‘Beautifying’ Newtown
Council to make call on proposed $12m development
Bold plans to “beautify” a small block in Newtown with a mixed-use complex have been lodged with Geelong council.
The proposed development of a three to four-storey commercial and residential complex at the corner of Rutland and Hampton streets is expected to cost $12m.
Developer Brenzem Pty Ltd, in conjunction with Ratio Consultants, is seeking to build 11 dwellings, including three townhouses and eight apartments.
In a town planning report submitted to the City of Greater Geelong earlier this year, the proposal also outlined potential space for cafes and res
taurants, retail and a basement to host underground parking.
The Geelong-based company said it was looking to “revitalise” a currently underutilised and vacant precinct, with only three separate dwellings and a warehouse currently occupying the site.
“As Geelong residents, we
feel an overriding responsibility to deliver a quality building worthy of the precinct, which reflects the area’s architectural history and which the local and wider Geelong community will find exciting, innovative and iconic,” it wrote in the planning report.
In an attempt to “beautify
the street”, the developers are also seeking approval to remove four power poles and power lines and restrict the number of required parking spaces for incoming residents.
In their planning report to the council, the developers said they hoped to limit parking to preserve the streetscape in front of the complex and encourage residents to use public transport and pushbikes.
“We believe this will be a destination building that will not only attract visitors but significantly raise the bar for future development in the Arts Precinct of Geelong,” they wrote.
The proposed site is across the street from another potential multimillion-dollar redevelopment at the historically significant Returned Sailors and Soldiers Woollen Mill on Pakington St.
Residents who believe they may be affected by plans to develop the Rutland and Hampton streets site can submit an objection via the council website by May 11.