The Shrine of Remembrance to be permanently protected under new planning controls

Permanent height restrictions have been introduced for buildings in areas to the west and southwest of Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

After introducing interim and discretionary controls for the area, the Victorian government has now permanently installed mandatory planning controls for the South Melbourne precinct.

Maximum heights for buildings will depend on their location, but will reportedly range from six to about 17 storeys, according to the Herald Sun.

The new restrictions introduced by Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy were developed in consultation with the Shrine Trustees and the cities of Melbourne, Port Phillip and Stonnington.

 “The Shrine of Remembrance is an incredibly important memorial to the servicemen and women who gave their lives for all of us, and is a special place for all Australians, young and old,” said Guy.

“The Shrine itself has a special location in Melbourne and it is vital to preserve the spectacular and uninterrupted views you get as you look up from Swanston Street or walk through the forecourt.”

One of Guy’s first acts in his role as Planning Minister was an intervention blocking the development of a proposed 88 metre tower on Albert Road.

“These new controls recognise and respect the significance of one of Australia’s most recognisable and lost loved structures and will protect its integrity from the possible impact of external development,” said Guy.

“By mandating limits on the height and location of nearby buildings, we are ensuring that the view and backdrop of the Shrine is preserved forever.”

Shrine Trustees chief executive Denis Baguley has welcomed the new restrictions, announced in time for Anzac Day.

“These new controls recognise and respect the significance of one of Australia’s most recognisable and most loved structures, and will protect its integrity from the possible impact of external development.”

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia/Creative Commons.