The City thanks residents, visitors to Geelong, landowners, occupiers and other stakeholders who gave their feedback on the Draft Market Square Quarter Masterplan over 75 days, ending 11 February.
The draft proposal suggests turning the city block bound by Malop, Yarra, Ryrie and Moorabool streets into the thriving heart of Geelong. This includes transforming Little Malop Central into a more inclusive and accessible gathering spot.
Our online survey attracted feedback from 257 people with more than 180 people identifying as local residents, and 73 people attended our four drop-in sessions. The webpage received 9,263 views from 6,609 visitors.
Full support for the draft masterplan hit 33.08 per cent, with 33.84 per cent of respondents in support. Just over 17 per cent of people were undecided. Nearly 16 per cent of respondents were either strongly against or didn't support the draft masterplan.
When asked what excited them about the draft masterplan, comments from respondents included:
- the opportunity for renewal and urban regeneration;
- laneway activation;
- events, arts and culture;
- more respect to heritage features and character; and
- good mix of uses.
Forty-three per cent strongly supported the masterplan's vision for the quarter, 27 per cent were in support and 14.8 per cent were undecided. Key themes included the inclusion of more retail and entertainment, opportunities for outdoor dining and an Eat Street, pedestrian friendly public spaces, opportunities for a fresh food market and the respectful retention of heritage elements.
A total of 11.8 per cent of survey recipients said they were strongly against the vision, with 3.4 per cent against it. Their reasons included concerns about insufficient parking, not relocating or decentralising the bus interchange, anti-social behaviours in the area, traffic congestion and the vision's inclusiveness of all user groups.
The City also sought feedback from the Department of Transport and Planning, Council's LBBTQIA+ Advisory Committee, the City's Youth Council, Committee for Geelong, Public Transport Users Association and Geelong Authority.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
I'm pleased with the level of engagement on the draft plan for the strategic location.Council is appreciative of the community and stakeholders who took the time to review the Draft Market Square Quarter Masterplan and share their thoughts.
It's important we get the vision for this area right as it is a vital part of our region's social and economic prosperity.
Councillor Peter Murrihy
Key opportunities and issues has been identified by the community.This second round of engagement will inform the final Market Square Quarter Masterplan before Council adoption later this year.
Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/MSM to view the Community Engagement Summary Report, where visitors can also hit 'Follow' to receive project updates.
