City Hall to explore alternative uses for former Meals on Wheels site

City Hall will explore alternative uses for the Corio property previously used for council’s Meals on Wheels program following a late push by the area’s two local councillors.

The former Corio home of Geelong council’s Meals on Wheels service. Picture: Google.

City Hall will explore alternative uses for the Corio property previously used for council’s Meals on Wheels program following a late push by the area’s two local councillors.

It was anticipated councillors would vote on the sale of the 59 Bacchus Marsh Rd property at their meeting on Tuesday night.

Instead, Windermere ward councillor and deputy mayor Anthony Aitken introduced an ultimately successful alternative motion that will see chief executive Ali Wastie and her team explore options where the site could be retained for community benefit.

The property’s estimated value is $360,000.

“This site has far greater value than just the financial return than can be made if it’s sold,” Mr Aitken told his colleagues.

“(The vote) is a great win for the community who have been calling for council to care more about those most vulnerable members of our community and to directly intervene to assist.”

Fellow Windermere ward councillor Sarah Hathway seconded the motion, with potential uses including social housing or emergency accommodation.

Ms Wastie must report back to council within three months.

The meeting’s agenda stated that the building was considered surplus to requirements, and should be sold.

According to city officers, the property was found unsuitable to be used for alternative services – including social housing – due to its condition and size.

“The location and land size restrict its suitability to be redeveloped for city or community purposes, however the land would suit a single private dwelling,” they wrote.

“The sale of the property supports financial sustainability by disposing of a surplus

property, with a building at the end of its useful life and providing capital income.”

The vote comes after City Hall put two Norlane buildings up for rent earlier this month – one previously a childcare, the other a maternal child health facility.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said City Hall was eager to hear proposals for the two buildings, both at 19 Sparks Rd.

“We’re especially hoping to see the site returned to being a place that brings benefit for the local community,” he said.

Expressions of interest in the two buildings close April 26.

Earlier: Meals on Wheels site could be sold off

A Corio property that was previously used for the Meals on Wheels program could be sold off by City Hall, while a former childcare and health centre are up for rent.

Councillors will consider whether to initiate the sale of the 59 Bacchus Marsh Rd property at council’s March meeting on Tuesday night.

The building is no longer used for the city’s Meals on Wheels program, which provides 1000 meals a week to older people and those with disabilities in the Geelong region.

The building is considered surplus to requirements, and should be sold.

According to city officers, the property has been assessed through an internal referral process and is not suitable to be used for alternative services – including social housing – “due to the building condition and size”.

“The location and land size restrict its suitability to be redeveloped for City or community purposes, however the land would suit a single private dwelling,” council officers wrote.

“The sale of the property supports financial sustainability by disposing of a surplus

property, with a building at the end of its useful life and providing capital income.”

If councillors vote to initiate the sale, City Hall will appoint a submissions review panel and conduct a community engagement process regarding the intention to sell the property.

A future report will be presented to council with the outcome of these processes.

It comes after City Hall put two Norlane buildings up for rent earlier this month, one previously a childcare, the other a maternal child health facility.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said City Hall was eager to hear proposals for the two buildings, both at 19 Sparks Rd.

“We’re especially hoping to see the site returned to being a place that brings benefit for the local community,” he said.

Expressions of interest in the two buildings close on April 26.

In 2022, the city put four properties up for sale, including the Civic Car Park on Gheringhap St, the Busport Car Park on Brougham St and a Belmont tenpin bowling centre.

Originally published as City Hall to explore alternative uses for former Meals on Wheels site