Demand calls for retail expansion

THE GEELONG region’s retail footprint needs to grow by nearly half a million square metres in the next 18 years to meet the demands of a growing population, according to a new council plan.

Councillors will tonight vote on the adoption of a new retail strategy, identifying a need to increase Geelong’s retail floorspace by 465,000m2 by 2036.

The plan forecasts demand for retail expansion to be greatest in central Geelong, Belmont, Geelong West, Newcomb, Waurn Ponds and Corio.

It also highlights a need to develop new retail centres in areas experiencing the greatest population growth, including Armstrong Creek, Drysdale and Clifton Springs, Ocean Grove, Fyansford and Lara.

However, this demand was expected to be met with existing plans for new shopping centres in those areas.

The 2017 draft plan attract- ed 12 public submissions during a community consultation period, with one resident calling for a South Melbournestyle food market in central Geelong.

While the strategy does not directly call for a permanent outdoor market, a report to councillors states such a development would not be prevented under the plan.

“The purpose of the Retail Strategy is to provide guidance around broad land use outcomes for Greater Geelong through an updated planning policy context,” the report says.

The public submissions process also unearthed calls for Barwon Water’s former South Geelong site to be turned into a retail precinct.

This suggestion would also be allowed under the strategy, with council officers noting the site’s potential due to its proximity to the rail network.

The strategy also identified several challenges to Geelong’s retail economy, including a need for more residential development in the CBD.

A retail audit found that central Geelong was only capturing a small share of the retail spend as shoppers were drawn to suburban centres.

The audit found Bellarine Peninsula towns struggled to attract a year-round retail market, highlighting a need for hospitality and cultural tourism ventures in those locations.

The strategy also states retail development should be encouraged in locations where people congregate for extended periods.