A six pack of significant planning decisions
Recent weeks have yielded some significant planning outcomes for a host of inner city projects.
Whilst 447 Collins Street has justifiably garnered the lion's share of media attention, other projects of note such as 248 Sturt Street have also received the green light. Of the six projects outlined three have a planning permit in place with 447 Collins Street a fait accompli, whilst another has faltered at VCAT and another on tenterhooks following City of Melbourne's dissatisfaction.
An overview of each project is provided below:
248 Sturt Street, Southbank
The sleek 248 Sturt Street won approval last month, two years after being submitted. Initially rejected by Planning Minister Richard Wynne, the project has since been granted a permit via VCAT.
Seen above in its initial version is the Elenberg Fraser-designed building which at 123 metres could accommodate in excess of 300 dwellings for long time Melbourne developer Hudson Conway. Finishes for the tower include stainless steel, silver and ceramic frit glazing along with perforated mesh.
9-27 Downie Street, Melbourne
After receiving two 'haircuts' in which the height of 9-27 Downie Street was reduced by approximately one third to 106 metres, the tower has received approval during February. Now at 33 levels (seen above right), the reshaped Peddle Thorp creation is approved to include 100 x 1 bedroom, 173 x 2 bedroom and 2 x 3 bedroom apartments.
66 car parking spaces, two retail tenancies and various amenities are included within the project which is under the control of development entity Einwood Pty Ltd.
140 King Street, Melbourne
Whilst not a final decision, City of Melbourne have indicated their displeasure with Besgate's 140-146 King Street. The slim 187 metre tower designed by RotheLowman has undergone slight design refinements since appearing on Urban.com.au during 2015.
With 271 apartments included, the tower has fallen foul of City of Melbourne planners with key issues cited including excessive height and inadequate setbacks, the project's impact on the public realm, wind impacts and internal amenity concerns.
The Planning Minister will have the final say as to whether or not the project receives the green light.
447 Collins Street, Melbourne
You may well have been on the moon if not aware of the compromised design outcome between Victoria's Planning Minister and Cbus Property. A degree of discretion was exercised by Minister Wynne in effectively approving the project which will bring a heightened level of design merit and public benefit to Collins Street.
It's been reported the project will commence during September which in all actuality involves demolition of the remainder of the existing structure before any ground works can begin in earnest.
109-111 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
AFR reported last week that Brady Group's intentions of creating a second Brady Hotel-badged tower have been rejected by VCAT. Following in the footsteps of 30 Little LaTrobe street, the proposed building at 109-111 Little Lonsdale Street was to have been 21 storeys and dedicated solely toward hotel use.
Lodged with City of Melbourne during March 2015 the proposal was initially rejected by Council during October 2015 and subsequently once more at the hands of VCAT.
The rejection raises the prospect of Brady Group retaining a hotel component within 380 Lonsdale Street, an approved large-scale project in which Brady recently relieved Singaporean developer Hiap Hoe of their half share in order to gain full control of the site.
65-71 Haig Street, Southbank
March also saw the approval of Sunvale Development's Southbank residential tower, with the initial version seen above.
Down from initially loftier intentions, the approved Fender Katsalidis scheme will be capped at 125 metres and will further fill Haig Street which hes been subject to measured apartment development over the past decade.
65-71 Haig Street's journey through planning spanned near on 17 months.
