Central Geelong

Supporting planning and development in Central Geelong

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Located on Corio Bay, approximately 72 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, Djilang (Geelong) is Victoria's largest regional city.

At the heart of the city is Central Geelong, the region's primary employment, civic, health, education, cultural, retail and transport centre. Central Geelong is undergoing development, supported by coordinated planning, investment and project delivery across the city centre.

Source: Geelong City, Eastern Beach Reserve

As Victoria grows, Geelong will accommodate a significant share of new housing outside Melbourne. The housing target for Greater Geelong is 128,600 additional homes by 2051, supported by growth in both established urban areas and greenfield communities.

By 2050, Central Geelong is expected to accommodate around 16,000 residents and 60,000 jobs, supporting projected population and employment growth in the city centre.. This growth will be supported by housing, employment opportunities, cultural destinations, public spaces and improved transport connections.

DTP works with partners across government, industry, Traditional Owners and the community to coordinate planning, investment and infrastructure delivery that supports the continued development and growth of Central Geelong.

Djilang (Geelong) is located on Wadawurrung Country. The Wadawurrung People continue to care for and share their culture and connection to Country.

Central Geelong at a glance

Geelong is Victoria's second-largest city. It has an estimated:

  • 295,052 residents
  • 120,825 dwellings
  • 125,047 jobs
  • $20.51 billion economy

Central Geelong Context map

Image of the Central Geelong precinct map

Image: Central Geelong Context Map

View a larger version of the map

Central Geelong Framework Plan

The Central Geelong Framework Plan establishes a long-term vision for the heart of Geelong and guides growth and development over the next 30 years.

Led by DTP, the Framework Plan provides the strategic direction for housing, employment, transport, public spaces and investment across the city centre. It supports attracting more residents, workers, students and visitors while strengthening connections to the waterfront and enhancing Central Geelong's streets, public spaces and urban character.

The Framework Plan creates capacity for significant housing and employment growth, supporting more homes, workplaces, shops and services in the city centre while encouraging high-quality development outcomes.

Vision

By 2050, Central Geelong is home to 16,000 people and 60,000 jobs. It is the heart of Djilang (Geelong), Victoria's second largest city, with strengths in health, services, education and events. People are connected to its waterfront, high-amenity lifestyle and clever and creative culture.

Transformation and Investment

Central Geelong has changed significantly over the past decade.

Investment in public spaces, cultural facilities, health infrastructure, education and major events has helped attract more residents, businesses, students and visitors to the city centre. These investments have strengthened Geelong's economy, supported local jobs and encouraged further private sector investment.

Since 2015, DTP has helped support:

  • 2,900 additional jobs
  • Over 700 apartments
  • Over 700 hotel rooms
  • 60% increase in event visitors
  • 58% increase in domestic visitor nights
  • 148% increase in international visitors

These figures are indicative and represent outcomes across Central Geelong over time. They reflect the combined impact of public and private investment, strategic planning, project delivery and broader economic activity within the city centre.

Revitalisation efforts have also contributed to:

  • more than $1.4 billion in public investment
  • $411 million in completed construction activity
  • $799.5 million currently under construction
  • $799.3 million of approved works in the pipeline

Investment and construction figures are based on information available at the time of publication and may change as projects progress or new developments are approved.

Major investments include:

Laneway Network

Central Geelong Market laneway

Image: Market Street Laneway Breakthrough

Geelong Authority

Established in 2015, the Geelong Authority provides independent advice to the Minister for Planning on growth and development opportunities in Central Geelong and across the broader Geelong region.

Over the past decade, the Authority has played an important role in supporting the revitalisation of Central Geelong and helping shape the city's long-term growth.

In May 2026, the Minister for Planning released the Geelong Authority 10 Year Report, recognising the Authority's contribution to the growth and transformation of Central Geelong over the past decade.

The Geelong Authority is bound by the Terms of Reference.

Geelong Authority Terms of Reference 2026

The members are:

  • Mark Edmonds (Chair)
  • Rob Adams
  • Samantha Ramsey
  • Tim Hellsten

More information

Please email geelong@transport.vic.gov.au for further information.

Transport

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