Deakin, Victorian Government to plan joint vision for Waterfront

Deakin and the Victorian Government will work together to plan to develop the precinct surrounding the University’s Waterfront landholdings, the first steps in a joint vision to ensure Geelong’s north-facing bay becomes the jewel in regional Australia’s crown.

Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander said a masterplan for the precinct would be developed alongside a business plan for a convention centre on the university’s main Waterfront car park, between Western Beach Road and Smythe Street.

The business plan will investigate whether a convention centre would drive long-term social and economic benefit for Geelong and for the state of Victoria, a prerequisite for its development.

The announcement was made at Deakin’s Waterfront Campus today by Professor den Hollander and Premier Daniel Andrews, along with Minister for Planning Richard Wynne and Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford.

They were joined by Geelong-based Ministers Lisa Neville and John Eren along with Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP.

Professor den Hollander said the partnership with the Victorian Government would pave the way for the next stage of Geelong’s Waterfront redevelopment, creating a precinct to attract visitors and delight local residents, ensuring the community’s needs were at the centre of plans.

“We are committed to supporting the communities we serve and are delighted to work with the Victorian Government to create a strong vision for the future of Geelong’s Waterfront, along the lines of Brisbane’s Southbank, the Gold Coast’s Parklands, and the reinvigoration of the Townsville Esplanade,” Professor den Hollander said.

“What we have that most other Australian regions don’t is a north-facing bay - a stunning natural landmark that is the perfect base for our city to become one of the country’s most thriving community and tourist attractions.

“Our car park sits at the centre of the natural Waterfront beauty and the governing Council of the University has established principles that would govern any development of this significant asset.”

Principles include that Deakin considers the Waterfront car park to be a site of state significance and would support a State Government led or endorsed project for the site, that we must find solutions for our existing student car parking and any plan must have social and economic benefit for Geelong, the Deakin community and Victoria.

The Victorian Government has committed up to $1 million for this important planning work as the first step toward a convention centre for Geelong.

Today’s announcement comes after Deakin in April announced it hopes to build 400 new student apartments on its smaller Waterfront car park, bordered by Brougham, Little Smythe and Smythe streets.

“This new housing means we can provide a home in central Geelong for an additional 400 students, who will substantially add to the vibrancy of the town and make any additional plans for the area even more viable,” Professor den Hollander said.

The accommodation project is currently going through the relevant approvals processes.