Land rezoned to allow homemaker centre in Leopold

THE City of Greater Geelong is proposing to rezone land in Leopold to create a new homemaker centre featuring a Harvey Norman store.

At their December meeting, councillors voted to prepare Amendment C472ggee Leopold Sub Regional Activity Centre – Combined Amendment, Development Plan 798/2025 and Planning Permit 397/2025 for the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).

Under the amendment, Farming Zone land at 92-100 Melaluka Road to the north of Gateway Plaza will be rezoned to Commercial 1 Zone.

The city’s Retail Strategy 2020-2036 proposed a future expansion of the Sub Regional Activity Centre to create the new Homemaker Centre.

The rezoning will facilitate plans to develop the site for a Homemaker Centre, with Harvey Norman as the proposed anchor tenant.

As part of the plans, developer contributions will be required to build community infrastructure.

City officers are working with Urbis, who submitted the amendment.

Assuming authorisation by DTP, the amendment will be publicly exhibited once prepared.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the proposed expansion had been planned for some time.

“As our city grows, it’s important that we have the infrastructure our community needs as we move towards the target set by the Victorian government for 126,500 new homes by 2051,” he said.

“The expansion of retail in Leopold was called for in our Retail Strategy back in 2020, and now, we’re taking the next step to make it a reality.”

Leopold ward councillor Trent Sullivan said feedback would be invited.

“As we see growth in Leopold and on the Bellarine, it’s important that we listen to the community,” he said.

“Make sure you follow yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au to stay informed about opportunities to make a submission once the amendment goes out for exhibition so that your views can be captured.”