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A $220 million revitalisation project for Geelong has been greenlit today by the Victorian Minister for Planning Richard Wynne.
The project, designed by Cox Architecture, will include a new centralised head office for the City of Greater Geelong, a separate building owned and managed by Quintessential Equity, and a 2,600sqm public precinct.
Developed by Quintessential Equity the mixed-use project at 137 Mercer Street is expected to achieve more than 60 per cent local procurement throughout construction and should create around 900 jobs for local businesses and suppliers.
"This is a landmark project that will transform this central pocket of Geelong," says Quintessential Equity executive chairman Shane Quinn.
"The development will act as a gateway for the city, creating a vibrant, active precinct for the whole community to enjoy."
Watpac has been appointed as the builder for the civic project with construction to begin on the new Geelong Council headquarters in August and completion slated for mid-2022.
"The approval of the planning permit is a major milestone in the creation of our new Civic Precinct in the heart of Geelong," says Greater Geelong Councillor Peter Murrihy.
"At a challenging time like this, the project will help speed up the recovery of our economy by creating around 900 jobs for local businesses and suppliers.
"Once finished it will be an asset for our community, with a large and welcoming public space, retail outlets and cafes. It will also create improved pedestrian links into our CBD and give the community a central access point for council services."
Sustainability is a key component of the build, with the buildings to be constructed using cross laminated timber, and the office to feature a 6-Star Green Star Building Council Australia rating for design and peak operational ratings for energy, waste and water usage.
"Throughout construction, infrastructure and design, we are committed to creating healthy buildings and workplaces from the inside out," says Quinn.
"We're proud that the design also celebrates Geelong's heritage whilst encouraging community activation. It will reflect the diversity and inclusivity of Geelong."
The building has been designed by Cox Architecture with the area's industrial heritage history in mind, with exposed high-tech cross laminated timber and brick construction prioritised.
The precinct will also provide clear views across Johnstone Park of City Hall, the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, and across to the Geelong Performing Arts Centre.
The space will also include co-working areas, end-of-trip facilities, cafés and retail.
The investment in the $220 million project will be shared between the City of Geelong and Quintessential Equity with the City Council already committing $51.43 million to begin construction.
$1 billion in building projects on the way in Victoria
The Victorian Government has announced today that $1 billion of building projects are on the way to help kickstart the economy.
Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas has announced the State Government's 'Building Victoria's Recovery Taskforce' has fast-tracked another seven projects, which have all now received planning approval.
The latest projects to receive planning permits include:
- A $291 million, two tower residential development at 938 Collins Street, Docklands, featuring 668 apartments
- A $250 million development at 31 Station Street Caulfield, which includes a build-to-rent scheme, affordable housing, a supermarket, retail and office space
- The aforementioned Geelong Civic Precinct, including a 6-storey commercial building to be used as the new civic centre for the City of Greater Geelong, and a 12-storey commercial development to accommodate a further 900 full time workers
- A $200 million solar farm at Kennedys Creek, located 5km northeast of Benalla, which will generate 115 megawatts, enough to power more than 50,000 households
- Two multi-storey apartment buildings at 103-109 and 115-117 Boundary Road in North Melbourne with retail and office space, valued at $41.2 million
- A $70 million development at 346-350 Macaulay Road Kensington, including 6 multi-level buildings comprising 426 dwellings and retail space
- A $110 million nine-story mixed use development at 285A Burke Road, Glen Iris, which is next to the Gardiner train station, comprising of 11 dwellings funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
"Now more than ever, Victoria needs a strong building and development sector, and we're making sure this industry can continue to thrive all over the state, despite the challenges of coronavirus," says Minister for Planning Richard Wynne.
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