Geelong’s northern gateway set for dramatic revamp after approval of two apartment blocks on city edge

A pair of now-approved apartment complexes are set to reshape the northern entry point to central Geelong.

A planning application for the development of 15 York St, Geelong, was approved this week.

The construction of two apartment blocks – just metres apart – at the northern gateway to Geelong’s CBD will begin early next year after being given the green light by Victoria’s planning minister.

The developments at 1 York St and 15 York St form part of an overall plan to improve the attractiveness of Geelong for those entering the city from the north.

Coinciding with this week’s release of the state government’s long-awaited Housing Statement, Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny approved plans for a six-storey, 37 apartment complex at 15 York St.

She has also given the go ahead for a five-storey, 129 apartment development at 1 York St.

To be known as Motif, 1 York St is a joint venture between DM Property and the local arm of Japanese property giant Kajima.

Situated on a triangular 3450sq metre block opposite the Quest hotel, Motif will include a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, a communal rooftop terrace, and ground floor commercial offices.

Construction of 1 York St, Geelong, will commence in early 2024.

DM’s Brendan Mullan confirmed construction would commence in early 2024 and be completed in the latter half of 2025.

“Geelong is evolving into a proper sister city of Melbourne,” he said.

“It has really matured over the past decade, particularly the last two years, and we’re really excited to progress the project to the next stage.”

The smaller 840sq metre block at 15 York St will also comprise one and two bedroom units.

A minimum of five apartments at 1 York St and two apartments at 15 York St will be set aside for affordable housing for no less than 15 years.

Two of the 37 apartments planned for 15 York St will be set aside for affordable housing.

Both projects align with the state government’s Central Geelong Framework Plan.

Released in February by the Department of Transport and Planning, the plan was designed to help guide investment and development in Geelong through to 2050.

It outlines the objectives of the “small but important York precinct”.

“Land within this precinct can provide sensitively scaled residential development yield within a preferred maximum building height of 16 metres,” the plan states.

“New, preferably commercial development fronting Keera St/Latrobe Tce will present an inviting entry into central Geelong.

“Development abutting existing residential neighbourhoods to the north and east should be managed carefully to avoid amenity impacts on these areas.”

A key focus of the highly anticipated Housing Statement was the fast-tracking of planning decisions.

“We’ll boost housing supply, make sure good decisions are made faster and give industry greater certainty with a planning system that works for Victorians, not against them,” Ms Kilkenny said.

Since 2015, Victoria’s planning minister has been responsible for certain permits in central Geelong, including where developments are five storeys or more.

Originally published as Geelong’s northern gateway set for dramatic revamp after approval of two apartment blocks on city edge