Project Background
Comprising approximately 500 hectares (ha) of industrial land, the Heales Road Industrial Estate (HRIE) is the largest industrial area in the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG). All land in the estate is currently zoned for heavy industries which require substantial buffers from sensitive land uses. Approximately 65% (327ha) of the estate is currently undeveloped.
In June 2006 Council began the process of preparing a new Framework Plan for the HRIE. The Framework Plan aims to provide a renewed development vision for the estate which best maximises it's significant economic potential. In particular, the plan aims to facilitate the development of a southern part of the estate as a high amenity industrial area suited to the needs of a range of industry types seeking medium to large sized allotments.
Project Outcomes
Development of the Framework Plan has involved substantial consultation with the development industry, infrastructure providers and government agencies, as well as a thorough review of local and regional trends in the industrial land market.
The new Framework Plan proposes to rezone 85ha of land fronting the Geelong Ring Road to the Industrial 1 Zone, to cater for the development of a range of industries seeking high amenity, high exposure sites. Minimum allowable lot sizes on the land zoned Industrial 1 are to be reduced from 5ha to 4000 sq.m.
The Framework Plan also provides for significantly improved amenity on the estate via appropriate infrastructure upgrades, landscaping, open space provision, subdivision and development requirements and complementary urban design initiatives. In particular, the proposed new subdivision and development requirements are designed to ensure that the southern part of the estate presents a highly attractive frontage to the Geelong Ring Road.
Project Status
The Heales Road Industrial Estate Framework Plan was adopted by Council in July 2007. The Framework Plan is scheduled to be formally exhibited as part of the broader exhibition of the City's new Municipal Strategic Statement and suite of Local Planning Polices, in October 2007.
Council is also in the process of developing a detailed Infrastructure Plan and Development Contributions Plan for the estate, to ensure that appropriate infrastructure delivery and funding arrangements are in place to support the estates long term development.
