Council has adopted the Greater Geelong Heritage Design Guidelines 2025 setting a clear framework to protect the city’s heritage while supporting growth and modern design.
The new guidelines replace the City’s long-standing 1997 Heritage and Design Guidelines which have guided development for more than two decades. While effective the older guidelines no longer reflect today’s planning policies sustainability standards and community expectations.
The updated guidelines are user-friendly and provide practical advice for anyone planning alterations additions or new works in heritage areas.
There are 10 topics in the guidelines including sections on accessibility and sustainability as well as information on demolition conservation and the use of materials and colours that complement Geelong’s heritage character.
To help users understand the objectives the guidelines include illustrations and photographs showing what is encouraged and what should be avoided in heritage areas.
Developed with input from heritage specialists and Council officers the guidelines were benchmarked against best practice examples from other Victorian councils.
The next step is to request the Minister for Planning to authorise the preparation and exhibition of a planning scheme amendment to introduce the Greater Geelong Heritage Design Guidelines 2025 as an incorporated document in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.
Once introduced into the planning scheme planning applications in heritage overlays must align with the guidelines. This will provide greater certainty for applicants and consistency in decision-making.
Community consultation will form part of the planning scheme amendment process giving residents the chance to have their say.
The new guidelines replace the City’s long-standing 1997 Heritage and Design Guidelines which have guided development for more than two decades. While effective the older guidelines no longer reflect today’s planning policies sustainability standards and community expectations.
The updated guidelines are user-friendly and provide practical advice for anyone planning alterations additions or new works in heritage areas.
There are 10 topics in the guidelines including sections on accessibility and sustainability as well as information on demolition conservation and the use of materials and colours that complement Geelong’s heritage character.
To help users understand the objectives the guidelines include illustrations and photographs showing what is encouraged and what should be avoided in heritage areas.
Developed with input from heritage specialists and Council officers the guidelines were benchmarked against best practice examples from other Victorian councils.
The next step is to request the Minister for Planning to authorise the preparation and exhibition of a planning scheme amendment to introduce the Greater Geelong Heritage Design Guidelines 2025 as an incorporated document in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.
Once introduced into the planning scheme planning applications in heritage overlays must align with the guidelines. This will provide greater certainty for applicants and consistency in decision-making.
Community consultation will form part of the planning scheme amendment process giving residents the chance to have their say.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Geelong is growing fast but we don’t want to lose our character.aid.
We must make sure Geelong’s rich history remains central to future growth and development.
Geelong Heritage Advisory Committee chair Cr Rowan Story AM RFD
The updated guidelines make sure development adds to our city’s story not detracts from it.
They protect what makes Geelong unique while giving people clear advice on how to design new projects that are respectful of our region’s heritage.
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