Walking through to central Geelong’s restaurant and retail precinct is about to get easier with work to open up Dennys Place laneway now underway, thanks to the backing of all levels of government.
State Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, Federal Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson and City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher today marked the start of work that will create direct access between Malop Street and Little Malop Street.
The building at 28 Malop Street will be partially demolished. Once complete, Dennys Place will be well-lit with greenery, seating, and art to attract more people to central Geelong and support new and existing businesses.
Pedestrians will be able to walk directly from the business precinct to the hospitality precinct, increasing foot traffic and breathing new life to the city.
Geelong-based builder Rendine Constructions is set to complete the work by mid-late 2022.
The project has received $2.7 million from the State Government and another $1.35 million from the Geelong City Deal (GCD) – a $382 million, 10-year partnership between the Australian and Victorian governments, and the City of Greater Geelong.
The project also involves Revitalising Central Geelong – a Victorian Government and City of Greater Geelong partnership to give Geelong a vibrant city centre.
For more information on the Geelong City Deal visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/geelong/.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, The Hon Paul Fletcher MP:
“This project is another example of the Geelong City Deal delivering lasting community infrastructure that will enhance the city’s liveability, support jobs and help boost the local economy.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Regional Development, The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP:
“Expanding Geelong’s laneways will bring more life to an important pocket of the city – it’s a major win for local workers as well as visitors to the CBD.”
“Dennys Place is about building new connections, more attractions and creating important local jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, the Hon Sarah Henderson:
“This is a very exciting part of the Geelong City Deal. Not only will the extended Dennys Place provide vital connectivity through Geelong's CBD, it will also do much to beautify this part of Geelong. It is wonderful to see the revitalisation of central Geelong, with so much support from the Morrison Government.
With Rendine the project builders, the Dennys Place Laneway Breakthrough will deliver construction jobs and drive more economic activity in central Geelong.”
Quote attributable to State Member for Geelong, The Hon Christine Couzens MP:
“More people are recognising Geelong as a great place to live, work and invest.”
“Better pedestrian access to central Geelong’s restaurants, bars and shops will be particularly good for the city centre’s night-time economy. I’m excited to see the impact on current and future businesses.”
Quotes attributable to City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Stephanie Asher:
“New laneways in central Geelong, like Dennys Place, are vital in making it quicker and easier for pedestrians to get around central Geelong and to access popular locations like the cultural precinct and the restaurants in Little Malop Street.”
“By encouraging more people to discover the streets, we create a more vibrant and liveable city centre.”
