Saleyards transformation could redefine the north

A GEELONG real estate agent says the Saleyards Precinct Development has the potential to redefine North Geelong and take the suburb to another level.

A precinct plan to transform the former saleyards and Gateways Support Service site into a diverse residential development has been approved by the City of Greater Geelong.

Buxton director Jarrod Leonard said the precinct plan could create an area that’s “very desirable” particularly for young couples, young professionals and downsizers because of its location.

“North Geelong is a growing – and forgotten – suburb that’s really an extension of Geelong West, close to Pakington Street and the Waterfront,” Mr Leonard said. “It’s an area that offers exceptional value and all the amenities.”

Mr Leonard said there was demand for high density living, particularly in inner-city suburbs, and the plan just needed to make sure it represented what people want.

“We’re looking at a growing population; we’ve had just under 10,000 people move here in the past 12 months,” he said,

“Being close to the train station it will appeal to young professionals who work in Melbourne and it will give our older people an opportunity to downsize with all the amenities they want close by like Pako, the waterfront, golf club and the bowls club.

“The community will get behind it, as long as the plan is right.”

The city says community feedback has helped shape the transformation plan for the old saleyards and adjacent land which incorporates the site’s history, a diverse range of housing, retail, commercial spaces and parkland.

When the precinct is completed, it will provide more than 40,000 square metres of publicly accessible open space and be home to up to 1,300 residents.

The precinct’s planning and sustainable design will support public infrastructure investment and upgrades, including:

• Retention of historical material from the saleyards wherever possible such as the bluestone drains and restoration of an old shelter for use as a picnic shelter
• A new central park and green links that provide habitat for local species
• Enhancement of pedestrian and cycle connections to North Geelong train station
• Provision of social and affordable housing
• Creation of an attractive plaza space with weather protection, seating, bicycle parking and landscaping, and
• Energy efficient building design.

The city consulted with the community during 2019 and 2020 through workshops, online forums, written submissions and individual interviews.

There was overall general support for the design principles, including the mix of housing types and provision of affordable and social housing, the focus on sustainability and celebration of the site’s history.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the site for the Saleyards Precinct Plan was a strategic one, given its close location to Pakington Street, Central Geelong, the Waterfront, North Geelong train station and other transport links.

“This is an exciting opportunity to create something really special for future generations that aligns with our clever and creative vision for sustainable development and innovative design,” she said.

Cr Peter Murrihy said the Saleyards Precinct Plan also ensured that the site’s history would be celebrated.

“The Geelong Saleyards operated for nearly 150 years from 1869 for sheep and cattle sales and this rich history will be woven into the fabric of this new development,” Cr Murrihy said.

A planning scheme amendment will be the next step and there will be an opportunity for the community to provide further feedback, before the final plan and amendment goes to the Minister for Planning.