Pakington North urban design framework opens for community feedback

THE Pakington North Urban Design Framework (UDF) is now available for public viewing on the City of Greater Geelong’s Have Your Say page.

This framework, co-designed by a community panel, will be considered by the Council later this month.

The deliberations focused on built form, public realm, and access and movement within the Pakington Street North precinct.

After 20 hours of engagement on these themes, the panel indicated they were comfortable progressing the UDF to a Council meeting for consideration and adoption.

Key recommendations include improvements to streetscapes and open spaces, along with enhanced access and movement.

The UDF envisions the Pakington North precinct as a vibrant area with shops, offices, and communal spaces at street level and residential units above.

Mayor Trent Sullivan encouraged local residents and business owners to review the UDF.

“The Pakington North precinct, which stretches along Pako from Church Street to Waratah and Wellington streets, contributes to Geelong West’s thriving economy and culture,” Mr Sullivan said.

The design prioritises creating a people-friendly environment, boosting business, providing diverse housing options, and enhancing public areas and architecture.

Pakington Street will become a greener space, contributing to Geelong’s tree canopy targets.

To achieve this vision, the UDF proposes varied building heights, with a maximum of 10 storeys at specific locations like the railsidings yard and the intersection of Pakington and Church streets.

It aims to ensure sunlight access to footpaths and to transition more smoothly to heritage areas and nearby residential neighbourhoods.

“We thank the Pakington North Community Panel for taking part in the City’s most collaborative and comprehensive community engagement,” Mr Sullivan said.

“Council will consider adopting the UDF later this month.”

Further actions include advocacy with stakeholders, a planning scheme amendment, a local area traffic management plan, and a streetscape masterplan.

The Community Panel Engagement Summary Report, detailing the deliberative engagement process, is also available on the Have Your Say page.

This report marks the completion of the community consultation for the UDF.

Additionally, the Pakington Street (Geelong West) and Gordon Avenue Urban Design Framework, partially adopted in December 2021, will return to Council to exclude the Pakington North section from the report.

The mayor encouraged people to view the documents online to better understand what is going to Council at its upcoming meeting on 28 May.

yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/pakonorthcommunitypanel