Geelong council set to endorse sweeping waterfront transformation plan

Geelong councillors are being asked to give the green light to a waterfront transformation plan that promotes plaza-style streets, cultural walks and enhanced playgrounds across five key precincts.

Tim Gurner has flagged plans to transform Cunningham Pier. Picture: Alison Wynd.

Transforming the northern end of Yarra St into a “plaza-style setting”, introducing a cultural walk highlighting landmarks of the Wadawurrung people, and adding more challenging features to a playground are just three of the priorities contained within a fresh masterplan for the Geelong waterfront.

Councillors will meet for the final time this year on Tuesday night, where they will be asked to endorse the 54-page plan following a period of public consultation that City Hall said confirmed strong support for a staged upgrade of the area.

“The plan provides a framework to prioritise proposals, guide council budgets, and support external funding, grants, and partnerships, the document states.

“Priority proposals have been identified to include a mix of early wins and catalyst initiatives, delivering tangible outcomes while advancing longer-term ambitions.”

Of the 32 recommended projects across five precincts, 12 have been classified as priorities.

A third of those fall within the Convention and Creativity Precinct that takes in the $450m Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre that will open in mid-2026.

The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre will open next year. Picture: Alan Barber.

An expansion of the Western Beach maritime area is cited, as is the redevelopment of the privately owned Cunningham Pier, and upgrade of the Poppy Kettle playground to enhance

existing play areas that provide engaging experiences for a range of ages and abilities.

“Accessible areas will continue to cater to younger children, while new, more challenging spaces will encourage physical activity and exploration for older kids,” the plan states.

Melbourne-based developer Tim Gurner announced his intention in October to develop Cunningham Pier, partnering with pier owner Costa Property Group.

The proposal includes a six-star hotel, high-end residential offerings, restaurants, bars, public spaces and cultural venues, while the potential for cruise ship port facilities was also flagged.

An artist’s impression of a revamped Geelong waterfront. Image: Craig Perry / City of Greater Geelong.

Council also hopes to activate Yarra St, north of Eastern Beach Rd, in a bid to create a welcoming public space that supports outdoor dining and community events.

“Flush pedestrian crossings will define a plaza-style setting that encourages people to linger, gather, and enjoy the waterfront,” the masterplan states.

“The area will be available for lease to support diverse uses, helping to maintain vibrancy throughout the year.”

An artist’s impression of an activated Yarra St. Image: Craig Perry / City of Greater Geelong.

The plan also promotes a cultural walk to showcase landmarks of the Wadawurrung people, something that would provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the area’s First Nations heritage.

This first stage of the project, co-designed and initiated by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, would establish key elements such as dedicated infrastructure to mark the starting point, wayfinding signage, seating, and interpretative features.

Public consultation on the plan concluded in October and involved online surveys and face-to-face meetings.

“Feedback confirmed strong overall support for the draft plan and was used to refine the actions and implementation strategy,” council said.

Originally published as Geelong council set to endorse sweeping waterfront transformation plan