Last call for comment on Pako plan

THE closing date for feedback on a plan to guide development and upgrades on Pakington Street and Gordon Avenue has been extended until 5pm today.

The decision to provide more time for the community to respond to the Interim Final Urban Design Framework for the two key Geelong West retail precincts, follows strong interest and concerns raised by local residents since the UDF’s release.

The extended consultation also supports councillors’ encouragement for the community to share its views on proposed growth framework which include building heights between four and 10 storeys in some areas where there are currently no guidelines.

A draft UDF was presented to the community last year and then refined in response to key concerns around building heights, amenity and traffic impacts.

However, the Interim Final UDF has received similar public feedback, particularly from local residents, concerned with building heights, impact on housing, traffic congestion, parking and loss of character in Pakington Street.

The interim final UDF proposes road, footpath and bike path upgrades and commits to a parking plan for Pakington Street to manage parking as the area develops.

The framework also includes existing laneways in urban renewal projects, along with a recommendation to prepare a night-time economy strategy for the Heritage Core precinct.

The consultation process is open to all community members to make an online submission on the Interim Final UDF or via email to [email protected] by 5pm today (Friday, September 24).