Works to grow next stage of Green Spine

THE Green Spine project in central Geelong is growing, with construction under way on the northern side of Malop Street and a tender for the public engagement and design of later sections to be released this week.

The section between Gheringhap and Moorabool streets will provide entry to Malop Street from Johnstone Park and the train station precinct, and will include a landscaped triangle park, heritage features from the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, tree and grass plantings and seating.

As well as drainage works between Gheringhap Street and Clare Street, two tenders will also soon be released for community engagement and design of Block 3, between Yarra Street and Bellarine Street.

The Green Spine project, which will eventually stretch between Johnstone Park and Eastern Park, is funded through the $382.48 million Geelong City Deal – a 10-year partnership between the federal and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said that along with revitalising community connection, the Green Spine project would increase opportunities for business and tourism and play an important role in the city’s future.

“One of the key projects for the 10-year Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan, launched in 2016, the first section (Block 2) between Moorabool and Yarra streets, was completed in July 2018,” she said.

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said an ‘all-abilities’ standard would be applied to improve pedestrian movement along Malop Street, including connections to and from the new WorkSafe and NDIS buildings.

“The single-lane bike path on the north of Malop Street will also continue through this block, which will feature a mix of indigenous and deciduous tree plantings,” Ms Henderson said.

“Overall, we’re talking about adding over a hectare of green space for the city, which will contribute to Geelong becoming an even better place to live, work and visit.”

Detailed planning work on the rest of the Green Spine, connecting greenery and bike lanes are also under way, and community consultation will begin later this year to provide feedback on the look and feel of the sections from Yarra Street through to Eastern Park.

Works on Block 3 are expected to begin in early 2022.

These works will continue to transform Malop Street, creating extra cycling and pedestrian connections, green areas (including a botanical walk) and alfresco dining options.

For more information on what’s happening in central Geelong, head to revitalisingcentralgeelong.vic.gov.au, facebook.com/RevitalisingCentralGeelong and instagram.com/revitalisingcentralgeelong.

For more information on the Geelong City Deal, head to citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/geelong.