High hopes for Lara office building

DEVELOPERS have lodged plans for a four-storey commercial building opposite Lara train station in a proposal that could “set a new design standard” for the area.

The $4.3 million mixed-use building at 26 Hicks Street would respond to growing need for commercial property in Lara, applicants say, in a design aimed at avoiding creating “an ugly generic bland box”.

Education service Riverdale Institute, which trains staff for early childhood education an care, is confirmed as one tenant of the building.

Proponents would seek more tenants for two more levels if the project is approved, with each floor expected to have room for about 50 occupants through either fixed leases or co-working arrangements.

The building would also have a ground floor foyer and basement-level car park for building users.

Planners argue the proposal is ideally located and positioned to expand Lara’s commercial property opportunities.

“A four-storey building will be a first for the area but with limited land for a growing commercial need, this location directly opposite the train station is the ideal location to provided needed density with direct public transport available and create a great outcome for the area.

“The owner’s design intent with this building was to create a high-quality design with aesthetics the major brief focus. They want to improve the streetscape and not have an ugly generic bland box on this site.

“This development will be on a new level to any other buildings in this area to set a new design standard for this precinct.

“This proposal will provide for more worker opportunities as well as attract others to utilise the township via the direct access with the train station and create a new, modern streetscape within a growing commercial zone.”

The City of Greater Geelong is advertising plans for public comment until January 11.