City seeks great ideas to improve Labuan Square

THE City of Greater Geelong wants to revitalise Labuan Square in Norlane, and is calling on the public for inspiration on what should be done.

The council has allocated $250,000 for works in the small local shopping precinct, and community members are invited to put forward their suggestions for improvements.

The city is working with local community organisation Norlane Community Initiatives and local stakeholders to look at opportunities for how the area could be improved.

Windermere councillor Anthony Aitken said the council was investing in the works to help revitalise the public space.

“We are aware that less people are visiting Labuan Square, which is affecting the appeal of the area,” Cr Aitken said.

“With input from the community, we are excited about reviving the square to make it a more valuable and appealing community space and encourage investment from landlords and businesses.

“Jump on our website and fill in the survey to get involved in the concept design stage – we’d love to hear your ideas.”

Fellow Windermere councillor Kylie Grzybek also encouraged local community members to participate in the survey.

“We need to hear from community members who will actually use this space, what they want to see in it,” she said.

“Community feedback will play a major role in developing a concept design for Labuan Square, so don’t miss your opportunity to help design a public space that you will enjoy visiting.

“We are excited about seeing Labuan Square return to being the bustling community space where locals enjoy shopping and meeting friends.”

Ideas submitted so far include:

• Designing an attractive place that is safe for children to approach and play
• Painting a picture of the first North Shore football team, and
• Halving the size of the east car park and turning it into green space with trees, bushes, ground cover and seating.

Community members are invited to fill in the survey, as well as post stories, videos or images on their vision for Labuan Square at the City of Greater Geelong’s website.

Submissions close at 4pm on Monday, May 31.