Highton shopping strip undergoes rejuvenation

A HIGHTON shopping centre is enjoying a new lease on life following its first revamp in 12 years.

Existing garden beds were replanted, new beds were created and more trees have been planted as part of the City of Greater Geelong’s $50,000 greening project at Highton’s North Valley Road Shopping Centre.

Kardinia Ward councillor Ron Nelson said the community was helpful in facilitating and directing the project with several suggestions incorporated into the final layout and outcome.

“The team listened closely to the Highton community and those who travel through the area by increasing the number of plants in garden beds instead of planting trees in the middle of the road.

“We’re really thankful to the community and traders for their support of the project and sharing their hopes for a healthy environment and thriving shopping centre.”

48 feedback submissions were made on the city’s Have your Say page during the engagement period between March and May. The page also had 590 visitors during the engagement period.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan visited North Valley and Mount Pleasant roads following the completion of the project.

“Council was eager to make this shopping centre more appealing for shoppers, workers and traders and I definitely think that has been achieved with the new greenery and indigenous understory plants,” he said.

“I encourage the community to keep supporting the terrific businesses along the strip and enjoy the enhanced biodiversity during their visit.”

This project is part of the city’s efforts to improve tree canopy and habitat for native pollinators. It was also part of the city’s Sustainability Framework and Urban Forest Strategy 2015-2025.