The former Barwon Water depot located at Lonsdale Street South Geelong is no longer being used for our operations.
At this stage, Barwon Water does not have a defined plan for the 1.2ha site.
The land is intended to be rezoned to Mixed Use Zone in line with the South Geelong Urban Design Framework (UDF). Any future plans for the Barwon Water site will be aligned with circular economy principles, the UDF, the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme and state government policy, which seek to maximise social, economic and environmental value from infrastructure investment.
What is currently happening with the site?
Since October 2022 Barwon Water has been supporting Rail Projects Victoria to deliver the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Rail Duplication project (which includes an upgrade to the South Geelong Train Station) by temporarily leasing our former South Geelong depot site to the Djilang Alliance (the entity delivering the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Rail Duplication project).
Our former site is currently being used as a temporary carpark for train commuters. The station upgrade works are expected to be completed in late 2024, at which time the temporary car park will be removed.
City of Greater Geelong’s South Geelong Urban Design Framework
The City of Greater Geelong Council adopted the South Geelong Urban Design Framework (UDF), which includes the former Barwon Water depot site, in September 2022.
The UDF is part of the Council’s strategic planning work that aims to increase the density and diversity of housing, improve pedestrian and cycling links, and facilitate vibrant public spaces around greater Geelong's train station precincts. It outlines design principles that will inform key development areas, such as the South Geelong Train Station and Moorabool Street areas.
Planning Scheme Amendment C432 - South Geelong Urban Design Framework
A planning scheme amendment has been prepared by the City of Greater Geelong to introduce the South Geelong UDF into the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme. The proposed planning scheme amendment includes the rezoning of the former Barwon Water depot site.
Council’s public exhibition of the proposed planning scheme amendment will run from 5 April until 13 May 2024. To review draft planning documents and provide feedback to Council please visit Council’s website below.
Learn more: Planning Scheme Amendment
