Plans lodged for $50m Corio housing project

MORE THAN 100 new residences would be created in a three-stage $50 million development in Corio that is seeking planning approval.

Proponents Edenville Corio have applied to build 108 properties, including 48 apartments, across multiple lots at the Sharland Road and McHarry Court at the northern fringe of urban Geelong.

The greenfield site was the former Rosewall Primary School – a 3.06-hectare site that the Victorian government sold in April last year for more than $6 million.

The proposed development contains a mix of single and double-storey properties with lots ranging from 100-449sqm, as developers aim to create affordable housing opportunities in Geelong’s northern suburbs.

The area had been identified as a major infill development opportunity in the City of Greater Geelong’s 2012 Corio Norlane Structure Plan.

“Council should not miss the opportunity to support a proposal that makes a positive contribution to housing diversity and affordability by providing yielding an increased density and more refined product within a strategically identified area,” planning documents stated.

“The proposal will deliver a medium density residential development with convenient access to a nearby activity centre, community facilities, public transport and education facilities.”

The development would occur in three stages, with single-storey buildings at existing street fronts that applicants say would preserve existing neighbourhood character.

“The plan of subdivision will consist of three stages to deliver the proposed development,” the documents stated.

“The proposed development will be appropriately coordinated through a staged development and subdivision process to ensure the residential amenity is preserved throughout the construction stage.”

The plans are available to view and for public submissions until June 9.