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Re-vamped Whittington Link Unveiled
Monday, 22 March 2010
1:20 PM
Media Releases
The new multi-million dollar look for Whittington Link was unveiled ahead of the neighbourhood’s annual community celebration, the Whittington Flamefest.
Member for Corio, Richard Marles launched the finished $2.3 million redevelopment along with $2 million improvements to public housing in the area.
Mr Marles was joined by Victorian Community Services Minister Lisa Neville and City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Cr John Mitchell.
“This is an incredibly exciting project for Whittington. It transforms what was an empty open walkway into a vibrant and inviting place that people of all ages will be able to use and enjoy,” said Mr Marles.
Total funding of $3.7 million has been granted to the Whittington project through the Rudd Government Nation Building initiative.
The City of Greater Geelong and Brumby Labor Government contributed an additional $630,000.
“This investment has seen 150 Office of Housing-owned properties in Whittington receive immediate improvements and many other properties have received minor works. The works to homes include new fencing, improved security, exterior works, painting and internal works,” Ms Neville said.
“This brings the total amount of Nation Building funding currently allocated to the City of Greater Geelong for maintenance works on public and social housing properties to more than $11 million,” she said.
The transformation of Whittington Link includes new pergolas, new paving and an amphitheatre. Public art has been installed and tree planting completed at key entrance points.
The car park has also been upgraded and the Link has been designed to host a range of community events and stimulate activity around the new café, supermarket and other small retail shops.
Mayor Mitchell said it was great to see all levels of government investing in Whittington.
"This has been a true partnership project. It's an impressive transformation,” he said.
“The redeveloped Whittington Link is now a lively and enticing community space that locals can be proud of and it is great that these works have been completed in time for the Whittington Flamefest.”
The funding is part of the $1.26 billion Nation Building package allocated to Victoria, of which $99.2 million will go towards the maintenance of 5,600 homes owned by the government and not-for-profit community agencies.
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