Truck wash to close ahead of salesyards redevelopment

THE truck wash at the former Geelong Salesyards is set to close in late September, paving the way for planned redevelopments to be made to the site.

The City of Greater Geelong council resolved to close the saleyards in August 2017, and in June 2020 adopted the Geelong Saleyards Precinct Plan, rezoning the 4.3-hectare site to Comprehensive Development Zone 4.

The rezoning allows for the integrated planning, development and subdivision of the land, primarily for higher density housing.

The precinct plan outlines steps to create a high amenity, walkable residential environment with high quality public spaces, community facilities and a limited range of commercial uses.

In support of the proposed redevelopment, the council has also voted to undertake community engagement on its intention to sell the site.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the site was in a prime location for medium to high density development given its proximity to the North Geelong Railway Station.

“The proposed sale presents a fantastic commercial opportunity to redevelop the site in-line with Geelong Saleyards Precinct Plan.

“Developments like these will be crucial in our efforts to meet the Victorian government’s ambitious target of 128,600 additional homes in Greater Geelong by 2051.

“With Geelong’s population rapidly expanding, we can’t just build out – we also need to look for ways to build up in our CBD and established suburbs.”

The truck wash runs at a loss of $228,411 per year and usage has declined by 73 per cent over the past 12 months.

City planning portfolio chair Cr Andrew Katos welcomed the closure of the facility.

“The closure means more money back in council’s coffers that can be better spent on the many other services and infrastructure upgrades that we provide,” he said.