High Street office idea

A NEW two-storey office complex would be built on Drysdale’s main street in a bid to provide more commercial property for the town’s central business precinct.

The development at 36A High Street, just south of Eversley Street, would build four offices and associated business signage.

Designs aim to fit in with the variety of housing and commercial building facades prevalent along High Street and surrounding Drysdale streets, through use of Colourbond cladding and glazing.

Planning documents argue the build would “deliver a high-standard urban landscape” that “would result in [a] highly amenable and functional addition to the Drysdale community”.

“The proposal will facilitate modest commercial growth within an existing settlement that is highly responsive to neighbourhood and landscape character.

“The proposed development s will not be visually intrusive and will integrate with the streetscape through the proposed built form and selection of materials.

“The proposal provides a site-responsive design and allows for modest office and commercial growth which responds directly to the provisions of state and local planning policy.”

Planners also say the proposal would fit in with policies such as the Drysdale/Clifton Springs Structure Plan, which aimed to consolidate commercial activity in the existing town centre, while protecting the unique character of Drysdale “as a regional town located within a sensitive environment and significant landscape”.

The City of Greater Geelong is advertising the plans for public submissions until Wednesday, January 25.