Market Square set for makeover as council hopes to revitalise the shopping precinct

Council is calling for community feedback to revitalise the troubled Market Square shopping centre in Geelong’s CBD.

Council is seeking community feedback on how to revitialise the troubled Market Square shopping precinct. Picture: Alan Barber

Market Square shopping centre is set for a makeover with council seeking feedback on how to revitalise the troubled precinct.

The centre has continuously lost tenants in recent years and at least 14 shopfronts were sitting vacant earlier this month.

Retail giant Cotton On moved out of the centre in May last year and the store has not yet been replaced by new tenants.

Duffs Jewellers is the latest business to vacate the precinct, having recently opened a new store in Pakington St, Geelong West.

Dymocks, Factorie, Supre and Michael Hill Jewellers have also moved out of the centre in recent years.

Council said on Tuesday it was seeking community feedback on how to regenerate the precinct.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said the centre would benefit from a “rethink” and the area has been identified as a strategic development site in the draft Central Geelong Framework Plan.

“Council recognises Market Square’s importance as a key driver of our local economy and a central meeting area, and we want to ensure the best potential outcomes,” he said.

“We want to know what you value about the site, as well as your suggestions for improvement and examples of other inclusive spaces around Victoria, Australia and overseas that are inviting and engaging.”

Many major retailers have left Market Square. Picture: Alan Barber

Community feedback will help inform council’s draft Market Square masterplan, which is expected to be released for public consultation in mid-2023.

The masterplan will explore how privately owned buildings and city-owned public areas could be revitalised to boost the local economy.

Council said it would consider heritage values in the plan as well as consult Wadawurrang Traditional Owners to ensure the local Aboriginal culture was highlighted in the precinct.

“This masterplan will not only help guide development in the future for multiple stakeholders, but will be a vital part of supporting the region’s thriving economy and our ‘Clever and Creative’ future,” Mr Sullivan said.

Developer Bill Votsaris told the Geelong Advertiser earlier this month the site’s owners, who are based in Singapore, were “in control of their own destiny” when determining the centre’s future.

“Work needs to be done to attract more businesses to the centre,” he said.

To submit feedback to council, visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au.

Council will also host pop-ups in the area to consult with community members in person.

Feedback closes February 24.

Originally published as Market Square set for makeover as council hopes to revitalise the shopping precinct