The community has the opportunity to contribute to a draft masterplan that aims to progressively make the entire length of Mercer, Gheringhap and Bayley streets in central Geelong more inviting, accessible and green.
Council has endorsed the Draft Mercer and Gheringhap Streetscape Masterplan for public consultation from today, which considers factors such as pedestrian improvements, greening intersection upgrades, seating, art, cycling and accessibility.
The draft plan puts forward a significant increase in community areas, gardens, parks, tree planting and safety measures.
A number of short and long-term improvements are proposed, including:
- 20,800sqm of fully accessible public area such as footpaths, pram ramps and parking;
- 7,400sqm of additional footpaths – a 36 per cent increase;
- 620 trees – a 400 per cent increase and 15 per cent increase in canopy cover;
- Recognition of First Nations culture and heritage;
- New and improved outdoor dining areas;
- 260 new seats, bins, drinking fountains and other street furniture;
- 1.2km of underground powerlines to allow for new trees and expanded footpaths;
- Opportunities for public art;
- 7,200sqm of water sensitive urban design to help mitigate rain events; and
- 180 upgraded or new streetlights with energy efficient fittings.
The plan also includes changes to road layout and on-street parking. Independent modelling indicates that these changes would see the network function satisfactorily without any major gridlocks or prolonged periods of heavy congestion.
A proposed reduction in parking would be offset by the implementation of the Central Geelong Parking Strategy, which is anticipated to be finalised in 2024. The strategy proposes parking precinct plans to encourage higher turnover and delivery of multi storey parking facilities on the periphery of central Geelong, new developments, a safe bicycle network and support from the state government to improve public transport.
Feedback from the community, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and other stakeholders over 2021-22 helped to shape the draft masterplan.
Key themes from the public engagement included a desire for footpath improvements (72 per cent); more trees and landscaping (64 per cent); better street lighting (61 per cent); extra rubbish bins and recycling bins (51 per cent); more outdoor dining (45 per cent); additional public seating (41 per cent); and more historical information about the city (39 per cent).
Community members suggested Gheringhap and Mercer streets could look more like Malop Street in the future and Bayley Street could resemble Little Malop Street.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
The draft masterplan aims to contribute to the area’s character and sense of identity and support our greening and design excellence efforts.
We want to progressively improve these streets, with support from the Victorian Government and developers, so that they are more appealing and accessible for all users.
By providing spaces that are greener, livelier and more convenient to move around and reflect our Wadawurrung history, we hope to attract more people to gather in the area and support local businesses.
Councillor Peter Murrihy:
The draft masterplan will provide a clear vision and design guidelines for these three streets, as well as a framework for ongoing management, maintenance and decision-making.
We want to hear from community members who visit, work and live in central Geelong – how do you think the increased public spaces, accessibility and changes to parking will work?
The feedback will contribute to a final masterplan, which will support planning applications and inform future business cases for Council and Victorian Government funding.
The draft plan is the first of a series of streetscape masterplans required by the Central Geelong Framework Plan.
Have your say on the Draft Mercer and Gheringhap Streetscape Masterplan before 5pm, Tuesday 23 January 2024.
If you prefer to give feedback in person, the City is holding a pop up engagement stand at our Wurriki Nyal civic precinct (137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong) on Tuesday 16 January, 2024. Please register your attendance beforehand.
