The existing
public toilet in Little Malop Central will be removed this week, as part of a range
of minor capital works and trial activities to improve the space.
The public
toilet will be fenced off and inaccessible from today, with the facility
expected to be removed by the end of the week.
The area is being
opened up to allow a performance stage to be built in coming weeks.
The stage will host
live performances and events, as part of a bid to increase visitor numbers to
Little Malop Central.
The project is
the first step in a wider activation and works program, which was endorsed by
Council last month.
Council
committed $315,000 to carry out the works and activities, following a
successful notice of motion from Councillor Eddy Kontelj in June 2019.
It will see
Little Malop Central redeveloped into three main precincts, focusing on live
entertainment and events; socialising and eating; and a children’s play area.
Initiatives
include new movable seating and seating around trees; planter boxes; reinstatement
of the water feature; play equipment; and 3D art on walls and pavements.
The activation
program follows consultation with Victoria Police, community groups, traders
and property owners.
The City will
continue to liaise with traders, property owners and agencies to co-ordinate a
suitable program of events for the performance area.
Christmas-themed
activities are already confirmed for the space during November and December,
including the display of the popular School Christmas Trees.
Maintenance
will be increased to ensure the area remains clean.
The
improvements will be independently assessed to determine how welcoming, clean
and safe visitors find the area.
The activation
program will inform the scope of a longer-term masterplan brief, which will be
prepared early next year.
Other public
toilets are available at Market Square Shopping Centre, Westfield Geelong, the
Civic Centre Car Park, the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, Transvaal
Square, on the corner of Malop and Moorabool streets, Little Ryrie Street and
the Waterfront.
Mayor Stephanie Asher
While there is
planning underway regarding the mall’s long-term future, the council has taken
action to improve the space in the short-term. The removal of
the public toilets is a positive step in creating a more appealing environment,
with three distinct zones being established to encourage different groups of
people to the area.
With further
capital works and a large program of activations to be in place before
Christmas, we hope to see the mall start to become a more vibrant space that
our community enjoys visiting.
Cr Eddy Kontelj, Brownbill Ward
It’s good to
see work underway on the first step in a series of short-term initiatives that
we trust will reinvigorate the Little Malop Mall for the community. It’s important
that we’re taking this action and introducing positive changes before
Christmas, so that people can enjoy the space during the festive season.
The plan
approved by the council is about improving the space and introducing consistent
activations to help the mall become a more appealing place where people feel
safe spending time. We want it to
be a welcoming place where people of all ages can meet and socialise with
friends and family or spend time as individuals. The change
starts today!
