Project update – 27 April 2023

Rising construction sector costs are having a big impact on our planned capital works program, including projects such as this one. Cost escalations of around $130 million mean we can afford to deliver fewer projects, and as a result we’ll have to place a number of previously budgeted projects on hold for now.

Unfortunately, this project is one of those that has not been listed in our proposed budget for the next four years, meaning it is planned to be placed on hold.

The project is still on our agenda and we’ll be looking for ways to fund it as soon as we can – including finding savings within our own budget, and seeking external funding.

The proposed budget is available for community feedback here until 24 May and we encourage you to have your say. All feedback will be considered before the final budget is presented to our Council for consideration on 27 June.

If you haven’t already, we also encourage you to follow this project page for future updates.

Welcome

OVERVIEW

The City of Greater Geelong will start working on the Highton Village Laneways Upgrade in the next few months.

After many years developing the Highton Urban Design Framework (UDF), which was endorsed by Council in October 2022, we can now begin more detailed design on highlighted projects.

The first project to start design is 'Project 2' from the UDF which includes Bellevue Arcade, Village Walk and the service lane around the supermarket.

Council is funding the design and construction of this project over the next few years.

The ideas and issues you submit will help us progress the initial laneway concepts presented in the UDF.

Please provide your feedback below. The engagement period is open until Tuesday 21 March, 2023 (extended).


Laneway Concept Plans

The following laneways concepts were developed as part of the UDF (Concepts are for 2A and B on the plan). Click on the first image below and then scroll through to view all images.

The concept plans show a variety of proposed upgrades which include:

  • New pavements with some artistic graphics.
  • New pergola with climbing plants.
  • New furniture.
  • New lighting.
  • Other planted areas.

  • Feedback opened on 9 February, 2023

  • Feedback closed on 21 March, 2023 (extended)

Your feedback

We would love to hear from you.

To help guide the design, we need your input.

We want to hear from you - the people who live, shop, travel through, own businesses and work in this area - before we start the detailed concept plan. We would like your comments on the existing conditions of the laneways as well as the concept plan that was produced through the UDF.

There are two maps below that you can comment on.

1. Existing conditions map. Comment on any issues and ideas you have for the existing laneways.

2. Concept plan. Comment on the concept plan produced as part of the UDF.

If you would like assistance adding your comment to the maps please contact the Urban Design and Heritage Team, see Contact Us section.


Existing Conditions Map - Ideas and issues

Closed

This interactive map allows you to leave your ideas or issues on the existing conditions of the area. This will be combined with your feedback on the concept plan to help create a more relevant design. We recommend you zoom into the area of interest.

1. Use the toggle button just above the top right hand side of the map to go to full screen mode.

2. Zoom in or out to your area of interest.

3. Click or tap on "Add Marker", chose either the category (idea or issues) and leave your feedback. You will need to drop the pin within the study area.

If you need further assistance using this tool, click on the (i) or (?) above the map window.

Please note: your username and response(s) will be displayed publicly.

If you are posting an image as part of your comment, by clicking on the ‘submit’ box, you are confirming you have the permission of the photographer and any person appearing in the image. You are agreeing to the Social Media Guidelines and you are aware of your responsibilities. The City's Urban Design & Heritage department may use the image provided for the purposes of the Greening Concept Plan.

160 contributions

Concept Plan - Ideas and issues

Closed

This interactive map allows you to leave your ideas or issues on the existing conditions of the area. This will be combined with your feedback on the concept plan to help create a more relevant design. We recommend you zoom into the area of interest.

1. Use the toggle button just above the top right hand side of the map to go to full screen mode.

2. Zoom in or out to your area of interest.

3. Click or tap on "Add Marker", chose either the category (idea or issues) and leave your feedback. You will need to drop the pin within the study area.

If you need further assistance using this tool, click on the (i) or (?) above the map window.

Please note: your username and response(s) will be displayed publicly.

If you are posting an image as part of your comment, by clicking on the ‘submit’ box, you are confirming you have the permission of the photographer and any person appearing in the image. You are agreeing to the Social Media Guidelines and you are aware of your responsibilities. The City's Urban Design & Heritage department may use the image provided for the purposes of the Greening Concept Plan.

37 contributions

Context and Area of Scope

This section contains a link to the Highton Urban Design Framework Plan and the scope of Highton Laneway area.

Next Steps

1. Ideas and comments will be collated and analysed and an updated concept plan will be produced for further feedback.

2. An updated concept plan will be submitted to this Have Your Say page for further comments. Traders and owners adjoining the laneways will be sent a copy.

3. A detailed plan will be produced taking into account the feedback. These plans will then go out for tender. A copy will be submitted to this page.

By clicking on the FOLLOW button in the blue banner at the top of the page you will receive regular project updates.