Waurn Ponds confirmed as site for major housing development

UP TO 400 new and affordable homes will be built on the site formerly earmarked for the Commonwealth Games village in Waurn Ponds, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed today (Friday, March 1).

Speaking in Geelong, Ms Allan said the project – part of a $2 billion package for regional Victoria after the Victorian government cancelled the Games – would be built by the Victorian government through Development Victoria.

“It’s currently in the early design stage, but will include around 72 social and affordable homes, in that mix of four hundred homes in that site,” Ms Allan said.

“To make it more attractive to families the design phase will ensure the development includes green, open space for local families and everyone it will need to support families.

“Through detailed design there will also be good access to Waurn Ponds train station and other transport links, to help families get to work, school, uni or healthcare in town.”

In Geelong, the Games village for athletes and officials was originally to be built just south of Waurn Ponds railway station in Armstrong Creek and be converted into housing, including social and affordable homes, once Victoria 2026 was over.

The 72 social and affordable homes represents 18 per cent of the 400-home development, which is a little over half of the 30 per cent target sought by City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan during a meeting with Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing in November last year.