Gheringhap St to be transformed into a new ‘green spine’ linking Kardinia Park to the coast

A new masterplan wants to transform Geelong streets from car-dominated environments to “civilised green-spines” that are safe for all users.

Works are ongoing along Malop St as the “green spine” is completed. Picture: Alan Barber.

A new “green spine” will be developed along Gheringhap St as part of a $110m plan to beautify the entry into Geelong’s CBD from the north and south.

The idea is one of several contained within a draft masterplan that Geelong council will almost certainly be put out for public consultation following its meeting on Tuesday night.

The plan is focused on modernising the layout – both in practical and visual terms – of Gheringhap and Mercer streets, as well as Bayley St which runs between the two.

To be implemented progressively over the next two decades, the plan, as it stands, would cost almost $111m and be funded by all levels of government.

A masterplan has been developed to beautify Gheringhap and Mercer streets in Geelong’s CBD.

ASPECT Studios has been tasked by Geelong council to develop the plan.

“The masterplan proposes to transform key streets from expansive asphalt, car-dominated environments, to civilised green-spines that are safe for all users and are underpinned by Geelong’s rich history including strong Indigenous and creative cultural influences,” its introduction states.

“The purpose of the masterplan is to provide a clear vision and design guidelines for these streets, as well as a framework for ongoing management, maintenance, and decision-making.”

One of four key objectives of the plan is to “link Kardinia Park to the coast”.

As part of this, Gheringhap St would be lined with vegetation to create a linear park within a street corridor, similar to what is currently occurring along Malop St.

That project has created some angst in the community as it has resulted in a large amount of traffic disruption and some businesses being blocked from public view.

“Being a key entrance into Geelong from the south, Gheringhap St will embrace a strong local landscape narrative and be transformed into a linear park experience for people and active transport users,” the plans states.

Other key objectives of the plan are to celebrate a First Nations narrative, improve the ability for non-vehicular movement, and enhance the “Mercer arrival” gateway.

“As the key entrance into Geelong, Mercer St is to be transformed into a tree lined ‘green’ street, an environmental showcase of the future of Geelong,” the plan states.

“Ultimately, Mercer St will provide a dynamic street experience that balances vehicle flow and parking with an increase in public space for active transport, tree planting, pedestrian footpaths and outdoor dining and seating.”

The plan is the first of a series of streetscape masterplans proposed in the Central Geelong Framework Plan, which was released by the state government earlier this year.

At the commencement of the current masterplan process, the community were asked two years ago what elements of the streets they would change to make them more attractive, accessible and welcoming.

The most common responses were better quality footpaths, more trees and landscaping, and improved street lighting.

Originally published as Gheringhap St to be transformed into a new ‘green spine’ linking Kardinia Park to the coast