Geelong CBD spaces renewed

THE Geelong CBD streetscape is about to become a little more interesting with nine creative projects either open or ready to set up shop over the coming month.

Renew Geelong, an urban renewal project funded by Creative Victoria and the City of Greater Geelong, has been inundated with interest from our local creatives, who are looking to trial their business in the CBD.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens and City of Greater Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood were among the stakeholders invited to tour the businesses and meet participants of the Renew Geelong Project last month.

The Renew Geelong Concept Space, based in the Market Square Shopping Cente, hosts three creative businesses – The Geelong Illustrators Workshop and Studio, a collective of 22 artists; Waja Creations’ unique concrete and timber pieces and a large selection of rare plants; and Fair Dinkum Moccies, who creates made to order moccies.

The Dot Collective (an arts agent) and Ruck Agency (a marketing specialist) have set up shop in Little Malop Street.

The Belcher Arcade, offered to Renew Creatives free of charge by Up Property, has three creative projects confirmed – The Indirect Object, an award-winning collaborative group with performers and technical artists has taken over the old Mountain Design shop; Legio-Centurion Films; and Hearth Tales with professional storyteller Niki Na Meadhra for storytelling events and workshops.

Belcher Arcade will be activated during October with at least two other projects still to be announced.

A not-for-profit social enterprise, Renew Geelong is funded by the City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian Government.

“We welcome Market Square and Up Property and thank them for supporting this valuable urban renewal scheme,” Mr Harwood said.

As a City of Design, this is exactly the kind of initiative we want to become known for and we encourage other property owners to get in touch with Renew Geelong to activate their vacant spaces.”

Property owners, agents and creatives are encouraged to contact Renew Geelong if they are interest in the activation of vacant commercial properties by emailing [email protected].