Residential scheme replacing saleyards to add to Geelong's transformation

The Geelong saleyards permanently closed to the sale of sheep and cattle in 2017
Residential scheme replacing saleyards to add to Geelong's transformation
Jonathan ChancellorJune 23, 2021

Plans to transform the ­Geelong saleyards into a new housing precinct for 1300 residents advanced this week when the city councillors adopted its saleyards precinct plan.

Medium and high-density residential projects will proceed at the Geelong saleyards which permanently closed to the sale of sheep and cattle in 2017 after a 70 per cent decline in numbers through the saleyards from 2000 to 2016.

The 149-year-old site will see apartment complexs up to six-storeys high, along with commercial and retail areas, and cultural and parks.

Aspects of the historic saleyards would be retained under the plan by City of Greater Geelong (CoGG).

The state planning minister will now prepare a planning scheme amendment to introduce development controls.

The site is close to Central Geelong, the waterfront, the North Geelong train station and other transport links.

The evolution of Geelong gained momentum with the launch of Franzé Developments’ $150 million Geelong Quarter precinct in 2018.

It was described as the most significant mixed-use project on the Bellarine Peninsula in two decades.

Designed by Architectus, Geelong Quarter will be an active hub for 1,500 residents, workers and visitors each day on its 2022 completion.

The former Trans Otway bus depot at 44 Ryrie Street will see a $200 million transformation with the project within walking distance to Geelong train station, connecting Melbourne in about an hour..

The largest tower will contain a Holiday Inn & Suites hotel and luxury owner-occupier apartments above, known as Ryrie Residences.

Marketing is currently underway on another offering, Ryrie Home, the residential apartment complex where many of the 109 one, two and three-bedroom apartments have views of Corio Bay.

Paul Franzé, founder and managing director of Franzé Developments, noted on launch that over 5.3 million visitors came to Geelong annually and 2.2 million are overnight visitors. 

"The strong owner- occupier market, combined with the population boom, means there’s demand to cater for visitors to the city, as well as residents and workers. 

"Geelong Quarter has been designed with this in mind, to cultivate significant activity that will add incredible value to the city.”

Jonathan Chancellor

Jonathan Chancellor is one of Australia's most respected property journalists, having been at the top of the game since the early 1980s. Jonathan co-founded the property industry website Property Observer and has written for national and international publications.
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