A structure plan is a long-term strategic document designed to shape the future development of a specific area. Its core purpose is:

• To establish a clear overall vision for future development
• To define guiding principles for development.
• To create a practical framework to direct all future development within the defined study area.

Infill structure plans are particularly important as they focus on making efficient use of existing resources. They leverage established social and physical infrastructure, such as parks, playgrounds, roads, and public transport networks, to create well-designed, functional, and vibrant places for people to live, work, and enjoy within existing urban areas.

A review of West Fyans/Fyans Street Precinct Structure Plan ensures that population shifts, housing needs, employment trends, and broader strategic objectives that may have emerged since the plan's 2009 adoption are properly considered. Originally designed to guide the transformation of an industrial area into a mixed-use precinct, a review is now critical to ensure that the West Fyans/Fyans Street Precinct Structure Plan remains a useful and effective tool for shaping the precinct's future.

The City is seeking your valuable perspective as a landowner/ occupier in the study area. This survey will help us understand your aspirations, the challenges you encounter, and your long-term plans for your land, which are essential for shaping the area's future.

Your responses will be used to inform Council's strategic directions for the area's future development, addressing identified challenges and aligning with the community's aspirations.

Once this survey is concluded, the City will work on updating the background documents and review the Structure plan by September 2025. Community consultation on the draft structure plan can be expected in November 2025 while adoption and commencement of the planning scheme amendment will take place in early 2026.

The 2009 structure plan aimed for a population of 2,200 in West Fyans. However, by 2021, the actual population was only around 215, as residential renewal has not yet occurred.

While Geelong's inner areas are expected to grow, most population growth is projected for outer and coastal regions. Inner Geelong overall is projected to add 11,000 residents by 2041.

West Fyans/ Fyans Street Precinct doesn't have its own specific population projection. It's included in the broader Central Geelong/Newtown forecast areas. The Newtown forecast is the most relevant, as it encompasses the West Fyans renewal area.

However, Council anticipates accelerated transformation of West Fyans, driven by increased demand from young inner-urban households and downsizers. By 2041, the precinct is projected to accommodate 1,875 residents, 850 dwellings, and 5,300 jobs.

West Fyans/Fyans Street Precinct comprises 118 hectares of primarily commercial and industrial land. Within the context of the City of Geelong, West Fyans/Fyans Street Precinct functions as an inner urban automotive, large format retail, service and light industrial area.

The West Fyans/Fyans Street Precinct follows the Barwon River from the Balyang Sanctuary in Newtown to Swanston Street in South Geelong. The area abuts the City’s inner urban communities at Newtown and South Geelong and is within direct proximity to Wandana Heights, Belmont and Highton. The structure plan area is bisected by major north south roads including the Princes Highway/Latrobe Terrace and Moorabool Street.