Acquire Market Square for Public Use and Revitalize Geelong's CBD
The issue
We are calling on: Local, State and Federal Governments to use their powers to compulsory acquire the property known as 'Market Square' for public use, with the intention of creating a new "city heart" concept for Geelong.
The proposal includes the demolition of the empty mall, the creation of several levels of all-day car parking, along with a Fed Square style park at ground level. Crucially, this new parking would service the entire CBD, improving retail, office and living. The concept is being put together, and will reflect the need to consider the heritage protections of the clock tower and Moorabool street facade, provide a natural amphitheater and stage for outdoor performances, gardens and open spaces.
The reality for many Geelong people is that our public transport isn’t frequent or well-connected enough, especially for those with small children or tradies who need to carry tools. The increase of all day parking spaces in the CBD will activate our many commercial spaces and bring people to the CBD to activate retail and hospitality business. It will make our CBD a place to be, instead of a place to avoid.
Imagine the benefits of a large open space in the CBD; Geelong’s version of Central Park. This park could be a meeting place at lunchtime, a spot to enjoy the sun, or the venue to catch a live performance by a local cultural group. I imagine lights in trees at night and restaurants spilling into it. It should be architecturally designed, a reaffirming that Geelong is Australia's only UNESCO City of Design. I imagine seating benches, and cultural events in different places and a busker or two sharing their talents with our region
Of course, it will take significant investment from our Government authorities, but this is a drop in the ocean compared to the billions being spent on the big build in Melbourne.
I believe the net benefits to the community would far outweigh the costs.
It’s a big idea. But if we are going to get this city going, we need to dream big.
Join me in voting on the online petition
1,499
The issue
We are calling on: Local, State and Federal Governments to use their powers to compulsory acquire the property known as 'Market Square' for public use, with the intention of creating a new "city heart" concept for Geelong.
The proposal includes the demolition of the empty mall, the creation of several levels of all-day car parking, along with a Fed Square style park at ground level. Crucially, this new parking would service the entire CBD, improving retail, office and living. The concept is being put together, and will reflect the need to consider the heritage protections of the clock tower and Moorabool street facade, provide a natural amphitheater and stage for outdoor performances, gardens and open spaces.
The reality for many Geelong people is that our public transport isn’t frequent or well-connected enough, especially for those with small children or tradies who need to carry tools. The increase of all day parking spaces in the CBD will activate our many commercial spaces and bring people to the CBD to activate retail and hospitality business. It will make our CBD a place to be, instead of a place to avoid.
Imagine the benefits of a large open space in the CBD; Geelong’s version of Central Park. This park could be a meeting place at lunchtime, a spot to enjoy the sun, or the venue to catch a live performance by a local cultural group. I imagine lights in trees at night and restaurants spilling into it. It should be architecturally designed, a reaffirming that Geelong is Australia's only UNESCO City of Design. I imagine seating benches, and cultural events in different places and a busker or two sharing their talents with our region
Of course, it will take significant investment from our Government authorities, but this is a drop in the ocean compared to the billions being spent on the big build in Melbourne.
I believe the net benefits to the community would far outweigh the costs.
It’s a big idea. But if we are going to get this city going, we need to dream big.
Join me in voting on the online petition
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Petition created on 5 September 2024