Expressions of Interest for Licences – Geelong Botanic Gardens

⁠⁠⁠The City is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) to license part of the land at Geelong Botanic Gardens – located at the corner of Eastern Park Circuit and Podbury Drive, East Geelong – for a 12-month period.

Twelve individual sites have been identified as potential licensable areas for community activities. The City is seeking proposals from interested individuals and community groups to license one or more of these sites for their proposed use.

The Geelong Botanic Gardens consists of approximately 11 acres of land which is accessible via one entrance and interconnected walking tracks. Public toilets are located on site, and external car parking is available.

This EOI is an invitation to demonstrate your interest and provide your proposal on how the site could be used to meet the below objectives and achieve the desired outcome of this EOI.

We would also like to hear from our community about the City's intention to enter into licences with successful respondents. Feedback can be left below.

Land area

• Approximately 11 acres – each licensable area maximum 600m2

Restrictions and encumbrances

• The land at Geelong Botanic Gardens is certified for use as a botanic garden. Activities must protect the integrity of the Botanic Gardens. In addition, no removal of plants or disturbance to trees is permitted.
• Certain activities may be limited due to other programs already available in the space.

Planning

• Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPRZ)
• Heritage Overlay (HO)

Services

The subject property has the following services available:

• Electricity (at Visitor Centre only)
• Drinking fountains
• Public toilets.

Outcomes

Establish a sustainable future use and management of the site for the purpose of providing a service to the community that achieves the following outcomes:

• Well-utilised activities that support and enhance the vision and mission of the Geelong Botanic Gardens, as well as meet the needs of the local community.
• Does not have adverse impacts on the surrounding residents, current user groups or the environment.
• Positive relationship between the City, the new licensee and the local community.
• Draws people into the Geelong Botanic Gardens, encouraging broader community engagement with the space, its collections, and its unique natural and cultural heritage.

Objectives

The objectives of this EOI are:

• identify the most appropriate use(s) for the site
• maximise botanic and community benefit from the site
• Expand the range of activities available to the community
• support Council's Strategic priorities as detailed in Our Community Plan 2021–2025.