AN application for a planning permit has been made to Geelong City Council to develop a $2.2 million retail, office and apartment complex on The Parade, writes Carly Helweg.
81 The Parade, former site of the Blue Ocean Cantonese restaurant, is the site of a proposed three storey building with two retail shop fronts, two office spaces and two apartments.
The plans also include a second building to the rear which will contain three townhouses.
The application was submitted to Geelong City Council by GMK Property Group Pty Ltd on December 23, 2011.
Ocean Grove resident, Andrew Thomas said he is concerned about the size of the proposed property and the impact it will have on parking around the CBD.
“The Ocean Grove car park area is already too overcrowded and drivers are always in arguments over parking, and shoppers are like moving targets as they try and use the walkovers in The Parade,” he said.
“With The Parade and the main town shopping car park being a hazard to navigate already for everyone, shouldn’t council be requesting developers provide more car parks each year as our local population grows?”
Nine car spaces will be created on the property to cater for the apartments, offices and retail spaces with an occupancy study of all day parking undertaken in December 2011 highlighting the area around Ocean Grove Park as sufficient to cater for the employees in the retail and office spaces.
A parking impact assessment by GMK Property Group P/L, submitted as part of the planning application states, “the all-day opportunities north of the subject site are considered the most appropriate particularly the available supply around the Ocean Grove Park.”
Copies of the planning application are available for public viewing at The Grove Centre, corner Presidents Avenue and The Avenue and objections must be submitted to Geelong City Council by February 12.
GMK Property had not returned a call from the Voice in time for deadline.
Have your say journo@oceangrovevoice.com.
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