Second attempt for Lara development

DEVELOPERS have returned with plans for a multi-story commercial development at Lara after a previous plan was met with a wave of community opposition.

The City of Greater Geelong is advertising new plans at 26 Hicks Street for a four-storey building including office space, a shop and café.

The property is currently the site of a single-storey property that would be demolished, and is opposite the Lara Railway Station.

Planners say specific uses of the building would only become clear if the proposal proceeded and proponents could work towards securing leases.

“At this point in time, it is not possible to confirm and visitor numbers as well as operating hours at this early stage in the project, as specific business operators have yet to confirmed,” planning documents stated.

“Such details will be dependent on the lease agreements following completion of the building.”

The new application has removed an education centre originally planned for the site and has changed its design to a lighter, more varied façade.

The site remains four storeys and still has applied for a reduction in the car parking requirements under planning policy.

More than 100 community members objected to plans advertised in January, with traffic and parking issues among the top concerns especially in the railway station precinct as Lara continues to grow.

Opponents suggested at the time the development would be better suited in the Ring Road Employment Precinct to the south of Lara, where taller buildings are more common.

COGG is advertising plans until October 4.