Plaza plan for Highton
Carpark could go for shops, housing
HIGHTON Village’s councilowned carpark would be converted into a three-storey development including new housing, shops and offices under an overhaul of the area.
The proposed removal of about 20 off-street car parks to create multi-level retail, office or residential space is considered a longer-term plan for the central shopping strip.
The initiative is one of several up for discussion as the Geelong council closes in on its final plan to modernise the Belle Vue Ave precinct.
Two different concepts have been released for public comment.
One idea suggests the creation of a public plaza on the east side of the street.
The plaza would retain the existing trees and include raised seating areas, alfresco dining, street trading and an informal children’s play area.
The alternative option does not include the plaza but would instead remove some on-street parking to better cater to pedestrians, alfresco dining, street trading, bike lanes and more ‘green’ public space.
Earlier consultation has found that residents want to enhance the village atmopshere, while improving the “tired” street and removing tripping hazards.
There has been widespread agreeance of the need to add more greenery, upgrading laneways and making the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
“As there is most agreement on the upgrade to the laneways and Barrabool Rd service lane, these elements ... will be put up for consideration as part of future council budgets,” council’s report reads.
The council has said that the merits of a multi-storey carpark and the need to retain a library in the area have been other key issues.
Feedback is being taken on the Highton Village Urban Design Framework until January 25 next year.