Vision 2 – Design Studio Report

Vision 2 developed and tested a collaborative model with a diverse level of stakeholders towards redefining and revitilizing central Geelong. The project was a formal (MoU) collaboration between the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG), Deakin University, Committee for Geelong (CFG) and the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), to develop the new vision. A series of modules and outputs were explored and investigated to facilitate the substantial cross-discipline engagement across the different levels of stakeholders. Deakin University staff were in positions of director and leadership roles to organize and facilitate aspects of the project. The project was commissioned by Committee for Geelong and funded by Department of Planning and Community Development. An important outcome of Vision 2 was the research and production of a design report that outlined the vision and catalyst projects. The report was generated by the members of the Vision 2 team, several commissioned design professionals and student contributors that had participated across various events and workshops of the project. The report presents a consolidated view of the project by publishing the background, aims, process and catalysts aimed to advance the project beyond the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the project partners. A masterplan set out 6 catalyst projects that had been advanced from development of key scenarios. Responsive feedback from prior activities in the public (community engagement) and workshops (stakeholder and professional engagement) also helped to develop these catalyst projects. The report was presented in a public event attended by the Victorian Premier, Denis Napthine, at Deakin University in March 2013, with positive media coverage. The Vision 2 project was passed to the City of Greater Geelong for further implementation and realization that has seen government project funding and continual development under the formed Central Geelong Task Force.