“Premium” boutique offices planned for Newtown

Developers have lodged plans for a $13-million riverside business precinct in Newtown.

The City of Greater Geelong is advertising the proposal for Riversdale Road, Newtown that would create 20 office tenancies in the development coined “Barwon Business Park” in indicative designs.

The project would repurpose an existing warehouse on the property into three tenancies and build two new buildings of three and four storeys to accommodate the remaining offices.

Developers indicate that the relatively small spaces may be well suited to start-ups or smaller businesses to operate from a sought-after location in an improving commercial area just north of the Barwon River.

The proposal would have to convince authorities that it responds appropriately to protections regarding heritage due to the area’s use in 19th century Geelong trading and protecting amenity when viewed from the river.

But proponents argue in planning documents that the proposed use matches recent developments in the nearby growth area south of West Fyans Street.

“The site lies within an old industrial precinct which is slowly evolving to reflect its premium location and desired transition to a precinct that will ultimately accommodate a diverse range of accommodation and employment opportunities and provide improved connections with the Barwon River.”

The city will display the plans until December 6.