City wants ideas about new Whittington Link

THE City of Greater Geelong is seeking ideas from the public as it works on a plan to shape the future of social infrastructure at the Whittington Link.

A Concept Design Plan for a contemporary multi-purpose community hub to serve the Whittington community will be developed in partnership with the community and stakeholders.

The open space and surrounds in Solar Drive is presently home to a range of services operating from a variety of standalone facilities nearing the end of their useful life, including:

Bellarine Living and Learning Centre (Neighbourhood House)

Apollo Place Preschool, and

Whittington City Learning & Care.

The city says the time has come to reimagine a facility for the Whittington community, and wants to develop a concept design for an integrated hub that will accommodate:

An early years service space

Neighbourhood House programs

Youth programs

Community activities

Improved connection with the Whittington Primary School, and

Improved access and utilisation of the Whittington Link open space.

In order to understand existing visitation to Whittington Link and priorities and ideas for the area into the future, the city is inviting residents to have their say by completing an online survey.

Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said community input into a concept design for a redeveloped facility would be welcome.

“Whittington Link has long served families throughout Whittington and St Albans Park.

“This is a great opportunity for residents throughout the region to inform the city of its vision.”

Cr Sarah Mansfield encouraged residents to contribute to the concept plan for a multi-purpose hub in Whittington.

“We’ve long understood the role that hubs of this kind play in helping develop a sense of community,” Cr Mansfield said.

“So we welcome residents throughout Whittington and St Albans Park having input into what a future hub might look like.”

The community survey is the first stage of the engagement process and is available to be completed online until October 7 by heading to geelongaustralia.com.au/thelink

Design workshops will be held in October or November, with concept design feedback to occur in November or December.

Design development will take place in December this year or January next year, with a report to go to the City of Greater Geelong council from February 2023.

Residents interested in participating in future engagement opportunities can follow the page at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/thelink for updates.