Boral’s former cement manufacturing plant in Waurn Ponds is getting revitalised with a seismic change set for the facility after more than five decades as a production powerhouse.
The long-time manufacturing plant is part of a proposed plan to be part of a new precinct that will feature adventure tourism as well as an iconic convention and events centre.
Plans would also include a mixed-use commercial precinct, warehouses as well as a business park and community infrastructure replacing the old cement site.
The initiative comes after Boral moved its operations from to the Port of Geelong and committed to regenerating the old site.
Geelong is expected to become one of Australia’s biggest regional cities in the coming years with one of the fastest growth rates in the country according to census data.
Census data has predicted the city will grow to around 282,000 people by 2026 and surpass 300,000 people by 2036.
The plans for the precinct would help provide access to more housing in Geelong according to Boral.
The Geelong City Council has identified the Waurn Ponds area as a potential solution to easing market demand for housing in its draft southwest Geelong employment land review.
The plans come after Boral handed a portion of land at the Waurn Ponds area back to the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
WTOAC chief executive Paul Davis welcomed the gesture from Boral as a big step forward in its relationship with the traditional owners of the land.
“The value of this gesture by Boral in returning this site, which holds great significance to the Wadawurrung People, cannot be understated,” he said at the time.
The traditional ceremony – which was part of Boral’s reconciliation plan – saw 3.6 hectares of the former cement works returned with a plan to turn it into a cultural and educational hub.