The precinct covers 118 hectares of residential and industrial land in South Geelong and Newtown, bound by West Fyans Street, Shannon Avenue, Swanston Street and the Barwon River. It is approximately 1.5 kilometres south of central Geelong.

Since the existing structure plan was adopted in 2009, Geelong has experienced significant population growth, changing housing needs and evolving employment patterns. This updated plan attempts to respond to these changes and provide a coordinated vision for the precinct’s future.

The draft plan proposes a mixed-use, walkable and sustainable neighbourhood that could accommodate between 1,500 and 2,550 additional homes, while creating new employment, improving connectivity and enhancing access to the Barwon River corridor.

It identifies five distinct character precincts within the study area and proposes:

• Preferred building heights ranging from two to ten storeys depending on location.
• More housing in strategic locations, particularly close to South Geelong Station.
• The transition of some industrial land to support housing, employment and community uses.
• Reuse and integration of significant heritage and industrial buildings.
• Improved walking, cycling and public transport connections.
• Better access to South Geelong Station and the Barwon River corridor.
• More trees and greener streets.
• Climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable development outcomes.

With new builds in this precinct currently able to be above 10 storeys, the Draft West Fyans - Fyans Street Precinct Structure Plan provides clearer guidance for future development. It also recognises the importance of heritage, neighbourhood character, economic activity and infrastructure planning.

Have your say from Monday 14 September until Sunday 18 October.

We’re also holding drop-in sessions next month:

• 4.00pm - 6.30pm on Thursday 8 October at YMCA Geelong Inc. (25-33 Riversdale Rd, Geelong).
• 11.30am - 2.30pm on Saturday 10 October at Wurriki Nyal civic precinct (137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong).

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM 

Councils are looking at ways to deliver new apartments, townhouses and houses to meet population demands as national housing shortages continue.

The West Fyans - Fyans Street Precinct is one of the most significant urban renewal opportunities in our region.

The draft precinct structure plan outlines a long-term vision to create a more connected, vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood that provides different types of housing, employment opportunities and improved public spaces.

Importantly, this is a draft plan and we want to hear from residents, businesses, workers and landowners before any decisions are made. 

Please review the proposal and help to shape the future of this precinct.

Councillor Trent Sullivan 

The Draft West Fyans - Fyans Street Precinct Structure Plan is an important piece of work. 

Many view Corio Bay as Greater Geelong’s largest and most significant geographical feature, but the Barwon River corridor is equally as important for its heritage and natural beauty.

This area is becoming an increasingly desirable inner-city location to live, work, do business and undertake leisure activities. 

We need to plan for the future demand that will be placed in this area and consultation will help us understand what matters most to people.

We want to hear what aspects of the plan you support, areas of concern or potential impacts, community priorities and planning trade-offs.