Central Geelong and Waterfront

Hear from Council’s Central Geelong and Waterfront department, responsible for the management, maintenance and marketing of Central Geelong and the Waterfront, including representatives from Revitalising Central Geelong Partnership, Central Geelong and Waterfront and Central Geelong Marketing. Visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/cgw/default.aspx

Revitalising Central Geelong

The Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan sets out the Victorian Government’s plan to drive change in central Geelong. By bringing new people, new ideas and new opportunities to the city, Geelong can achieve the prosperous local economy and the bright future it deserves.

Geelong needs to be recognised in its own right as a great place to visit, live, work and invest in. The initiatives in this Action Plan will help make that new Geelong a reality.

Implementation of the plan will see:

•  More people living and working in central Geelong

•  Permanent and construction job creation

• New development opportunities

• Demand for retail and services

• Creativity and vibrancy across the city day and night

• Private sector confidence to invest in central Geelong

The Action Plan is being implemented by the Revitalising Central Geelong partnership team, made up of City of Greater Geelong and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning officers.

To find out more visit: http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/revitalisation/default.aspx

Field trip elements include:

Little Malop Street Bridge

With more people living and working in Central Geelong, convenient and attractive connections to the CBD are essential. The new Little Malop Street bridge, three metres wider than the original, was craned into place in April 2017. The bridge now makes it easier and safer for bike riders and walkers to pass one another, with separated paths. The project has improved the connection with the Gordon and surrounding businesses by creating a space for people to pause on their journey and enjoy the city vista and arts and culture precinct as they commute into town. Bike racks have been included and a number of trees have been planted near the bridge as part of Revitalising Central Geelong’s commitment to increase the green canopy across the CBD. The artwork Curls of Fancy by Roman Liebach adds another point of interest to this entrance to Central Geelong. The Little Malop Street bridge improves accessibility into Central Geelong and encourages active transport: an important element for a healthy community and liveable city.

City Livery for the Archibald Prize Regional Exhibition

First awarded in 1921, the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ Archibald Prize is Australia’s favourite art award, and one of its most prestigious. Awarded to the best portrait painting, it’s a who’s who of Australian culture, with subjects often including politicians, celebrities, sporting heroes, authors and artists. Since its inception, the Archibald Prize has been engaging art enthusiasts, often stirring up controversy and always challenging the way we see ourselves and our society. Over the years, the prize has been awarded to many of Australia’s most prominent artists. The Geelong Gallery is delighted to be the exclusive Victorian venue for the 2017 and 2018 Archibald Prize, on display between 28 October – 10 December 2017.

See the livery on display throughout Central Geelong in preparation for the Archibald Prize Regional Exhibition opening on 28 October.

Arts & Culture Precinct

Walk through the Arts & Culture Precinct which is home to Johnstone Park, Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC), Geelong Gallery, Courthouse Youth Arts, Geelong City Hall.

The expansion of the Geelong Gallery, Stage 3 of the GPAC redevelopment and work on the public realm in Lt Malop St and Johnstone Park is ongoing.

The Arts and Cultural Master Plan builds on initial consultation with key stakeholders to respond to key issues and opportunities for the precinct:

• Create a distinctive character for the precinct through streetscape treatments.

• Increase the number of plants and trees in the precinct through garden beds and green walls on buildings.

• Include more art in the area through projects and installations on walls.

• Provide opportunities for street based arts and cultural events.

• Include signage to connect the precinct with the CBD and beyond.

Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
Note: the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre will be closed due to the Geelong Cup Public Holiday.

The State of the Art Geelong Library (otherwise known as The Dome) is a magnificent building that has been designed for the enjoyment of the region's community and visitors - local, national and international. Inside, this impressive and digitally-advanced space is the perfect platform for innovative and world-leading library and information services. Set in the heart of Geelong's Cultural precinct, this iconic architecture houses a future-ready sphere of reading, learning and fun that will change the way you think about libraries. Designed to be an inspiring, multipurpose space, the centre will be many things to many different people: a place to meet and socialise; to read and study; to attend events; and use new technologies. Each level is unique with gathering places, reading spaces, the latest technology, spectacular collections, children's and youth hubs, function zones, café and more.

The Geelong Heritage Centre is Victoria’s largest regional archive and resource centre and is located inside the Dome on Level 3. The Heritage Centre's archive collection is a unique recorded history of Geelong and the Bellarine, the Golden Plains, the Surf Coast, the Borough of Queenscliffe and beyond. Countless memories and stories live on in the carefully-managed collection of public and private records, newspapers, maps, plans, photographs, and extensive catalogues and indexes. The Heritage Reading Room is a fabulous, state-of-the-art environment boasting dramatic décor, comfortable user-friendly spaces and cutting-edge technologies to enrich the research experience. Admission to the Heritage Reading Room is free, as is access to the reference library and archive collections.

Laneways Precinct – Little Malop Street West

The Laneways Project is transforming the laneways precinct into a vibrant network of unique spaces to discover and experience. Building on the recent investment of the businesses in James Street and Little Malop Street between Moorabool and Gheringhap street, the project will deliver streetscape upgrades to these streets and adjoining lanes. More opportunities for additional alfresco dining will be created. Enhancements include additional street trees and planting, public art, street furniture and improved lighting. The importance of this project is recognised by State and Local Government. Construction commenced in early 2017 with completion due prior to the Christmas period.

The physical works in Little Malop Street West are part of the Revitalising Central Geelong Partnership

Lt Malop Street Central

Little Malop Central is used for many different reasons: to meet and spend time with friends, to access the shops in and around Market Square, to sit and eat, wait for buses, listen to buskers, sample the array of cuisine on offer during ‘Food Truck Fridays’ and anything and everything else that brings people into a public space. Hear about recent initiatives in this space.

Malop Street Green Spine

The Green Spine project will transform Malop Street into a vibrant street and linear park, connecting from Johnstone Park to Eastern Park. The project will deliver more trees and green spaces to the heart of the city, transforming it into an attractive and inviting place: a City in a Park. The plan is based on a vision for the street as a ‘Botanic Walk’, with a continuous canopy of trees and a series of different alfresco, seating and gathering spaces along the length of Malop Street, linked by a network of paths. The Malop Street Green Spine has a clear point of difference from other regular tree-lined streets within central Geelong, reflected in the plans. Located in the heart of the commercial area, Malop Street has an important social and economic role as the focus of activity, in addition to linking key parklands. Delivered as part of the Revitalising Central Geelong Partnership.

Geelong Waterfront

The Geelong Waterfront is one of Australia's most stunning waterfronts. Having started from humble beginnings when Geelong was founded as a port in 1836, the Waterfront has now attracted a series of prestigious awards. This cosmopolitan and vibrant area is a hive of activity with restaurants and cafes, beautiful landscaped gardens, attractions and public art, all with amazing views of Corio bay. It also provides a full events calendar, tourism, education and accommodation services. The historic Carousel, Poppy Kettle playground and youth activities area is great for kids of all ages. Geelong's famous bollards, dotted along the length of the Waterfront, are a must see when visiting the region. When the weather heats up, crowds flock to cool off on the Waterfront at the Eastern beach swimming promenade. Incorporating a children's pool, enclosed sea baths and diving platforms, this area is patrolled by lifeguards on duty during the summer months.

A number of high profile festivals and community events operate across the Geelong and Bellarine region and include everything from world-class cycling races such as the Cadel Evans Classic, music festivals to fine wines, local delicacies and aerial acrobatics display during the Festival of Sails.

The Waterfront is managed by the Central Geelong and Waterfront department of the City of Greater Geelong.

The Carousel

The Carousel is an Armitage-Herschell portable steam driven, hand-carved wooden carousel constructed circa 1892 and is one of only 200 in operation around the world. Featuring 36 Dare horses and two chariots, it was purchased by the Steampacket Place Development Board in 1996 and painstakingly restored. There is also a replica 1898 Gavioli Band organ in the pavilion. As well as being a major tourist attraction and meeting place, The Carousel also offers a wide range of services including children's birthday parties, wedding ceremonies and receptions, photo shoots and corporate functions.

Deakin University

Deakin’s Geelong Waterfront Campus is located on the waterfront in the heart of Geelong, about an hour away from Melbourne. Originally built as wool stores in 19th century, the buildings have been extensively renovated, creating a modern, impressive campus. Founded in 1994 this campus currently has 4330 students, 322 staff and offers 201 different courses.