Trade training transformation for Lara house

A LARA house could be converted into a trades training centre and workshop under a planning proposal before the city.

The City of Greater Geelong will soon decide on plans for 11 Clover Road, Lara, with the two-storey property to become an adult education training centre for training and study of first-year students in fields such as bricklaying and carpentry.

Up to 30 students would attend classes at once, and would be aged between 18-35. A maximum of 2-3 staff members would also supervise training for guidance and to ensure health and safety.

The education centre would be open seven days a week, starting at 9am with tools going down at 7pm.

Proponents say the facility would involve students building and installing small projects for training purposes and would not involve large-scale machinery, timber supplies or waste to conduct classes.

“The existing tenancy building will be used to provide for a simulation environment for the brick laying and also for the carpentry training where students will prepare small models as per the project assigned and which will be installed to ensure improved health and safety for the learners while they are on site,” planning documents stated.

The proposal would involve minimal changes to the existing house, which could house the centre’s four classrooms, office, kitch facilities and computer lab. Applicants would build a new single-storey storage shed at the rear of the property.

The city is accepting feedback on the proposal until December 13.