How Geelong Saleyards’ future could be sealed

Geelong councillors have endorsed plans to develop a high-density residential village at the former North Geelong saleyards site.

Artist impression of Geelong Saleyards development

A high-density residential village of 1300 residents, 1800sq m of retail space and 40,000sq m of open space is now a step closer after the North Geelong precinct was approved by council.

Council has ticked off on planning changes that would allow buildings up to 10 storeys or 34m to be built on the site between Weddell Road and Thompson Rd which is 3km from the North Geelong train station.

The site includes the former Geelong saleyards, Gateways Support Services and other adjoining land.

Plans for the site will need to be ticked off by the state government.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said the new precinct would be an exciting addition to the Greater Geelong community.

“As the housing squeeze continues, this precinct is just one of the ways Council is working towards providing a range of housing options in a convenient location.”

“This precinct will become a vibrant place to live, work, play and visit near North Geelong train station and feature excellent infrastructure and connections that respects the site’s heritage values.”

Councillor Eddy Kontelj said planning changes aligned with council’s goals for the region.

“This precinct is close to our beautiful Waterfront, Pakington Street and Shannon Avenue shops, North Geelong station, the Geelong Golf Course, Geelong Bowls Club, the Geelong West Giants Football and Netball Club, and many wonderful restaurants,” Cr Kontelj said.

“It is a unique parcel of land and the amendment is in line with Our Community Plan by using the planning framework to influence sustainable growth, increase green spaces and support biodiversity.

“It’s also consistent with the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme Policy Framework, providing a range of housing types in a well serviced location, the preservation of heritage and neighbourhood character and design.”

Landholders at the site will be required to deliver shared infrastructure, such as pedestrian links, open space and drainage, and a portion of the development will be allocated to social housing.

How Geelong Saleyards’ future could be sealed

Geelong councillors will vote on plans to develop a high-density residential village at the historic saleyards site.

Plans for a housing precinct which would accommodate up to 1300 new residents across commercial and retail areas were revealed in June 2021.

Recommendations from a City of Greater Geelong council officer’s report suggested councillors should vote to incorporate the saleyards plan into the Geelong planning scheme, to ensure any future site sale comes with an agreement that the developers contribute to development and submit plans to the Planning Minister for approval.

According to the officer’s report, any future purchaser would be required to sign an agreement to deliver shared infrastructure “which will generate most of the funding for subsequent development of transport, open space and drainage”.

Additional amendments mean buildings over 34m tall may need to make additional contributions to social housing and open space.

The plan will also retain the site’s “key heritage fabric” including some cattle yards, ramps, a Latrine shed and bluestone paved drain.

“These items will be retained in proposed open space and streetscapes,” it read.

“The existing Heritage Overlay will not be removed as part of this amendment, but the schedule will be altered to remove the exemption for prohibited uses, which is no longer required as a result of the rezoning.”

Under the plan, the historic site and adjoining land would be rezoned for high-density residential use.

It comes one month after a state government panel endorsed the proposal, including late plans for 10-storey buildings.

A number of technical changes were suggested, which were broadly accepted by Greater Geelong council officers.

The state government recommended a minimum of 10 per cent of the site must be set aside for public land, while five per cent should be used for public housing.

Councillors will vote on the plan at Tuesday night’s council meeting.

Originally published as How Geelong Saleyards’ future could be sealed