Council has committed to doing further work with key
stakeholders to identify short and medium-term initiatives to activate Little
Malop Central, following a notice of motion from Councillor Eddy Kontelj.
Council has asked for a report from the CEO by the end of
August, outlining initiatives that can be implemented by December 15, along
with their costs and estimated timelines.
The City has been working with Victoria Police, traders
and other agencies to address anti-social behaviours in the Geelong Mall.
Council will spend $250,000 on a comprehensive master
plan to rejuvenate the Little Malop Central precinct, which will include a
thorough community engagement process that is expected to run for six to eight
months.
Each year, council hosts more than 500 on-street
performances and community activities in the mall, including Food Truck Friday,
school holiday activities and buskers.
The City is also working on addressing safety concerns,
by funding CCTV that feeds directly to the Geelong Police Station.
Greater Geelong Acting Mayor Peter Murrihy
I welcome any initiatives that may help Little
Malop Central become a more inviting, family-friendly and vibrant space.The success of any short to medium-term
initiatives may also help guide us in shaping the long-term future of the mall,
as part of our fully-funded master plan.
Councillor Eddy
Kontelj, Brownbill Ward
There are significant
strategic discussions and planning happening as to what should be made of the
mall in the future. That’s very positive, but we can’t wait for that long-term
change to occur. There’s no doubt there are some great initiatives already
taking place, but I believe there’s more that can be done in the short and
medium-term.This notice of motion is about taking ownership and improving the mall now, not
in two or three years’ time. It’s about installing continuous and consistent
activation initiatives into the mall to make it a more engaging, appealing and
safer place to spend time. We want it to be a place where people meet and
socialise with friends and family, or enjoy visiting as individuals.
