what the hell he is thinking”.

Artist impression of a revamped Geelong waterfront, including Cunningham Pier Image: Craig Perry / City of Greater Geelong.

A Geelong councillor has raised the possibility of apartments being built on Cunningham Pier as part of a major refresh of the city’s waterfront.

Anthony Aitken said several private investment opportunities existed along the waterfront, which he labelled “the jewel of Geelong”.

Mr Aitken, who represents the Corio ward, made the remarks during a debate at Tuesday night’s council meeting relating to a draft waterfront masterplan being put out for public consultation.

He said the “most glaring” investment opportunity was at Cunningham Pier, which was bought by the late Frank Costa in 2006 and is owned by the Costa Property Group.

“The pier as it exists now is essentially closed, but it actually opens up an incredible opportunity for an investor with a vision and significant funding to be able to take full advantage of what Cunningham Pier could be,” Mr Aitken said.

“And, of course, what Cunningham Pier could be is exactly what we see when we go to Hobart and we actually see apartments and we see activated spaces under those apartments.”

Pier hospitality businesses Wah Wah Gee and Wah Bah closed just prior to Christmas last year, meaning the site if effectively a car park presently.

Asked to respond to Mr Aitken’s comments, Costa Property Group chief executive Carl Schokman said: “Absolutely no comment because I don’t know what the hell he is thinking … I don’t know him, never met him.”

The Geelong waterfront will be boosted when the convention centre opens next year. Picture: Alan Barber

The draft masterplan features 32 proposed projects across five distinct precincts, ranging from small scale upgrades to major precinct redevelopments.

The plan states that Cunningham Pier “offers significant potential for redevelopment”.

“With its private ownership status and state government regulations, we will continue to support commercial partnership development opportunities that benefit the community and promote activation on the waterfront,” it states.

“Reimagining the current parking area could provide opportunity, through partnerships, to create a future vibrant multifunctional community space.

“Future development should maintain public access to the water’s edge and be of high architectural quality, ensuring that new structures complement the surrounding environment and views across Corio Bay.”

Once finalised, the plan locks in the long-term vision for the waterfront, with staged delivery subject to funding and partnerships with government and private investors.

Eddy Kontelj, a waterfront resident, said the area was in need of a bit of love.

“If you start to take a close look at the waterfront, the pathways, the connectivity, the flora and fauna, some of the access areas, they are in need of attention and I think this plan does a lot more than that, of course,” he said.

Trent Sullivan, chair of the economic development portfolio, said feedback was essential, particularly from those who regularly frequented the area.

“We want to understand the priorities of the people who use the waterfront most,” he said.

“There is enormous potential for sustainable development, better connection and improved amenity, as laid out in the plan.

“Community feedback will help us decide where to start.”

Public feedback is open until October 5 ahead of the plan being finalised and put to council at its December meeting.

EARLIER: Geelong council charts new course for waterfront

The future of the Geelong waterfront is under the microscope as City Hall looks to lock down a refreshed masterplan for the prime piece of real estate that attracts millions of visitors every year.

Council will debate the draft plan at its Tuesday meeting and almost certainly put the detailed document out for four weeks of public consultation before a final version is ratified in December.

Once approved, it will replace a 2011 version and set out a clear vision for the area’s future, ensuring it remains vibrant and accessible while balancing environmental, social and economic priorities.

“This transformation will set new benchmarks in urban design, sustainability, and placemaking, delivering exceptional public spaces and new opportunities for culture, business, and recreation,” the draft plan states.

“Honouring the past and looking boldly to the future, the renewed waterfront will be a legacy

for generations.”

Council jointly manages the waterfront with the state government, with leaseholders responsible for commercial operations, tourism attractions, and events.

Cunningham Pier is one of the waterfront’s most identifiable landmarks. Picture: Alan Barber.

Central to the new plan is the creation of five distinct precincts and 32 projects.

A precinct-based approach ensures connected planning, design, and management processes, the draft plan states.

The Western Beach Restoration Precinct would include Rippleside Park to Western Beach Boat Club, before becoming the Convention and Creativity Precinct that would stretch to the east of Cunningham Pier.

“The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre intends to serve as a catalyst for the precinct’s transformation, driving increased activation and making the waterfront more vibrant, particularly on evenings and weekends,” the draft plan states.

“To support this growth, a flexible, terraced space will host events, activities, and provide spill-out space for Nyaal Banyul.”

Central Celebration Precinct would incorporate Steampacket Pier to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, while the Heritage Leisure Precinct would take in Eastern Beach and the accompanying reserve.

“The Yarra St car park presents an opportunity to transform into a shaded, communal gathering space, betting linking nearby restaurants and businesses,” the draft plan states.

“Transvaal Square can be better integrated with the waterfront through improved design that supports event-based closures.”

Artist impression of the Yarra St car park. Image: Craig Perry / City of Greater Geelong.

Limeburners Nature Precinct would be the eastern most precinct, where key proposals include improve pedestrian infrastructure to Eastern Park and the Botanic Gardens.

The draft masterplan, which does not commit council to capital expenditure, has been in the works since 2023 when consultation commenced with a range of stakeholders, including the state government and Deakin University.

Originally published as Public urged to have its say on future of Geelong waterfront