Geelong council urges community to have their say on the Market Square draft masterplan that cost ratepayers $250,000

With just days before community consultation closes on a draft masterplan that cost ratepayers $250,000, Geelong council has conceded it is finding it difficult to speak with the owners of Market Square.

Geelong council is looking to lead the conversation about an overhaul of Market Square shopping centre despite not owning the land. Picture: Mark Wilson.

Geelong council has conceded it is having trouble contacting the owners of Market Square as it looks to lead the revival of the precinct with a draft masterplan that cost ratepayers $250,000.

City Hall’s executive director of placemaking Tennille Bradley revealed the cost at last week’s council meeting after concerns were raised by CBD resident Trish Gant about anti-social behaviour in the area.

Ms Bradley, one of four recently installed executive directors, said the cost consisted of consultant reports, engagement, economic analysis, and masterplan preparation.

She said she hoped the draft plan would act as a catalyst for developers and other stakeholders to bring positive change to the much-maligned precinct.

Yet the shopping centre’s Singapore-based owners who purchased the site from council for $33m in 1996 were proving to be elusive.

“We are looking to work proactively with all the stakeholders in the precinct and are reaching out to private landowners where we can to realise positive outcomes for the site for the city,” Ms Bradley said.

“Keeping in mind that some of those landowners may not live local, and so getting in touch with them to have those conversations is something we’re working through.”

City Hall unveiled its draft plan in November, with its preferred redevelopment option including a hotel, apartments, public forecourt, as well as a retail and entertainment complex.

There would also be a pedestrian “eat street” and opportunities for more live music and events.

“The option most strongly aligns with the vision for central Geelong as a dense, mixed-use location that supports the convergence of uses and activity,” the draft plan stated.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said the masterplan was shaped by widespread engagement early last year.

Community consultation closes this Sunday and Mr Sullivan is urging people to have their say via council’s Your Say website.

“We want to hear if the draft Market Square Quarter Masterplan hits the mark or if there are further improvements that can be made,” he said.

As of last week, council had received 218 online survey responses, while around 50 people had provided feedback in person.

Brownbill ward councillor Peter Murrihy said the city block was important for the region’s economic prosperity.

“The land is owned by private landholders and government, meaning strong partnerships between landowners, developers, local and state government, Wadawurrung traditional owners and the community will be needed for the final plan to become a reality,” he said.

Originally published as Geelong council urges community to have their say on the Market Square draft masterplan that cost ratepayers $250,000