Plans reveal $2m three-storey office block on busy Rippleside corner

There’s a push to significantly reduce the number of carparking spaces at the site of a proposed $2m development, with its proximity to public transport cited as a major reason why.

A render of the planned three-storey office complex at 161-167 Melbourne Rd in Rippleside. Image: Projekt Evolve.

Plans for a three-storey office complex on a busy corner in Geelong’s north are before council, with the issue of carparking spaces – or lack thereof – looming large for decision makers.

The $2m project at 161-167 Melbourne Rd in Rippleside would see almost 1200sq m of office space created across all floors, complemented by a roof deck.

Located on the corner of Victoria St, 12 ground level parking spaces would be accessed from an existing crossover on Coots Court at the rear of the currently vacant 670sq m site that sold for $1.38m in July last year.

The City of Greater Geelong’s planning rules stipulate that 3.5 parking spaces be provided for every 100sq m of office space, meaning the project would require 41 spaces.

However, a report compiled by planning consultancy firm Ratio and submitted as part of the application cited several reasons why the parking requirement should be reduced.

These included the proximity of North Geelong train station and the adequacy of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in the area.

“The suppressed provision of carparking will reduce motor vehicle travel to and from the site, resulting in a lessened impact on traffic congestion and pedestrian amenity in the vicinity of the site than what would otherwise be incurred were more on-site parking proposed,” the Ratio report states.

The subject site in Rippleside. Picture: Brad Fleet.

Based on early feedback from council, four additional parking spaces are proposed to be provided on Coots Court, along with a footpath.

Renders of the proposed building show Sherridon Homes emblazoned on the exterior, but the company did not respond to questions as to whether it intended to take up the entirety of the office space.

Another render. Image: Projekt Evolve.

Sherridon Homes has an existing Geelong office on Pakington St in Geelong West.

The application was submitted by Geelong-based building designer Projekt Evolve and included a report from BJK Planning.

The proposal includes signage in the form of two illuminated signs on the northern facade and three illuminated signs on the western side.

“The subject land is part of a broader activity centre and the proposed office building will support the diversity of services the centre can provide,” the application states.

“The simple building form complements the existing development in the area.”

Originally published as Plans reveal $2m three-storey office block on busy Rippleside corner