OK, it's not officially called the Dandenong skyscraper city plan but it may as well be :-)

It's actually called the Dandenong Comprihensive development plan and To call it ambitious would be an understatement. The plan is for the Dandenong CBD to be completely rebuilt into a high density residential city of natinal significance and if successful the plan will create the largest and densest suburban CBD in Australia.

The plan seperates central Dandenong into two zones, the core and the Periphery.

The Core of Central Dandenong is generally described as being bounded by Thomas, Foster, Mc Crae and Clow Streets. Within this area the greatest consolidation and higher density of mixed land uses will occur, and built forms should include buildings of 5 storeys or more. The core is expected to accomodate a residential population of 7,000 by 2015 (or 3,500 apartments!!!!!!).

Now to fit 3,500 apartments, major office developments and retail/entrtainment space in such a small area is going to require REAL skyscrapers 30 stories+

A 'Spine of Consolidation' will be the focus of compaction and consolidation of Central Dandenong. The significant point of departure and the focus in this regard will be centred on two radii of approximately 400 metres centred on the Dandenong Town Hall and Dandenong Station, with the ‘spine of consolidation’ running between the station, the Town Hall and the market. At either end of these centre points, within the 400 metre radius, are strong anchors in the new market development, Dandenong Plaza and the VicUrban residential development.

The objectives of the plan are music to the ears of skyscraper nuts like us :-)

Land use and development objectives:

- To encourage a variety of commercial, shops, food and drink premises at ground floor level with no maximum height prescribed subject to urban design merits of the development.
- To encourage high density office and residential development above the ground level.

Under the new zone applications will not be advertised, no objections and no appeal to VCAT, so developers will be able to submit a proposal and start construction a few months later!

See this page for more details:
http://www.greaterdandenong.com/infopage.cfm?InfoPageID=1681

That is excellent. I guess by the time they fill up that middle area shown below, they will have to expand the "highrise" area east to Robinson St, north to King St and west to Stud Rd!

http://img34.exs.cx/img34/3618/DandenongCBD.gif

Its a great policy document. This is the type of report I want developed for Chapel Street, Maroondah Highway Nunawadding/Mitcham, Ringwood, Morrabbin, Box Hill, Sunshine, Footscray, Frankston etc.

subject to urban design merits of the development...

i dont think we will see any design of state significance but im praying

no objections and no appeal to VCAT...

kinda strange...

i guess theres still the supreme court...

not to put this plan down i think its great but i dont see how they are going to create a real diversity around the city rather than stock standard formulas and BCA homes/apartments we need innovations no car parking encouring bikes closed road and 24/7 atmosphere...

forced 50% grey water ect ect

Great idea, however I dont think it would ever beat places such as Chatswood, etc in Sydney ...... therefore it extremely ambitious IMO.

The difference about this plan and suburb and Chatswood or Bondi Junction is that Sydney is way ahead of Melbourne in terms of this type of constcrution and activity centres. Melbourne can learn from Sydeny and do it just as good if not better. Melbourne has the potential to do exciting things and this is a great start.

no objections and no appeal to VCAT...

kinda strange...

i guess theres still the supreme court...

not to put this plan down i think its great but i dont see how they are going to create a real diversity around the city rather than stock standard formulas and BCA homes/apartments we need innovations no car parking encouring bikes closed road and 24/7 atmosphere...

forced 50% grey water ect ect

No appeals so that approval for developments can be given in 2 months rather than 12+ months.

There is much more to the plan that I put in this post, it covers pedestirian access, public transport (including future light rail provision), encouraging cylcing, new pedestrian roadways, sustaianble design, active retail street fronatges, car parking... It is a very comprehensive plan.

It is similar in sacale and concept to the Green Square project in Sydney except without height controls :-)

Key issues critical to the composition of the plan and success in reinvigorating
Dandenong have been identified as follows:

- Central Dandenong will have to become more complex and diverse, with
integrated land uses, including higher-density residential development as a central
component.
- The Central Area needs to be more compact and activities consolidated within it,
with the focus on an approximately 400m (5 minute walk) radius centred on
Dandenong Railway Station and the Dandenong Town Hall, creating strong links
between and through them, as indicated on the map in clause 22.07 as the ‘Spine
of consolidation’.
- The existing street pattern and built form will need to be responsive to
development initiatives and opportunities, continuing the progressive changes over
recent decades. Future development shall similarly need to respond to the street
pattern. Built form and urban design has a crucial role to play in this process and
will receive high priority in future development assessment.
- A highly efficient, convenient and reliable Central Areas Transit (CAT) system
must be implemented as a priority. It needs to develop over the next 30 years from
bus-based to light rail; be integrated with the wider public transport system
complementing strategies for pedestrian and private vehicle management in
Central Dandenong. Existing barriers presented by traffic related infrastructure
shall need to be redesigned as necessary to enhance the pedestrian environment
and public realm.
- Pedestrian access and mobility within Central Dandenong offering high levels of
amenity must be a priority.
- A retail revitalisation strategy linked to this policy, to which the Council, State and
the private sector are committed, is important.
- Addressing the social environment in Central Dandenong requires a multi-faceted
approach which includes strategies on land use, provision of services, recreational
opportunities, a healthy built environment and economic access.
- High profile public and private sector ‘key projects’ must be identified and
implemented within the short term to give impetus to the consolidation of Central
Dandenong. In this regard, a strong working and active partnership between the
Council and the agencies of State government will need to be further developed
and maintained.
- Developments which do not positively contribute towards the long term vision and
outcomes envisaged by the structure plan will be actively discouraged, even
though they provide an immediate capital investment in the area.

I've died and gone to heaven.

http://www.urbanmelbourne.com/gallery/galleries/Tour_2003-08-22/image023.jpg

http://www.urbanmelbourne.com/gallery/galleries/Tour_2003-08-22/image020.jpg

http://www.urbanmelbourne.com/gallery/galleries/Tour_2003-08-22/image018.jpg

screaming for redevelopment

http://www.urbanmelbourne.com/gallery/galleries/Tour_2003-08-22/image015.jpg

look at all the car parks

http://www.urbanmelbourne.com/gallery/galleries/Tour_2003-08-22/image026.jpg

http://www.urbanmelbourne.com/gallery/galleries/Tour_2003-08-22/image031.jpg

^ suburban hell.

pics thanks to SteveMelb: www.urbanmelbourne.com

gotta ask though: what's taken so long? :P

the more I read, the more I want to live in the area - on paper it sounds like Urban Paradise,

the car parking rules especially are like the 'anti-suburbia' compared to the abundance of them in Dandenong atm, such as 1 and 2 bed apartments are only going to have 1 space each and anything over three will have 1.5 spaces (lol how's that work grollo?). Multi-level car parks have the strictest development rules too.

Start now you bastards, gimme something to watch on the way to uni!! lol :P

What happens from here now grollo??

sustaianble design

is a load of utter **** these days...

unless its economical sustainable design ;)

think qv facade think ch2 almost every project in australia is almost all marketing they never took into account the amount of energy required to construct this building which is where most of the energy goes double the amount of insulation double the energy goes into making it, its a catch 22

heres a general gloomy essay full of mistakes

Examine the implications of NOT implementing environmental sustainable design strategies for local infrastructure?

The implications of not implementing environmental sustainable design strategies are not clearly quantitative. It may already be to be too late, have we crossed the point of no return are we in damage control. Is there an analogy between capitalism, consumerism and cocaine is consumerism a “class A” drug. To understand these concepts we have to understand the issue of the survival of the human race as a whole and survival of individual humans. I will use the notion “a star that burns twice as bright burns half as long”(BLADE RUNNER) to explain the effects of not implementing more efficient sustainable design strategies.

Firstly lets define the earth as having a finite amount of embodied energy. You can use it faster or slower. If you use it slowly you are less likely to have major impact on the earths eco-system therefore living longer and being more sustainable.

What to define as local infrastructure, the term “act local think global” can be applied. The problem with this is that not many people think global. Most Americans don’t even know the name of our prime minister yet alone where most of the countries are in the world . Are most people committed to shared beliefs. If these was the case we may we might be one big family. It is mighty hard to change people values. People normally need to hit a brick wall in order to have a reality check. That brick wall might just be around the corner if major strategies are not implemented.

To examine the implications we must first look at humans psyche because presently a small but powerful group are leading the push towards burning half as long, consciously or unconsciously. When humans are not killing each other they mostly competing against each other to live the most happy lifestyle possible. Because they already think they have complete control over the natural environment, this is a short-term illusion. Little do they know that in the long-term chaos theory reigns supreme, its un-controlling the world in which we think we lived. All the strategies should be defined by time frames from long term to short term. So we can build a better future for our children’s, children’s children if we care to take the idea of efficient sustainability seriously.

Humans evolved from Neanderthals and god knows what before that. Maybe the bible is a good fiction book to read quite a comedy. In fact why don’t you just ask god now, im sure he’s a good man with some time quality time on his hands. Or you could have a chat with the devil see what he has to say. Kill or be killed sounds more like it when humans are not trying to control each other “All your bases belong to US”. Who ever has the most embodied energy at their disposal and has the people to use it collectively and target it reigns supreme. The United States, Australia, Japan are great examples of the push towards this mentality. Many institutions also follow this path G7, World Bank, International Monetary Fund too name a few. But who has the right to lead all the people as a united force committed to one goal a efficient sustainable environment and who is capable of that. Our politicians drive the push or voice of the people or do they. Many acts have both been introduced by both the labour and liberal leaders (refer “History__Regulationsnotes.pdf”). Humans have become so diverse that other humans in other countries are not equal to us. The sad truth of the state of affairs of the world it that things are in a state of chaos in the long term. We have got the ball rolling and it is going to be very hard to slow it down are you ready to invest your energy and dollars for the cause. Clearly natural capitalism is just a derivative of capitalism that is justified by better profit from lower energy consummation. But if most of this profit is not invested into the environment we have a long way to go.

Some people may argue that all this capitalism has allowed to live longer happier fuller lives yes it has for a small percentage of the world’s population. But all this does is raise the standard of living for world further compounding the push towards chaos that might not be a bad thing. Some may argue you may as well go out with a bang. But environmental sustainability is just a more efficient version of capitalism in these times. So we can burn longer or brighter by being more efficient.

In order to create major change you have to control the embodied energy to control the energy you need to control energy sources. This involves having control of the shoes to make the energy footprint. This is called a monopoly normally only a few companies control water supply/oil/timber/fresh produce/transport/ it is in their best interest to provide as little competition as possible to increase profit. These days most these companies have been privatised it gives less responsibility to government. It is somewhat strange that expenses go up with inflation but our pay packet doesn’t every year. Maybe we need to start looking at all humans as equal although we do not appear to think like that at this strange even if we tell ourselves we do. We are lying to ourselves to diminish any of the responsibility so we only preserve ourselves. Self-preservation is almost an impossible instinct to get rid off. Will you die for me?

Only people with wants are in a position to make a smarter shift towards “natural capitalism” by wanting more by adopting more efficient strategies from less efficient ones. The rest are just following the pack. They are chasing the tail of others and by the time they get to the pie there may be no resources left to sustain the exotic lifestyle. Or they are being sold old technology cheaply that is not as efficient. Sustainable culture is not dominating the earth like it once was because we capitalists have colonised the world to point where we can choose to want less. In the developed world we live longer learn more use more because have more energy to play with. We live longer because most of us value human life more than that of nature to us are we living in the here and now. We are putting short term goals ahead of long term needs by living in the here and now. Can you predict the future.

Adding another variable to capitalism that puts nature in the market place as a commodity. Its value greater than zero. So the people that are capitalists can trade in nature, just another commodity that people need not want. Why has it gotten to this stage? the evidence is clear we have had such impact on earths natural selection that we can dominate it so much that we have bitten of more than we can chew. This has been done by making a bigger ecological footprint than is not sustainable (2.2 Ha per person). This is why im arguing that a “a star that burns twice as bright burns half as long”

The implications for not implication sustainable design strategies are mixed. Building normally
have a life span of more than 100 yrs just a bit more than the life of a human provided
Adequate maintenance is provided. This is important because we have gone in history from
Temporary construction to more permutate structures is it feasible to fix existing buildings will it
be justified have we taken into account that our solutions will also require more maintained. Is
only changing our buildings an adequate way to totally make it sustainable. Could we replace
all of these building never.

Effects of not implementing these strategies may loss of Fossil Fuels, Global Warming
Contamination of water supplies/food supplies. All these make for an environment that is less habitable. So we are making the earth more habitable in the short term but in the long term less habitable the is why notion the “a star that burns twice as bright burns half as long” can be applied. We are in damage control because we realise we have created a problem or are going to face one put simply what are the implications, only time will tell.

though im all for building ;)

i just did a subject called environmental sustainablity and i wanted a good mark

Blueprint for a smoother ride to work (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/10/1094789689913.html)
By Royce Millar, Selma Milovanovic
The Age (www.theage.com.au)
11 September 2004

A $300 million upgrade of the Dandenong rail line and an extension of SmartBus services in the eastern suburbs are priority projects under a new transport blueprint to be released soon by the State Government.

The Metropolitan Transport Plan, now in draft formand to be approved by State cabinet, outlines the Government's direction in transport to 2010.

Key initiatives include a third rail track between Dandenong and Caulfield, extension of SmartBus services to create a series of orbital bus routes across Melbourne, and a feasibility study for a public transport link along the Eastern Freeway to Doncaster.

A Government source said an important feature of the plan was the principle that public transport is the answer to congestion in Melbourne. The Government would not release details of the draft plan, said Kate Leonard, a spokeswoman for Transport Minister Peter Batchelor, but she said it was "the Bracks Government's strategy to tackle emerging public transport issues over the next five to 10 years".

"With congestion an increasing problem in metropolitan Melbourne, we need to develop smarter ways to use our existing roads," she said. "Greater use of public transport will help ease congestion, but we need to make it more attractive for users."

The travel plan stems from the State Government's longterm metropolitan strategy, Melbourne 2030, announced two years ago.

Under the plan the Government aims to have 20 per cent of trips taken in Melbourne by public transport by 2020. The present figure is 9 per cent.

In rail, the Dandenong line upgrade is top priority. The Government believes the line is at capacity and action is needed to avoid passengers being left stranded at stations. While the upgrade is not costed, sources estimate a third track would cost about $300 million.

With two-thirds of Melbourne's population relying on buses for public transport, the bus system is increasingly the focus for transport planning. The SmartBus system — buses that run more frequently than the Melbourne average, and have priority at traffic lights — run on Blackburn and Springvale roads.

The plan proposes to extend these services to Warrigal Road in the short term, and envisages a series of orbital buses linking the east and west. The plan will also highlight the extension of existing services into growth areas.

"We spend a lot on buses at the moment and the aim is to spend more if we get the Smart- Bus program working properly," one Government source said.

Bus Association Victoria president John Stanley said the plan should "address extra service levels, particularly in areas like the City of Casey, where there has been considerable growth but a lack of infrastructure".

Mr Stanley said he hoped the plan would focus on an orbital bus service along Warrigal Road, Manningham Road and Bell Street.

A public transport link to Doncaster has been discussed since the Eastern Freeway was built in the late 1970s. Space was allowed on the freeway's median for a rail link that was never built.

A statement of commitments, including a $30 million system giving trams priority over cars at traffic lights, is included in the draft plan. Sources say the Government has ruled out a major upgrade of the West Gate Bridge or building a West Gate tunnel.

The Government's advisory committee on Melbourne 2030 has warned that, without investment in public transport, the plan will fail.

Community transport consultant John McPherson said there was no need to spend $300 million on the Dandenong rail line because problems could be solved by better timetables, extra services or longer trains.

longer trains: no.
extra services: yes.
third track: iffy, quad-track = better.
a sign that at least something is being looked at: good.

However with developments along this line (Dandy, Westall and Caulfield thus far), extra capacity is inevitable.

Local Dandy rag apparently (originally posted on Railpage)

HIGH LIFE
Residential towers fit councils bold vision
by Cameron Hill

The commitment to transform Dandenong into a major transit city is being followed by developer's plans for high-rise apartments in the CBD.

Any day now, Planning Minister Mary Delahunty is expected to approve the $250 million residential development of the old Dandenong saleyards site.

This is the foundation of the State Government's transit city plan, which aims to encourage people to live close to key public transport hubs.

Greater Dandenong Council's town planning manager Andrew McCulloch said he believed the transit city endorsement was luring other large-scale residential developers to Dandenong.

"The saleyards is having an effect in terms of attracting spillover residential development in the CBD.

"There is good confidence being shown in Dandenong."

Developers have met the council over the prospect of building residential apartments of 15 to 20 storeys on seperate sites in the city.

Mr McCulloch would not reveal their locations.

"These are in the very early stages," he said.

However, he said plans for three and four-storey apartments, including in Hutton Street, were well progressed and other formal applications were expected soon.

Mr McCulloch said additional multi-storey development could be accommodated in Dandenong "in the right location", and it fitted the council's vision.

"As distinct to previously, our planning strategy now rides on the back of residential rather than retail [development]."

Work is also expected to start on Phileo's 108-room hotel in McRae Street early next year.

Construction on the saleyards site, overseen by VicUrban in partnership with the State Government and the council, is tipped to start in the new year.

It will include the re-alignment of Cheltenham Road.

The first stage will produce two-storey apartments on the north side of Dandenong Creek. By 2010 the site is expected to accommodate 1400 mixed-density homes including six-storey apartments.

__________________________

And now for the editorial:

There were some raised eyebrows in the Journal office at the news the Greater Dandenong Council could be considering proposals from private developers to build two high-rise blocks for private apartments.

That's not high-rise in Kensington or Punt Road, Richmond, terms, we'll agree, but anything over 15 storeys is certainly big enough around here.

We suspect our surprise at the news will be similar to that of most people: we have one high-rise building - the tax office on Walker Street - which is visible for several kilometres. Do we need more? Think of the impact of three!

Though it appears these developments are not linked to the stockyards site, it's hard not to make comparisons. Weren't we told that the idea at the stockyards was to keep buildings down in size so that they would not be intrusive?

Let's hope our councillors give the matter plenty of thought.

Concept drawings are all very good and often very pretty. The trees look fluffy and the sky is blue.

The reality is often much harder to deal with, considerably drabber and a darn sight harder to pull down!

^^ ROFL.

:)

The beauty of Dandenong is that it's such a derelict shithole, there won't be too many people around who'll care about change (unless they're truly worried about losing a zillion and 1 car parks & the 'undesirables' who hang around them).

In fact, it sounds like the concepts have all been plucked out of Vancouver: take one derelict 'undesirable' place to live and build a thousand and 1 apartments - urban renewal to the extreme?

Unlike some of the more established industrial areas in Melbourne like Footscray Dandenong has no positive urban character and very little in the way of heritage buildings.

I'm a curious as to what the redevelopment of the saleyards development would actually intrude on, the rows of empty 1960's shops? The contaminated wastelands? The poorly maintained ligtht industial area? What a joke.

The saleyards development is in addition to the 3,500 apartment target for the exisitng CBD!

"no positive urban character" is a much nicer way of saying 'derelict shithole' - must remember that one for a rainy day :)

On the north east corner of the intersection of Cheltenham Rd / Thomas St and Foster St there's an old 69s 3 level office block that has just recently had state government spam placed on the top level (faces south down towards the rail line). I've been meaning to get off the train and go see if it's a site office / development office (like the ones VicRoads do on big road projects).

http://www.street-directory.com.au/aus_new/genmap.cgi?sizex=600&sizey=600&x=145.212829349205&y=-37.9899791428645&level=6&star=&circle=&xyfile=

Another project I'd like to see happen is putting Webster Street under the rail lines. (Trains often slow for that level x-ing and the South Gippy level x-ing - usually as trucks are stuck halfway across the rail lines - bah).

BTW as the article mentioned: 108 room hotel on McCrae street?? I'm hopeless with hotel estimates, but how many levels could ~100 rooms be???

"no positive urban character" is a much nicer way of saying 'derelict shithole' - must remember that one for a rainy day :)

hehehe I have been writing too many VCAT submissions lately :-)

Well lets give this a few months and we shall see quite a few proposals *hopefully*

i say, Bring it on! let dandy be big, and cool, and 1337 as some would say. i want to see these drawings, and proposals.

Very exciting stuff indeed. Dandenong really needs something like this plan if it wants to remain the City of Gerater Dandenong for much longer instead of falling further into disarray and being overtaken in importance by places such as Keysborough or Stud Park....I remember how disappointed I was the first time I went to Dandenong, stepping out into a beautiful new train station, and finding a paradise of ugly 60's shops and low-rise buildings, with very poor pedestrian connections to get to the core (which is of course effectively Dandenong Plaza, which although newish was looking very much unloved).

It will be interestinf to see how this pans out, the council will definitely have to have a good working relationship with the state govt to get this working effectively and if they have any hopes of achieving their aim of making the biggest and densest suburban cbd in Australia- currently the biggest, Parramatta has a large state and federal govt workforce, as well as not-completely-shitty public transport facilities. The densest suburban cbd I would guess is Chatswood, and it benefits from being in a desirable location.

ROFL at the editor comment "one high-rise building....visible for several kilometres....think of the impact of three!" I guess he/she is really concerned about the poor people living those several kilometres away thinking how terrible it is that it is so obvious Dandenong is there, and it's close...

Hey Plotty, Do a web search for Hall Chadwick Centre , or 120 Edward Street in Brissy. As a building finite, it has won many awards for it's environmental friendlyness.. It can provide excess to it's own power use through solar panels on the roof, it also had a rockwool back wall which was to insulate the building.. Check out www.infolink.com.au/articles/26/0c00ab26.asp Not sure if it still works, but give it a try. I built this building (By myself.....)

Plotty, your above post inspires me. It makes me keener to not give up talking to a computer screen and thinking any or none of it makes sense. I try and be informative and somewhat controversial in my posts in the hope it might get a bite, but there are only a few of us. I like stirring A-Brain, 'cause he responds with sometimes decent comebacks mostly. But at least he isn't scared of saying what he thinks.

Everyone here contributes for their own reasons, I got interested for the crane photo's, but now I love to stir the pot a bit. The continual mindless drivel such as 'nice photo' does my head in, I think some people like to see their number of posts rise by 300 a day......or something like that.

The more the world realises that it's use by date is fair dinkum, the better day to day lives we all shall live.

Holy Shiznitz!

posted by PalmerEldritch on Railpage:

High-rise given nod.
by Cameron Hill
The Journal

The designer of a planned seven-storey apartment building in the heart of Dandenong says high-density living is the key to revitalising the CBD.

At its meeting last Monday night, Greater Dandenong Council unanimously backed a planning permit application for a 44 apartment building on a vacant site at the corner of Scott and Robinson streets.

It will offer dwellings ranging from one to three bedrooms; two levels of basement car parking, with one space per dwelling; a ground floor licensed restaurant and three shops. It is conservatively valued at $7 million.

Project developer John Garafalo, a long time local resident is a self-confessed advocate for higher-density living in Dandenong's heart.

"In terms of infrastructure, Dandenong central has the whole package, but not the residential living. Imagine if we had an extra 10,000 people living in the CBD and the new business that would attract," he said.

His application fits the State Government's Transit Cities vision, to increase populations in activity centres linked to public transport.

Cr Paul Donovan, the area's ward councillor, said it's great to see a development of this scale given the go-ahead in Dandenong. "I congratulate them for sharing the vision of Dandenong being a city of first choice rather than a city of last resort," he said.

"It's in a fantastic location...and will offer a different lifestyle choice."

Mr Garafolo said the local market for high-quality apartments close to shops, transport and services was "huge". "We are the guinea pigs for all this."

The keys to successful multistorey apartments are providing security entrances, undercover parking and elevators. "We don't need old-style apartments with stairwells in Dandenong," he said.

His group also has plans "in the pipeline" for 16-storey and four-storey building developments in central Dandenong.

__________

7 levels on the edge of the spine!!! (See melways map 4 or 5 posts above)

pay more attention tayser!!!

It's a start, hopefully the development will be a success and the Dandenong Development plan won't end up like the Doncaster Hill strategy which has been a dismal failure so far.

Doncaster Hill would have succeeded if they built the train line and gave concessions to the developers.

Hey Plotty, Do a web search for Hall Chadwick Centre , or 120 Edward Street in Brissy. As a building finite, it has won many awards for it's environmental friendlyness.. It can provide excess to it's own power use through solar panels on the roof, it also had a rockwool back wall which was to insulate the building.. Check out www.infolink.com.au/articles/26/0c00ab26.asp Not sure if it still works, but give it a try. I built this building (By myself.....)

Plotty, your above post inspires me. It makes me keener to not give up talking to a computer screen and thinking any or none of it makes sense. I try and be informative and somewhat controversial in my posts in the hope it might get a bite, but there are only a few of us. I like stirring A-Brain, 'cause he responds with sometimes decent comebacks mostly. But at least he isn't scared of saying what he thinks.

Everyone here contributes for their own reasons, I got interested for the crane photo's, but now I love to stir the pot a bit. The continual mindless drivel such as 'nice photo' does my head in, I think some people like to see their number of posts rise by 300 a day......or something like that.

The more the world realises that it's use by date is fair dinkum, the better day to day lives we all shall live.


Why I am replying to my own post????

Two fold, I worked in Dandenong this morning and from where I was, 4 floors up in the mall opposite the entrance to the plaza/myers, I had a pretty good viewpoint. There certainly is some scope for improvement in many areas, but as a base point for starting, it has it all. There is transport, roads and infrastructure in place. There are plenty of opportunities for employment throughtout the area. There is about 6 or 7 buildings over 4 stories there, the highest being across the road from the old Town Hall. There was a boom pump there from 7am pouring concrete into something at ground level or one below.

The other reason was to make sure Plotty saw it, as it was the last post on the last page. Please check out the link, I tested it and it works. If you are passionite about sustainable building practices, it will all make sense.

And is it true that you fell on your arse Plotty????? Ha Ha Ha, must of got messier after I left. Ha Ha Ha :)

favco...

im all for building but...

"This is equal to 20 cars off the road each year."

and im guessing there adding about 100 carparks ;) ahhaaaa

anyway its the thought that counts ;)

Plotty, You must admit though that it is a start. The building was completed four years ago and yes there is a couple of floors for car parking, but the idea is good.

As a fairly groundbreaking project at the time, if every highrise built since then had similar ideals, it would be equivalent to 10,000 cars off the road.

So we must try and improve all the time. Unfortunately, I can't think of another building started, u/c or finished since then that has employed the same thinking.

Saleyards has now been renamed 'Metro 3175' by VicUrban. (http://www.vicurban.com.au/index.php?action=dandenong_index)

http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/CA25677D007DC87D/LUbyDesc/Dandenong+Concept+Plan/$File/Dandenong+Concept+Plan.jpg

A long time ago, wasn't one of the most active gangs in Melb called 3174 after the suburb of Noble Park....... Isn't it funny how the world keeps turning.....

DANDENONG:

According to 1 council member of City of Greater Dandenong who I work with, he explained to me that Dandenong will approve anything if it's tall providing it meets appropriate criteria. If the design is good and will not have any bad effects on the CBD it will approve it even if it were to be 40 levels.


:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :banana: :banana: :banana:

be sure to keep us 'informed' Wilko! :)

Just been to Greater Dandy CC:

Grollo:

56-62 Walker Street, Dandenong

16 Levels
Roof RL: 81.50m
Ground RL: 28.00m
Height above Walker Street: 53.5m <-- 1.5m taller than Mondo????

Architects: McGauran Gianni Soon PTY LTD.

no render - as they wouldn't let me photocopy it! :(

Breakdown:

Ground retail
Levels 1 - 3: Car Park
Levels 4 - 13: mixture of 1 and 2 bed apartments
Level 14: 2 sub penthouses
Level 15: penthouse
Level 16: penthouse (upper level)

Comments:

- Amalgamated three shopfronts on Walker Street
- Walker Street facade will dark brown / red earthy coloured balconies
- Thomas Street facade will have a silvery white balcony and render with a slick feature running the length of the tower over the balconies (seperator afaik)
- Subs and Penthouse are distinct from the rest of the tower, white-ish coloured, setback (small) from the rest of the tower up the top.
- Heaps of drawings for perspective with views from different points in Dandenong, let's just say it'll be extremely visible from anywhere inside the Dandy Core (including East of Lonsdale Street in Palm Plaza) - appears to be about the same height as ATO - definitely a great starter for the area.
- LOL everything around it is 1 or 2 levels then shadoomp a 15 level thing sticking out on a very prominent corner.
- The size of the apartments (1 beds were 62-65 sqm afaik? ) look to be geared directly at affordable housing market, which is pretty much what Dandenong is geared for really.
- I like the design, I've seen something similar, but can't put my finger on it.
- It's most definitely been designed with other towers around it in mind, two fairly bleak walls (facing South and East) with little windows.
- It's definitely on par with Mondo in the Ponds.
- Apparently its had one or two objections, it's on display for another week at GDCC offices decision will be within 3 to 4 weeks (lodged in early September!).
- I found out there's about 20m difference in height between Lonsdale & Robinson Street, and the hill gives this tower a fairly significant boost.

South East corner of Walker & Thomas Street (where the southbound arrow is next to the roundabout below)

http://www.street-directory.com.au/aus_new/genmap.cgi?sizex=600&sizey=600&x=145.212880142856&y=-37.9882521587351&level=6&star=&circle=&xyfile=

It would appear just to the left of the ATO in this pic (uewepuep) from Rialto:

http://www.melbournephotos.net/pics/2004-09-17%20Melbourne%20-%20Swanston%20St,%20Rialto,%20Collins%20St%20and%20Docklands/IMG_1012.jpg

^ Imagine 40 level buildings all the way out there! :eek2: :)

Would be an awsome city advantage spot, to take photos of the skyline...with a massive zoom of course

PalmerEldritch from Railpage has scanned it from Dandenong Journal, looking East along Walker Street:

http://www.thehoddlegrid.net/dump/dandy15storeyskyscraper.jpg

see what I mean by the 'shadoomp' factor? :lol:

If this gets approved, it'll not only set a precedent, but it'll probably become commonplace in Dandy if they're serious about 7000 residents in the Central core! And there's absolutely no shortage of sites, just look at that melways map above & all the car parks - easy money!

That is excellent. More of this and we could have our very own Chatswood, Bondi Junction or St Leonards in Melbourne!

yes bondi! without the beach heh.
looks like a cool design for that tower tays posted.
i hope the 40 storie one will happen.

Bring it on, only 10 mins to go to work. Lets build 10 of them, one after the other of course.

^^ yeah all with LUS hammerheads...not a luffing crane in sight, doh!

nnnnnnnnooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

do you have a digi-cam Palmer? When construction hots up in Dandenong, you're probably the best to snap photos if that's the case ;)

do you have a digi-cam Palmer? When construction hots up in Dandenong, you're probably the best to snap photos if that's the case ;)

I used to have a Fuji Slimshot Digital Camera, but now thats carked it on me and I am in the process of getting one of the new Canon Digital cameras.

The only thing being worked on at the moment in Dandy is the redevelopment of the Town Hall into a performing arts centre, and after digging a nice big hole in the ground, they are almost back up to ground level. It's quite weird seeing a heritage facade with nothing behind it.

Saleyards is supposed to start early next year at the earliest, although I believe that the first stage is only two or three storey town houses backing along Dandy Creek.

According to the Transit City Website for Dandenong, a four star hotel development has receieved planning approval as well.

I believe there is also some construction going on in Chisholm TAFE (Dandy) and Stud Road stadium is going to be redeveloped with the extension to include a State Volleyball Centre.

Here's the article which had the picture of the proposed 16-storey development in Walker Street, Dandenong next to it:

The Journal, Monday October 25, 2004, p.1.

City’s Huge Boost: 15 –floor apartments ‘landmark’ for CBD
By Phil McLeod

A 15-floor apartment building costing almost $7 million is planned for Dandenong’s central business district.

The proposed complex – described as ‘a landmark building’ – will contain 53 apartments, a penthouse, a ground-floor restaurant and three levels of car parking on the corner of Walker and Thomas Streets.

Greater Dandenong Council will advertise the application by CMG Construction Management Group for 14 days during which time objections to the project may be lodged.

Barring any objections, the complex, which would house one, two and three-bedroom apartments, is expected to be voted on by the council late next month.

The project’s architect, Rob McGaurin of McGaurin Giannini Soon, said it would be a ‘landmark’ building in Dandenong.

“Being on a corner site, the building should become a landmark in Dandenong,” he said.

“The apartments will have attractive balconies with great views of central Dandenong and the hills in the north.

“This project will bring the benefits of inner city living in Dandenong.”

The projects planning consultant, Paul Baulch of Coomes Planning, said the development complemented future plans that the State Government and the council had for Dandenong.

“Dandenong is Melbourne’s second city, and the State Government’s policy for the future development of Melbourne, Melbourne 2030, encourages major new development in the central area of Dandenong.

“Dandenong is also one the Government’s transit cities, which encourages development that will take advantage of the good public transport in Dandenong.

“This proposal also complements work being done by VicUrban on the old Dandenong saleyards site and the other high-rise buildings in the area.”

Mr McGaurin said the project was testimony to the rising interest from developers in Dandenong and would encourage other developers to invest in the city.
--------------------------------------
Note also that:
Mr Garafolo said the local market for high-quality apartments close to shops, transport and services was "huge". "We are the guinea pigs for all this."

The keys to successful multistorey apartments are providing security entrances, undercover parking and elevators. "We don't need old-style apartments with stairwells in Dandenong," he said.

His group also has plans "in the pipeline" for 16-storey and four-storey building developments in central Dandenong.
-------------------------------------------
I'm not sure if this is the same 16 storey building being mentioned in the seperate articles.

Hopefully it's not! :)

I completely forgot there was a seperate Dandy thread!

Canon are a great brand of digicam, you can't go wrong with a Canon!

anyhow, I hope to be out taking pics of all the potential sites as well as the Walker Street site over the next two weeks (that is if I don't get mugged in the process :lol: )

Saleyards has now been renamed 'Metro 3175' by VicUrban. (http://www.vicurban.com.au/index.php?action=dandenong_index)

http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/CA25677D007DC87D/LUbyDesc/Dandenong+Concept+Plan/$File/Dandenong+Concept+Plan.jpg


Surveyors were setting out boundary pegs on the opposite side of Cheltenham Rd from the station and saleyards yesterday, in the bit that looks by Tayser's scan as factoriette's/reail in orange with the residentional behind them in yellow and peach.

Finally....let the revitalisation of Dandenong begin!

Favco: where the new road will flyover the rail lines and link up with Cheltenham Road?? I've seen a fair few people roaming around there too (not as many rigs parked there anymore as well).

here's a pic of the site (thanks to SteveMelb) that I posted on the first page:

http://www.urbanmelbourne.com/gallery/galleries/Tour_2003-08-22/image015.jpg

The Journal, Monday 25 October 2004, p.15.

Shopping centre to have gates of Orient
By Phil McLeod

Two large Asian-style gateways will be the centrepieces of a $650,000 makeover of Springvale shopping centre.

The eight-metre high gateways will be built at the Buckingham and Queens Avenue entrance to the centre, and are in line with one of several gateway themes Greater Dandenong Council has planned in other areas of the city.

The council’s urban designer Matt Slavin said the refurbishment of the would include new and wider streets, trees and more parking.

“The gateways will be the entrance to a world of exotic foods, clothes and culture, and a new vibrant, colourful, safe place to shop.

“People will be able to associate the gateway with Springvale, and there are plans for a series of other gateways in different locations of the shopping centre.”

Mr Slavin said traffic flow through Buckingham Avenue would be improved by converting existing angle parking to parallel parking, allowing for two-way traffic and better pedestrian access.

The president of the Springvale Traders Association and Community, Ms Le Hoa Wysham, said the planned refurbishment would revitalise the area. “It’s wonderful – anything that revitalises and gives the shopping centre a lift is great news.

“Buckingham Avenue is an old area and very busy, the aim [of the refurbishment] is not only to make it look better, but to better channel the traffic and make shopping at the centre a more pleasant and memorable experience.”

Ms Wysham said the gateways would become landmarks and attract people to the centre.

“People will be able to see the gateways from the railway station and just about any other location in the city, as well as from the roads,” she said.

The project is being jointly funded by the council and State Government.

It is expected to be completed by June next year.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Journal, Monday 25 October 2004, p.3.

Sky sign winner

Springvale youngster Geovanny Urbina has won the Springvale shopping precinct’s sky sign competition. The pupil headed a field of 45 entries with his drawing of a festive dragon. The drawing will be used as a concept for further development by professional designers for a billboard on top of the shopping strip.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Springvale is an area that is occupied by a ridiculous level of car parking and is also ripe for redevelopment. :cheers:

Picture can be seen at http://www.railpage.com.au/modules.php?set_albumName=album53&id=GatewaySpringvale&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

yeah, but on the other side of Chelt. road from the big carpark on the paddock/grass. They were banging pegs into the ground in a fairly gridlike manner, so to my way of thinking, that is the first step on the way to selling each block, and then of course the good stuff.

These articles are all from yesterday's Journal. Yes tays it looks like there are some of those nimby scum around in crappy old Dandenong.
---------------------------------------------------------------

OPPOSITION MOUNTS TO HIGH RISE (p.3)
Plans for a 15-level apartment complex in the heart of Dandenong are set to be opposed by business owners and a resident’s group.

The proposal, revealed in last week’s Journal, would see a building containing 53 apartments, a penthouse, ground-floor restaurant and three-level car park built on the corner of Walker and Thomas Streets.

The project’s planning consultant, Paul Baulch, said the building fitted in with the State Government and council’s future vision for the city.

But Roy Aspinall, whose business Highway Bowls is opposite the planned complex, said he would oppose it.

“It’s going to cast a big shadow on nearby buildings.

“I know they are going to have internal parking, but there’s going to be people leaving cars on the street, and that’s not what we want around here.”

Cr David Kelley said he believed the project was too ambitious. “I can’t see it going ahead. It is too high, the site is too small and parking is a concern.”

Dandenong Resident and Ratepayers Association spokeswoman Janet Cox described the proposal as “ridiculous”.

She said the former saleyards site would be a better site for the 15-level building.
----------------------------------------------------------
METRO 3175 WORK BEGINS (p.3)
Greater Dandenong council has announced that excavation work for the major residential development of the former Dandenong saleyards site will start on Friday.

The council is working in partnership with the State Government and its development arm, VicUrban, to create a 1400-dwelling residential zone known as Metro 3175.

Work will be done in stages over the next decade.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
TWO-STOREY REDEVELOPMENT (P.3)
Efforts to improve Dandenong’s CBD continued with Greater Dandenong Council approved the redevelopment of a large under-utilised building at the corner of Foster and Thomas streets.

The two-storey building includes nine ground floor shops, seven of which are vacant.

Twelve offices will be established, as well as a 44-seat restaurant. The recreation centre, which comprises a gym and a wrestling club, will be remodelled.
--------------------------------------------------------------
MINISTER MOOTS LIGHT RAIL LINKING DANDENONG, FRANKSTON (p.5)
A light-rail link running beside the Mitcham-Frankston Freeway and servicing Dandenong is a “medium to long-term” feature of a newly released regional planning strategy.

State and Regional Development Minister John Brumby launched “Prosperity for the Next Generation: Regional Strategy for Melbourne’s Southeast 2003-04’ last Thursday.

Four years in the making, the report is designed to guide policy development for 11 municipalities, including Greater Dandenong and Casey. The region employs 500,000 people and has a manufacturing sector generating $23 billion each year. The light-rail system – 10 to 15 years away, said a spokesman for Mr Brumby – would connect Ringwood, Dandenong, Knox and Frankston.
---------------------------------------------------------------
YOUR VIEW
HIGH RISE TOO SOON (p.10)
I am all for development that will benefit Dandenong and see it grow, but a 15-floor apartment building in Walker Street as announced in last week’s Journal is just too much, too soon.

Knowing the location, it seems too me the proposed building is far too big, and entirely in the wrong place to have such a high building.

Shops and businesses near this building will be dwarfed by it and would have to contend with all sorts of associated problems like being engulfed by the shadow this building would cast.

The other problem is that if this building is allowed to go ahead by the council, what will come next: a 20, 25, 30 or 50-storey apartment building?

We should know what controls and restrictions the council and the State Government have on high-rise buildings before any of them are built.

Name and address supplied.
-------------------------------------
LANDMARK SUPPORT (p.10)
I write about the Journal’s article “City’s Huge Boost, 15-floor ‘landmark’ for CBD”.

High rise inner city living seems to be all the rage these days. It’s not surprising that they are also planned for Dandenong given its population and recognition as Melbourne’s second city.

For Dandenong to become a modern, progressive city, it must look at projects like these.

L Mitting,
Dandenong North

opposition is to be expected. But this opposition is no where near the calibre of say the Camberwell NIMBYs.

Shit, how many people will notice it go up anyhow? The Western CBD is so dead even at lunch time, I keep expecting to see tumbleweed blow across Thomas Street! hah :)

I'd love to be able to see it from my joint here in Hampton Park.

The funny thing is when you drive through the place at night, after a night out in the city or the inner burbs, Dandenong resembles a place where everyone has been wiped out from the plague, and this is on Lonsdale Street!

The comments from the wannabe nimby's like Roy Aspinall, Janet Cox and anonymous whinger don't worry me that much.

What worries me more is the comments by Councillor Kelley: "the project was too ambitious. “I can’t see it going ahead. It is too high, the site is too small and parking is a concern"

What he says is in complete contrast to what the Comprehensive Development Plan states regarding turning Dandenong into an area of national significance, no height limits subject to urban design merits, and enclosed parking. He has obviously not read the report yet is prepared to comment negatively on the proposal.

This is the sort of defeatist mentality that is rife in Dandenong. That the place is not good enough to improve and that the status quo is good enough. Well Cr Kelley it isn't. The area has plenty of potential.

I thought Grollo said that anything in the Comprehensive Development Zone was not subject to objections to council or appeals to VCAT. Yet the council is accepting objections until they decide on the matter at the end of this month.

If this 16-storey building goes down we can kiss those dreams of forty+ towers goodbye.

Shit, how many people will notice it go up anyhow? The Western CBD is so dead even at lunch time, I keep expecting to see tumbleweed blow across Thomas Street! hah :)

The whole of Dandenong's CBD is practically dead all day every day except for the area around the plaza/markets.

I'm sure ATO could do with a friend, and I'll have another tower to see from my roof. :) After all, Dandenong proudly uses the slogan of "Melbourne's second city". Time to make it a city and not just a dead suburb. At least the town hall is getting a refurb.

From The Journal, Monday November 8, 2004, p.3.

Works ready to begin on saleyards housing site.

By Cameron Hill

Excavators are set to literally scrape the surface of the former Dandenong saleyards site tomorrow as part of minor preparation works for a $250 million residential redevelopment.

The housing estate – known as Metro 3175 – is already running about nine months behind schedule and Eumemmering Province Liberal MP Gordon Rich-Phillips dismissed tomorrow’s activity as a “PR stunt”.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Clare O’Neil was more optimistic and said Metro 3175 was a “key plank” in the city’s future.

“I think it’s a terrific confidence boost to see a bit of action down there after a lot of talk.”

The single day of excavation work on land south of Cheltenham Road will be overseen by VicUrban, the State Government’s residential development arm. Excavators will scrape out roads for the estate’s first stages.

Bad weather on Friday saw the works and photo opportunities postponed.

VicUrban project director Phil Hanna conceded the “very minor” scraping work was “in some respects” a PR exercise. “We want to indicate to the council and the community that things are happening.”

Mr Rich-Phillips said: “Scraping the surface of what needs to be done is a very apt description. The council and the community know nothing has happened there despite the big promises and if people have a look after this single day they’ll see that still nothing is happening.”

Mr Hanna said planning Metro 3175 was a huge undertaking. Having to fulfil VicRoads’ traffic design requirements and planning for the management of the major floodplain to the north of the 28.5 hectare site had caused delays.

Mr Hanna said engineering designs would be finalised for stages one and two this month, which would include 145 in Cheltenham near Dandenong Creek.

He expected building work to go out to tender next month and construction to start in the second half of next year.

House blocks will range in size from 220 to about 400 square metres and will accommodate terrace and town house-style dwellings. The whole site will be developed over the next decade and 1400 houses are planned in total.

The council provided the land and has received a $3 million down payment. It has projected income of $15 million-$16 million over five years.

how does 220-400sqm rate against your average suburban block up for sale on the fringe?

little

Some Dandenong Pics I took 2 hours ago (Sorry if the pics are too dark)

Australia Taxation Office
http://img92.exs.cx/img92/7770/1copy.gif

http://img92.exs.cx/img92/1637/2copy.gif

http://img106.exs.cx/img106/3573/12copy.gif

http://img106.exs.cx/img106/8642/13copy.gif

http://img106.exs.cx/img106/4021/15copy.gif

http://img106.exs.cx/img106/2472/16copy.gif

Dandenong Art Center (Under Renovation)
http://img116.exs.cx/img116/4552/3copy.gif

Dandenong CBD and shops along the street
http://img116.exs.cx/img116/6263/4copy.gif

http://img8.exs.cx/img8/7682/6copy1.gif

http://img8.exs.cx/img8/8751/7copy.gif

http://img8.exs.cx/img8/7987/8copy.gif

http://img8.exs.cx/img8/2779/9copy.gif

http://img8.exs.cx/img8/3591/10copy1.gif

http://img117.exs.cx/img117/9683/11copy.gif

shit look at all those commodores and falcons in that pic lol

go Dandy! :puke:

chris: yer, you have to remember we're only 10k from the real Kath and Kim land in these pics :)

the proposal in question a page back will tower over this thing (site is just to the right)

http://img8.exs.cx/img8/3591/10copy1.gif

and this is pretty much the same angle one of the renders for the building was, having it clearly visible from Lonsdale Street

http://img8.exs.cx/img8/7987/8copy.gif

thanks for the pics

lol, I don't remember ATO ever being that shiny... Actually the reflective glass has one major fault - from many angles, you see a reflection of the huge parking block that stands next to the tower... and only in Dandenong you can get a parking block that rates as third tallest building in the city.

I might be wrong here, but I'm pretty sure the "Arts Centre" under renovation is actually the town hall being refurbed and turning into a more arts-centreish facility. I recall a while ago from the local paper saying that parts of the inside of the Dandy town hall was in a similar condition to the office areas at Flinders St Station (ie derelict).

http://img8.exs.cx/img8/3591/10copy1.gif
Dandy CBD deadness. Things would probably be very different if the huge plaza out the back didn't exist. Now everything west of Lonsdale St is empty.

^^ The street was so quiet and all the shops were close when i took this pic .. hardly see any cars passing the street

^ story of Dandenong CBD proper :)

From The Journal, Monday November 15 2004, p.5

Restaurant and offices in building makeover.

Dandenong Council has approved the redevelopment of a large under-utilised building at the corner of Foster and Thomas streets.

The two-storey building includes nine ground-floor shops, seven of which are vacant. The successful applicant, John Lascaris of Lascaris Designs, plans to build 12 new offices and a restaurant on the corner to seat 44 patrons. The existing recreation centre, which has a gym and wrestling club, would also be remodelled.

From Springvale-Dandenong Leader, 15/11, p1 (I wish they delivered them on that day)

With crappy, inaccurate OCR technology.

By Andrea Kellett

DANDENONG residents and business owners are outraged that a planned 15-storey apartment tower provides just one car space for every two apartments.

Five objectors, including Greater Dandenong's ratepayer association, have lodged submissions against CMG Construction Management's proposed $6.9 million development at the corner of Walker and Thomas streets.

They say insufficient parking will create chaos.

The company plans to build 53 apartments and 27 car spaces - all of which would be above ground and accessed from a single-vehicle car lift.

The number of spaces equates to fewer than one space for each apartment.

Consultants for the developer, Coomes Planning, maintain that the council's multi-deck car parks in Walker and Thomas streets will easily accommodate any overflow.

"Existing public parking areas in the vicinity of the site are not fully
utilised," the consultant's report states.

The company further states that the State Government's objective for Dandenong as a "transit city" is to "reduce reliance on car parking and motor vehicles and to maximise the use of public transport".

Dandenong's Residents and Ratepayers Association is urging the council to reject the proposal.

Secretary Janet Cox said the group would not support any high-rise development until residents were consulted on the Melbourne 2030 plan for Dandenong.

The association also called on the council to enforce parking requirements, which required one car park for each unit.

It has also disputed Coomes Planning's research.

' 'We note that the consultant for the developer did an estimate of parking space usage on Wednesday, September 15," the association states in its submission. "Wednesday is one of the Dandenong CAD quiet days."

Planning staff will hold a meeting with objectors on November 25, and are ex pected to present a report to the council rvext month.

lol that's gold.

I love the way they think these high-rises are just like suburban houses stacked on top of each other.

its all good limiting parking, but they will probably just park in the streets and cause more traffic problems or something like that

Look at the picture above that I quoted. Even if every tenant held a party at the same time, the place would still look dead. There's loads of parking space on the same street and on adjoining streets but being in Dandenong, half the people are probably too lazy to walk an extra block... or be more than 500m away from the plaza.

More talls need to be built around this current proposal anyway. The 8 storey building that you see there also has a hideous blank wall on the other side. And build enough shops that people might want to go to and then there's a bit of hope that you'll see life in the area.

From The Journal, Monday, Nov 22, 2004, p.15

Concern over high-rise plan.

Objectors to a planned fifteen-storey apartment building in Dandenong's central business district will air their grievances with the developer at a meeting on Thursday.

The Dandenong Residents and Ratepayers Association has lodged formal opposition to the planned residential development at the corner of Walker and Thomas Streets.

Several surrounding traders have lodged objections.

Roy Aspinall of Highway Bowls said insufficient parking, overshadowing and disruption to trade during construction were among his concerns.

In its submission, DRRA stated the buildings footprint was too small and its overall proportions were out of scale compared to other buildings in Dandenong. It also stated the tower would detract from the city's multi-million-dollar performing arts centre on Lonsdale Street.

The project's planning consultant, Paul Baulch of Coomes Planning said the building complemented the State Government's future plans for the city.

Representatives of developer Construction Management Group have also visited surrounding traders to discuss their concerns.

Dandenong really needs to aspire to greater heights all round. If its wants to use the tag of Melbourne's second city it should start behaving like one first. Hopefully it will take off in a big way but the "petrolhead" mentality of the people living there is its biggest problem. They'd be more passionate about an IKEA opening than a 20 story high rise going up.

overshadowing and disruption to trade during construction were among his concerns

There's next to nothing happening there anyway, can't people have foresight for once and perhaps realise that the new residents could possibly increase trade into the businesses of these objectors. Overshadowing? There are no public places that the tower could cast a shadow on, except for their carparks.

Maybe they're affraid if they build tall buildings they'll have to look at / over themselves - lol I say build several dozen and fill up the parking lots. And while I know Dandenong isn't exactly a tourist hot spot why doesn't it build more hotels and get in on the convention business. I'm not talking on the scale of Melbourne of course but Dandenong has a large business community and potential. Even for tourism it could sell itself better as a gateway to other things, like the mountains and Phillip Island. Its terribly slow on getting with the program. Its has so much potential but so many there lack vision.
If its not careful Sunshine will start calling itself Melbourne's second city. Oh, thats even more frightening than Dandenong. I was really surprised Sunshine didn't get special consideration under Melbourne 2030. There's a suburb in need of a LIFT. Just think of the views towards Melbourne's skyline. Make the western suburbs almost desirable. Considering its proximity to the city, there's a place that needs high density planning.

Thomas Street and the area is dead. Why is progress such a dirty word in an area that is in need of it most

Disruption beacuse of Construction??? Progress: What seems like only a ripple today...Can become the wave of the future!

Do Melbourne inner city business owners complain about over shadowing????

Really eh? The only shadows being cast in Dandenong are the ones coming off the backsides of area residents. Whats that term for a big behind "all behind Melbourne" - now thats urban sprawl to be affraid off. I think Dandenong's overdependence on cars is a bigger problem than "over shadowing". As for the complaining some people just like to complain for the sake of complaining. Many would even be horrified if say jobs were created in the city.

Does anyone think Dandenong could handle a light rail line? I'm not talking into Melbourne because thats now feasable but a short line which might just improve the core streetscapes. Don't know where I'd put a route, maybe between somewhere east of the city thru to the Stockyards development. It would be nice to see the entire centre of the city revitalized into something pedestrian friendly. Is that possible in Dandenong?

Stud Road would be a good option for a tram line with potential for stops at Dandenong Plaza, Chisholm TAFE/Dandy Hospital/Dandy Valley Retirement Village, Stud Road Basketball Stadium, Brady Road, The Stamford/Stud Park SC, Kelletts Road, Ferntree Gully Road, George Street, High Street Road, Swinburne Wantirna TAFE and Knox City SC where it would connect to a route 75 which terminates at Knox instead of Vermont South.

The Plaza to the train station along Foster Street could use a light rail link, and maybe another from Parkmore to the Stockyards development along the the re-aligned Cheltenham Road and on to the Plaza. Another one along McCrae Street from Thomas Caroll Reserve to Clow Street near the War memorial. Another to cover the areas around Thomas, Scott and Walker Streets.

High-density needs to start popping up around Dandy for any form of light-rail to work.

Tri-City Guy: gold. lol.

Waterloo, Canuckistan? or? :)

Check out AltiusAltiusAltius's 'Paramatta Pix' thread under 'Skyscrapers & skylines' Look at what metropolitan Sydney has achieved that I doubt Dandenong ever will at the current rate. Thats what Dandenong should achieve, obviously their shop owners didn't complain, unlike the owners of the shitty shops you wouldn't look twice at here!

I better not hear of any resident's complain, there are no houses anywhere near the the proposed site, infact there are no people full stop near the site!

Overshadowing??????? Total Bullshit meltdown!!! It's like Myer Bourke Street complaining about Eureka & Rialto. Oh it's to dark, no sun. Well Dandenong.........Paint your bloody shops, get a vision and change with the times. Melbourne's Second City? What a laugh, Frankston should have that title! It's progressing as I post!

Residents who complain about highrise! Ok, lets sprawl out into the never never lands because we want to create an urban nightmare like Los Angeles of endless gridlocked freeways, unplaned dorment suburbs, massive carparks and suburban shopping malls rather than have to look up and strain our necks!

No offence to anyone! Just angry

Just on Parramatta: I was there in the past few days, and the overwhleming impression I get from the place is that it has far too many commercial uses and buggar all else, after having a brief wander around Parramatta, I most certainly do not want that to happen anywhere around here - these mini-CBDs are just that, completely dead on weekends where the main life on the streets is between the hours of 9 to 5 on a Monday through Friday - no thanks.

All our nodes over time will be far more vibrant in terms of what the land's going to be used for, from the word go the uses are going to be integrated - and let's hope it stays that way.

tayser, yup the pedestrian hostile twins otherwise known as Kitchener-Waterloo, 1hr west of Toronto. Canukistan - that pretty well sums up Canada. I used to live in Melbourne for several years during the 90's in Cheltenham, Camberwell, South Yarra and St Kilda. My Cheltenham years had me Dandenong bound a few times. I really would like to see it take off though since the potential is there. I don't drive (by choice) so Dandenong needs a bit of work before its pedestrian friendly. Its great everyone here keeps me up to date on the big M. Its been six years so time to revisit I think. Cheers
Oh and Palmer thanks for the info on a suggested route for the trams. I'd like to see trams in Dandy (do it a world of good no matter the cost) and even re-introduced to sleepy hollow, Geelong as well. They really do add character to the city - especially the W class ones.

Just on Parramatta: I was there in the past few days, and the overwhleming impression I get from the place is that it has far too many commercial uses and buggar all else, after having a brief wander around Parramatta, I most certainly do not want that to happen anywhere around here - these mini-CBDs are just that, completely dead on weekends where the main life on the streets is between the hours of 9 to 5 on a Monday through Friday - no thanks.

All our nodes over time will be far more vibrant in terms of what the land's going to be used for, from the word go the uses are going to be integrated - and let's hope it stays that way.

I Don't disagree. That's not what I mean, my complaint is Dandenong just does not progress! I used Parramatta as an example because it has a skyline. I want Dandenong to be a vibrant and well planned CBD. The objections to the latest development in Dandenong seems to be objecting to what is a good plan.

Dandenong has a skyline, just not one that you'd boast about ;)

Having a cool skyline does not equal having a great place to live, work or play - in fact I think that's what needs to be dispelled in relation to the Sydney mini-CBDs, they look great from afar, but other than just servicing one predominant purpose, they're not much else.

I think the fact that Greater Dandenong has been one of the first to come up with a structure plan is a sign that progress can be made - the test will be if the council bows to the NIMBY pressure.

From "Second City News" December edition (Council Newsletter)

City Living Takes Shape

The transformation of Central Dandenong into a cosmopolitan hub has moved a step closer with the appointment of consultants to develop plans.

David Lock Associates (DLA) emerged as the successful group in a process that would require development of designs for the city, known as the Central Dandenong Design and Mobility Plan.

Bidders for the $220 000 design contract were told plans would need to be compatible with the state government planning blueprint Melbourne 2030, which earmarks Dandenong as a transit city.

Plans also needed to create a residential city of national significance, supported by a strong economic foundation. The space had to have a pedestrian focus with high levels of access to transport. And extensive recreation and leisure activities would need to be included.

Work began on the project late last month when council, the Dandenong Development Board and DLA met to begin shaping an urban landscape, where residents would chose to live, work and play.

Cr Clare O'Neil said balancing the commercial and residential development was crucial to its success.

"At one end of the spectrum, Central Dandenong will be the main service centre for the south-east region of Melbourne and at the other end, it will be a lifestyle centre, providing a variety of everyday shopping and services for people who live there," she said.

"Central Dandenong's strength will be in the way that these competing interests are balanced, so that value is added to the private land owner, the public realm and the commercial base."

The plans are expected to be available for public comment in about six months from now. Once completed, they will influence planning approvals and be used as the framework for the city's development.

Greater Dandenong Melbourne 2030 spokesman Cr Nairn Melhem said council's intent for Central Dandenong was for it to become the cornerstone of the Greater Dandenong community.

"It is to be a place where residents meet each other as part of their everyday comings and goings," he said. "It will depart from its purely commercial functions to become home to a substantial residential population. And the foundation of the new residential base will be a mixture of all land uses, built forms and open spaces that are designed to support each other." More information 9239 5100.

Bring. It. On.

Oh and Palmer thanks for the info on a suggested route for the trams. I'd like to see trams in Dandy (do it a world of good no matter the cost) and even re-introduced to sleepy hollow, Geelong as well. They really do add character to the city - especially the W class ones.

No worries Tri-City Guy, I think trams are absolutely necessary to enable Dandenong to make the transition from car-dependant to pedestrian friendly city.....as long as the trams are Citadis type like the one's on Box Hill's Route 109. :)

We do not need trams in the suburbs. Buses do the job much better in the suburbs.

Yes, I understand but were talking Central Dandenong here not Pakenham Upper. If it wants to aspire to being a city, it needs to behave like one. A tram line would encourage high density more effectively than buses. Its a proven fact that an LRT or trams would add to the infrastructure and encourage intensification of the central city and spur demand for growth. Dandenong needs to be re-invent itself with the pedestrian in mind. Its days as a parking lot for bogans must come to an end! Grow up Dandenong not out.
Besides, with Bombardier based there they should at least get a deal on the light rail cars - lol

Also, is it just me or are they're any Melburians out there that avoid buses when they can. I was always a train or tram person. Buses always meant zone three to me. Actually I lie, I did take the bus to Garden City once but never in the burbs. Hell no!For a farm boy I sure was an inner city snob. I'm amazed I lasted a year in Cheltenham and even there I'd never use a bus given the choice. Now Pakenham Upper is a different story.....

Some positive news for Dandenong

City reaches for the sky - (Journal) Monday 20 December 2004 P3.

"An ambitious plan to build a 15 storey landmark apartment complex in the heart of Dandenong has won the condtitional backing of the council"
"The building, earmarked for 56-62 Walker Street, would contain 53 apartments, a gound-level restaurant and car lift. It would be Dandenong's tallest and have bay and mountain views as well as a top floor penthouse and subpenthouses on level 14."
"Traders tell us that lack of activity is a problem.

"This apartment complex will put 70-80 residents right in the heart of Dandenong"

Finally the 15 level complex has received approval & Marketing of the project will begin early next year.

Would post the whole article but im at work

Open up the floodgates Dandy, open 'em up.

Dandenong's a long way for you to come and snap some construction images eh mb? ;)

ehh, ive done more ridiculous things in my time train traveller, besides wtf are you good for?

:cool:

can't do much when a certain someone has my camera

:cool:

Would post the whole article but im at work
Here's the article:

City reaches for the sky

By Cameron Hill

AN ambitious plan to build a 15-storey landmark apartment complex in the heart of Dandenong has won the conditional backing of the council.

The building, earmarked for 56-62 Walker Street, would contain 53 apartments, a ground-level restaurant and car lift. It would be Dandenong's tallest and have bay and mountain views as well as a top floor penthouse and sub-penthouses on level 14.

The developer, CMC Construction Management, had sought approval for just 27 car parking spaces on levels one to three. The council felt this was insufficient and agreed last Monday night to issue a planning permit on the condition that at least one parking space be provided for each dwelling.
Councillors supported 10 votes to one, with only Cr David Kelly objecting.

He said while the development would create new opportunities it would be at the expense of ratepayers.

"If we're going to encourage this type of development we have to look at parking ... if not, it's going to come back to bite us."

Those in favour said the proposal would make the city more vibrant and it fitted the State Government's 2030 vision of people living in city centres
close to public transport and shops.

Cr Clare O'Neil said: "Traders tell us that lack of activity is a problem. This will put 70-80 residents right in the heart of Dandenong."

The council received six objections.

Surrounding business owners fear a loss of street car parking, increased
traffic congestion and upheaval during construction. They believe the building is too large for its 400-square metre footprint and will cause overshadowing.
Cr Paul Donovan praised the proposal but said the council might have to consider future height controls.

A CMG spokesman praised the council's "fantastic vision".

"A lot of people have been watching this application with great interest. 1 think this will open the gates for all developers; Dandenong is set to take off."
The spokesman said 60 per cent of apartments would be sold off the plan.
Some of the country's leading architects were working on the project and neither the parking requirements nor building footprint size were an issue, he said.

Surrounding retailers were given assurances they would not be adversely affected during the 18 months of construction.

Marketing of the project will begin early next year.

lol.

The only people to have constructed anything new in that part of Dandy in the past 20 years are Centrelink. Its no wonder its a virtual ghost town when the traders who stand to benefit most are the ones objecting to the development.

I would fall over in shock if I actually saw it start construction! I wonder if such a market for high rise exists in Dandenong though. Time will tell and I hope it proves me wrong.

The only people to have constructed anything new in that part of Dandy in the past 20 years are Centrelink. Its no wonder its a virtual ghost town when the traders who stand to benefit most are the ones objecting to the development.

lol if you had have posted this on New Year's day or later, I'd have nominated that for post of '05.

:lol:

from today's age

Alison Fitzgerald, City of Greater Dandenong economic development manager, said the revitalisation was under way. Two residential buildings, one of 15 storeys and one of seven, had been approved, she said.

Other projects include the Dandenong saleyards housing development, a $15 million upgrade of the Dandenong market, a new 108-bed Ramada Hotel and a $15 million upgrade of the former Dandenong Town Hall - making it a performing arts centre.

where's the Ramada going?

good question, I asked when I looked at the Thomas St application and they had no idea :?

OMG - Dandenong is going to have a Ramada that makes the Melbourne one look second rate. What next a Ritz Carlton? lol Let the facelift of Dandenong begin. Sunshine is the new king of bogan suburbs - Dandenong has a Ramada!

The Ramada Hotel is going into an existing although, refurbished building next to Dandenong Plaza on McCrae Street (91A F7). It has been under refurbishment for a couple of months now. It is a 4 story building that use to be the home of the Australian Taxation Office prior to them being housed in what is Dandenong's Tallest at the moment.

Thanks for the info Wilko. Do you know when they plan to open it? Hopefully it will be the start of some more. Dandenong discovers tourism or would it be tourism discovers Dandenong - lol Enough business in the area to have a decent 150+ room convention hotel like that suburban Novotel in Glen Waverley. Thats one of Melbourne's bigger international style burb hotels...well besides Tulla.

From The Journal, Monday January 10, 2005, p.17.

Actors wait in wings for new home base.

By Kane Mason

The Dandenong Theatre Company got a sneak preview of its future $15 million home when City of Greater Dandenong director of cultural facilities Paul Streefkerk ushered six of the amateur club's members through the soon-to-be-theatre's town hall site.

An architecturally designed, earth-red night-lit cylinder is set to highlight the building, combining the classic Dandenong Town Hall structure with the contemporary designs of prominent arts architect Bill Williams.

Original sections of the 110-year-old building will be restored to their former glory, while other areas have been demolished in favour of state-of-the-art facilities.

The new design is expected to attract some of the finest headline acts, while providing up to 530 theatregoers with a comfortable viewing gallery and entertainment complex.

"I think they've designed a beautiful building. The people of Dandenong deserve it," Mr Streefkerk said.

While the name of the complex is yet to be determined, test events have been slated for December this year, before being fully opened to the public in February next year.

The Dandenong Theatre Company is bereft of a home base, currently rehearsing and performing outside the City of Greater Dandenong at centres in Waverley.

Company members are excited about bringing their work back onto the stage in front of their home town.

Company president Chris Stock said: "This is greater than our best expectations.

"We've got to present our work to the people which are the lifeblood of the company."

The double-storey facility will include an improved main stage with an orchestra pit, an upstairs rehearsal stage, a green room, and mechanically adjustible acoustic boards.

Original sections of the town hall building will feature a function room and lounge, and a stylish bar above the lower level joining the corner of Walker and Lonsdale Streets.

Between 30 and 40 casual and full time employment opportunities are expected to be created at the new theatre.

-------------------------------------------------------
I'll post a picture of it in a little bit.

Here it is:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/TownHallpicture2.jpg

interesting.

any word on a Walker Street beautification project too?? that would go hand in hand with a Town Hall refurb.

thanks for that.

No worries Tays,

as for Walker Street beautification, haven't heard anything recently, but it was supposed to be "ongoing" which could mean anything.

Found at: http://www.greaterdandenong.com/SiteDocuments/Forum%20Notes.pdf
Regarding Metro3175

Dandenong South Residents Forum – 18 November 2004
Page 13 of 16

What density will be in the new development?
Will there be enough open space? Will it create conflict within the community?

The plans for the development have changed very recently. The expected number of
dwellings has been reduced from 1400 to around 800. This is a density of 28 dwellings
per hectare – similar to that in Carlton and Fitzroy. There are no residential buildings
over four storeys high in the development.There is a generous provision of open space throughout the development marked in green
on the plan, and the park along both sides of the creek will be improved significantly.
There are many places in Melbourne with much higher densities than that proposed in
this development. Urban density, by itself is not a clear factor in predicting community
harmony, acceptance or conflict. Individual community members have a much greater
impact by promoting harmony and acceptance within their own community.

------------------------------------------------------------
This is a step. backwards if you ask me

^ good. I want to see more carlton-fitzroy scale development all over the city - leave all the big shit for the Dandy CBD (and other nodes)!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/ReverieSculpture2picture.jpg

From the Journal, Monday January 17, 2005, p.15

Not all rapture for sculpture

By Cameron Hill

A NEW-age sculpture complete with laser lights is set to get people talking when it is sited in central Dandenong.

Reverie’, which will resemble something from a science-fiction movie, will stand ten metres and will attract attention, particularly when illuminated at night.

Green laser lights will form a rotating grid at the sculpture’s base.

It will be placed near the corner of Lonsdale and Walker Streets, diagonally opposite the Dandenong town hall and performing arts centre.

Artist Paul Johnson has been commissioned to produce the sculpture after his concept was selected from 22 applications.

The piece is being funded by the council and the Dandenong Development Board at a cost of $90,000.

The council sought a “future-focussed” concept that would become an icon. It had to be “contemporary, innovative and highly visible”.

Public art reference group member Cr Naim Melham said Reverie’ would be thought-provoking and, as with all art, would attract its critics.

He said the council was working hard to change the way the city was viewed by outsiders. “Everybody who lives here knows Dandenong is a great place, but we have to create an image to outside where the city’s reputation is not that good.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------

From the Journal, Monday January 17, 2005, p.23

War tribute open on time

By Jamie Doyle.

The Vietnam war memorial at the Dandenong RSL came a step closer after the State Government contributed $10,000 to the project.

Speaking at a ceremony in which the first stone of the memorial was laid, Dandenong MP John Pandazopoulos acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of Australian and Vietnamese soldiers.

“This is a wonderful example of our ex-service and multicultural communities working together to acknowledge the role each played in the Vietnam war.

“By engaging the support of veterans and local communities, bonds have been created that will grow even stronger within the community.”

Mr Pandazopoulos said he was particularly proud that the memorial was being built in the City of Dandenong, which had one of Victoria’s largest concentrations of Vietnamese-born people.

Dandenong RSL secretary John Wells said the government funding would ensure the memorial was completed on time.

“April 30 is the 30th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war and it is imperative that the memorial is opened on this hugely significant date.

“Before the $10,000 from the Government, we weren’t sure the memorial would be finished in time. This funding means the memorial will definitely be completed by April 30.”

The memorial will depict two life-sized bronze statues of an Australian and a Vietnamese soldier side by side and will sit on a granite base under the ‘Huey’ helicopter.

Dandy's seen a few of these public art schemes over the years, they've all had a bit of hype, but after one piece has been finished, the next never eventuates, this, like the whole Dandy rejuvination, I hope doesn't come to the same fate.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/RedDrumTheatre.jpg

The above is from p.3 of yesterday's Journal.

There was a bit of a hoo-ha regarding the proposal to name the town hall redevelopment the "Red Drum" theatre, various vocal individuals have written into the Journal associating the name "Red Drum" with Chinese restaurants and/or Chinese brothels and prostitution. Just goes to show some of the narrow-mindedness and bigotry that exists even in multi-cultural Dandy.

Not all that much in the last couple of weeks regarding development Tays, although there were a couple of articles from yesterday's Journal, nothing all that exciting so I'll sum them up briefly:

p.3 - "Town hall compromise" - Proposal for "Dandenong Red Drum Theatre" dumped by council, after "community outburst". Will probably be called something bland like: "The Drum Theatre at Dandenong Town hall" instead (I kid you not)

p.5 - "$1.3m plan to upgrade city's street lighting" - fairly self explanatory

p.11 - "Metro 3175 building work to start in 'second half of year'"
-Preliminary work to start 'any day now'
-Project running a year behind schedule
-Delays caused by need to fullfil VicRoads requirements and planning the management of a major floodplain.
-Clearance to re-align Cheltenham Road has been obtained from VicRoads
-Contract has been let for the demolition of the old works depot on the site.
-Stage 1 and 2 to see 145 houses built on the southern section of Cheltenham Road on land that was once the saleyard's holding paddocks
-Metro 3175 to be developed over 9 years with 1400 mixed-density homes and 3500 residents (although that may have been revised to only 800 homes now).

I'd like to see those wiiiiiidddeeeeeee footpaths become commonplace - Station to Thomas Street, right into Walker Street, past Town Hall and right up to the plaza.

thanks for the updates!

Just in case anyone's interested, as posted back in Dec, this is approved and supposedly going to market sometime around now.

http://thehoddlegrid.net/projects/renders/greater/56walker1.jpg

http://thehoddlegrid.net/projects/renders/greater/56walker2.jpg

And click here (http://agenda.greaterdandenong.com/2004/04_12_13/4_9.pdf) for the councils report on the tower.

Interesting to note all but one councillor was in favour :guns1:

Hopefully this one good development will flow on to many.

[recommendation] 1.3: Lighting of exterior facades with particular emphasis on upper levels for night time effect and visual appeal

I'd like to see what they do there.

That report is pretty damn detailed too.

wow... really, wow.

although the proposed tower is nothing spectacular, anything is good. particularly laughed at the comments about Dandenong having "positive urban character" -- what a fu**ing joke! I dread driving through Dandy most times and would rather take my chances at Russian roulette than walk through it at night.

i'm still shocked, had to read this thread twice over to make sure its not a dream. progress in Dandenong - it's such an oxymoron!

From The Journal, Monday July 11, 2005, p.1:

World Class
European-style hotel to open in Dandenong next month

By Phil McLeod

AUSTRALIA'S first four-star European designed Ramada Encore Hotel will open in Dandenong next month.

The $15 million, 108-room hotel in McCrae Street, which will create nearly fifty jobs and put Dandenong on the international hotel map, will open on Monday, August 1.

General Manager Ed Davis said the encore design was the future of hotels.

"The growth of business in Dandenong, particularly the commercial development and the strategy that the State Government has for Dandenong, indicated to us that world-class accommodation was needed in Dandenong. It was ready."

Mr Davis said the first Encore-designed hotel was opened in London two years ago, followed by hotels in New York, Wales, Italy, South Korea and now Dandenong.

"The premise behind the Encore concept is that the corporate travelling market has demanded a lot from hotels and wasn't getting them or was paying a lot to get them.

"The lobby will be the hub of the hotel. It serves as a reception, check-in, has a coffee shop, a bar at night, and light food and beverages will also be available. It's like a Virgin airline lounge."

Mr Davis said the hotel also featured broadband internet connection, ergonomic workspaces, four conference rooms and innovative designed rooms.

He said the hotel would also attract people living in and around Dandenong who were looking to stay overnight or for a weekend.

"Dandenong is ready for a world-branded hotel and it will be the first city in Australia that will have this type of hotel. The hotel is close to the Red Drum preforming arts centre and the restaurant and cafe areas in the CBD.

"We encourage people to go out to dine and enjoy the range of restaurants in the city, go out for a night at the movies or shopping and come back to enjoy a restful night at the hotel."

Mr Davis said the hotel would offer entertainment-accommodation packages once the Red Drum opened.

...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/ReverieSculpture2picture.jpg

Work has just begun on this today

Wouldn't stay there even if you paid me, i'd just end up getting robbed. Should be a hell of a better place in a few years time and this sort of development is a real shot in the arm for Melbourne's second city. At the moment it is undeserving of that title.

^ Totally agree! especially when you see what other suburban hubs are looking like in our neighbouring capitals! Things will change though!

Miscallenous transit city related developments:

From the Journal, Monday August 8, 2005, p.3:

Hotel opens
DANDENONG'S newest hotel, the Ramada Encore Dandenong, opened its doors this morning.

The hotel, at 50-52 McCrae Street, has been eagerly awaited as a boost for Dandenong's central business district.

From the Journal, Monday August 8, 2005, p.13:

Optimism on metro project
By Katherine Meier

DANDENONG'S Metro 3175 development wil provide people with a new style of living, says project director Phil Hanna.

He provided an update on the project to members of the Dandenong Retail Traders Association at the group's monthly meeting last week.

He said the 28-hectare former saleyards development, which was being managed by VicUrban, was the most exciting housing and residential project in Dandenong in decades.

Mr Hanna said they had looked at the past five years' postal redirections, which showed that people were moving out of Greater Dandenong to the cities of Monash, Kingston and Casey.

He said projects like Metro 3175 would increase confidence in the area.

"There are so many people working in Dandenong, but travelling from other municipalities. We believe developments like Metro will encourage people to live in Dandenong as well."

Metro 3175 would offer a variety of housing that Dandenong hadn't seen before, including detached houses, studios, terraces and 'mansion houses'.

Mr Hanna said Metro 3175 would be "site responsive".

"The design review process has shown that Metro 3175 will give people an improved lifestyle with features like garage studios and activity in laneways to encourage safety."

Stages one and two of the metro village are underway and construction will begin next year.

"There are so many people working in Dandenong, but travelling from other municipalities. We believe developments like Metro will encourage people to live in Dandenong as well."

I'm one of them, but there would have to be MASSIVE MASSIVE change before I would ever live here, I mean MASSIVE URBAN RENEWAL!!!!!!!!!!

Nice glossy quarterly brochure:

http://www.greaterdandenong.com/SiteDocuments/Stakeholder_8-6-05.pdf

it's got a cool looking render of the medium-density stuff for Metro 3175.
http://thehoddlegrid.net/dump/metro3175cheltroad.jpg
Also talks about the different activities and tenants in the area and got me thinking:

- to kick off commercial / office development, state government should do a Southern Cross / Urban Workshop and consolidate and upgrade the DHS public sector offices in the city. DHS have that drab 60s thing on the corner of Thomas and Foster Streets, and similarly have offices in Oakleigh, time for an update?

15,000sqm of government offices ought to fit nicely in a 15 level office building, Greater Dandenong have always wanted greater centralisation of the public sector out that way (as they use Croydon in London and Parra in Sydney as an example).

All the right things are being said, projects are imminent, there's a large ($30m!) City imporvement programme underway, but it just needs a good high-ish profile kick start and then let the market do its thing..

Very nice renders of medium-density housing fronting Cheltenham Road. Thanks for posting that tayser! Had a read of the pdf and it seems 1400 dwellings are back on the agenda (a decrease to around 800 was reported a little while back).

There are a number of buildings near the corner of Thomas and Foster Streets that could welcome the bulldozer, asides from the one you mentioned

yeah didn't think of that, I was just thinking about tenants moving out and upgrading, that DHS building's site is landmark quality, right opposite a Club X SUPERSTORE! too :lol:

The new Ramanda 'Encore' hotel is very nice when looking into the foyer/cafe from the street, but I though they would have recladed the building or at lease given it a paint job. Except for the entrance and new signage, the building still looks like an early 1980's horror block (Old taxation office).

No it’s not the ATO Building in Dandenong, but a possible conversion of the car park in between Myer Dandenong Plaza and Clow Street/Dandenong Market into a multi-storey apartment building.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Dande1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Dande2.jpg

From the Journal 140th Souvenir, Monday August 29, 2005, p.18:
POPULATION 2005
Dandenong 18,284
Greater Dandenong 133,000

From the Journal 140th Souvenir, Monday August 29, 2005, p.30:
And tomorrow
PROJECTED population in 2025:
Dandenong 29,850
Greater Dandenong 170,000

From the Journal 140th Souvenir, Monday August 29, 2005, p.31
State Government
THE STATE Government has developed Melbourne 2030 as a planning guide to direct the development of Metropolitan Melbourne over the next 30 years.

This vision focuses among other elements on growth and urban renewal at key activity centers where public transport, infrastructure, retail business and community services already exist – transit cities.

Central Dandenong is already the economic hub of Melbourne’s south-east region and is expected to experience significant growth over the next 20 years.

It is an ideal centre to showcase the transit city concept.

From Greater Dandenong’s Destination Dandenong brochure[b]

[b]Dandenong Council
SAYS Mal Baker, development services director: “An exciting vision is emerging to shape the future of Dandenong. Central Dandenong will be an active residential city of national significance; supported by a strong economic foundation, integrating an extensive range of recreation and leisure activities, all within a high quality urban landscape.

It will be a pedestrian-dominated environment, designed for high levels of access and mobility for all forms of transport to and within the City.”

That’s Greater Dandenong Council’s view for the future, and it is already taking shape. Mr Baker explains that residential developments such as Metro 3175 will be a major player in our future direction.

“You can have all the visions in the world, but until you’ve got enough people to make it work it’s just going to sit on the shelf

“Metro 3175 alone brings 3000 people to the doorstep of the city as a community that will have demands on all our goods and services.

“Our vision is to have something in the vicinity of 7000 to 8000 people living in the central boundaries…and offer them a really exciting place to live, a range of activities and an attractive, active centre to be proud of.

“In the days of GMH and Heinz, we had all of their executives living and working in Dandenong and there was a great sense of pride. But with development over the last 20 years, we’ve found people tended to work in Dandenong, but live somewhere else,” he says.

With Metro 3175 and the rezoning for apartment-style living (in the area west of Lonsdale Street through to Robinson Street and down to Foster Street) Mr Baker hopes to attract residents back by delivering the types of outlets and services they would expect to see.

“Dandenong Central became like the hole in the doughnut, shut down by 6pm. Our focus now is on driving Dandenong’s attractions forward and making it a bustling city six days a week.”

He said the challenge lies in development and using planning and marketing to attract companies and industries that are bigger employment generators.

a sandy mall? :lol:

that's about the right size for that site.

just hoping for slimmer and taller buildings in the CBD proper.

Only read p1 so far - two weeks ago was the first time I ever went to Dandenong on a meeting with my company's director at the Dandenong store - which is alas, not in the 'central area'. So the first I've seen of that is Tayser's photos.

You'll appreciate the irony when I tell you that the Central area of Dandenong already looks far better and more interesting than most non-metropolitan CBDs in Australia! Geelong or Launceston could do with Dandenong's EXISTING level of development!

Nonetheless - I'm very proud if Melbourne is going to start developing Satellite CBDs.

To see Melbourne from the air (or the westgate!) the area around the CBD is dotted with Highrise but everything beyond is as flat as a tack! This will be a big boon for the entire city!

Dandy at lunchtime can be quite surprising, even though much of the place looks like arse, there are a shitload of people working there. They're all the offices of all the companies who have their plants in Dandenong South, accountants and legal offices servicing those businesses and a fair amount of bank back offices and the likes.

But as I said previously, it needs something to polarise the development and I think centralising some public sector offices in the area (in a brand spanker development) could be just the thing.

It's seeing improvement, but it'll only stumble toward that improvement if there's no serious commitment from someone.

Something big about to happen?

The Journal, page 1, 26 September 2005.

http://www.limitedintelligence.com/stuff/richfuture.jpg


EDIT: Sorry for the crappy scan :)

Saleyards (Cheltenham Road).

http://thehoddlegrid.net/dump/metro3175cheltroad.jpg

WTF has Eastlink got to do with 'urban renewal'?

fuck all!

:)

Everything this government says has to revolve around some road project!

ambitious!!!

http://www.revitalisingdandenong.com/dandenong/home/home.htm

(the flash sequence)

they're saying the right things, NOW FRIKKIN DELIVER! :)

edit: check out the flyovers and gorks at all the sites that are crying out for high-rises.

^Why does the man have a big head?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Metro3175new.jpg
Another view of Metro3175

Everything this government says has to revolve around some road project!

well most of us travel by road so if they want to stay popular to the voters, they have to say they are building some new road. unfortunately not everyone knows oil will run out and PT is the way to go. we have grown into a freeway loving city like LA.

More pics:

Open space in Metro3175:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Metro31753.jpg

Along another section of Cheltenham Road:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Metro31754.jpg

An example of Metro3175 housing:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Metro3175housing.jpg

Another example of Metro3175 housing:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Metro3175housing2.jpg

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/1bn-project-to-breathe-new-life-into-dandenong/2005/09/26/1127586799564.html

$1bn project to breathe new life into Dandenong
By Royce Millar
City Editor
September 27, 2005

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2005/09/26/dandenong_narrowweb__200x218.jpg

John Lenders: generating new jobs.
Photo: Wayne Taylor

DANDENONG will be Melbourne's biggest renewal project since Docklands, with the State Government yesterday seizing control in the struggling south-east centre to drive a $1 billion transformation.

In a bold move to kickstart its Melbourne 2030 strategy, the Government has assumed planning authority for a 180-hectare "declared" area around the Dandenong business district, sidelining both the local council and the Dandenong Development Board, appointed three years ago to oversee development of the abandoned saleyards site.

Major Projects Minister John Lenders said the $93 million Revitalising Central Dandenong project would take 10 to 15 years to complete and should breathe new life into Dandenong , generating thousands of new jobs.

Saying the urban renewal scheme was Melbourne's biggest since Docklands, Mr Lenders said it would "unlock" the city's potential to become the thriving city centre of Melbourne's growing south-east.

The Government's $93 million includes:

■ $50.3 million for Government development agency VicUrban to buy and redevelop land.

■ $17.5 million for a new bridge linking southern Dandenong with the business centre.

■ $25 million for a residential development of the former sale yards, dubbed Metro Village 3175.

Under the scheme, Planning Minister Rob Hulls becomes planning authority for the area and VicUrban will negotiate with developers to attract about $1 billion in residential and commercial investment.

Mr Lenders said the Government would recoup some of its investment through a 5 per cent "infrastructure recovery charge" on all new commercial developments in the project area. The Government is banking on developers paying the levy in return for the "certainty" provided by a streamlined planning process. The Dandenong development model is similar to that established by the Kirner government for Docklands.

Mr Lenders played down the Government's planning intervention and repeatedly stressed the project would be a "partnership" with the local council. But the Municipal Association of Victoria was not impressed. "At face value this decision seems unjustified and undermines the implementation mechanisms already in place for Melbourne 2030," said association president and Labor member Geoff Lake.

Dandenong is one of 13 transit city projects under the Melbourne 2030 strategy, aimed at promoting residential and commercial development around major transport centres.

Cr Lake said the Dandenong announcement had "implications" for councils covering the other 12 transit cities. But Mr Lenders denied the Government would take over planning in other areas, describing Dandenong as "unique". Opposition planning spokesman Ted Baillieu said the Government's move was "a classic vote of no confidence" in its planning".

The Mayor of the Labor-dominated council, Maria Sampey, yesterday welcomed the $93 million investment. But the lone Liberal member on the council, John Kelly, said that Government investment should not be at the expense of council power. "What's the point of having the council if our planning authority has been taken away from us?" he asked.

_____________________

to tell you the truth, I couldn't care less bout Metro 3175, it's the CBD that I want to see a shitload being done.

More pics:

Open space in Metro3175:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Metro31753.jpg

Along another section of Cheltenham Road:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Metro31754.jpg

An example of Metro3175 housing:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Metro3175housing.jpg

Another example of Metro3175 housing:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Metro3175housing2.jpg

Hmm North Melbourne/Footscray Housing Comission with a Latte flavour! Yep don't like the last one!

Lack of open air balcony space and those that do have a square meter and a half to play with...............

Bricks are great..........1970
artistic decorations.......$$$$

I could suggest the Artistic decorations support an open deck rather than a dog box balcony......
Conctete precast walls, modular, open and airy (my idea) vrs Government housing commission with eye candy!

^Looks like something you'd see in england...and not in a good way.

^^^ Dandenong is famouse for it's brick horror blocks of flats. I don't particularly like those designs but an exciting project overall

There are some really excellent buildings in the inner city that could easily be transposed to Dandenong. Most are using the older Victorian Blocks (space) and building a modern open balcony riddled glassy space to live in. What I see there is an Old style redone with Modern eye candy.

There is so much scope here for something modern and original that does not need to be expensive.

When I say modular I mean slab construction, not english style dogboxes. Forget about front walls altegether and mix up steel, glass, wire rope, Timbers, anything but Brick walls!

Bring the outside in, Use the light to save energy, use the roof to collect water, use the grey water as well. Lump solar heated piping on the roof to warm the lower apartments in winter and throw lots of GUM trees around! Dandenong could look awsome but this looks like crap!

From the Journal, Monday October 3, 2005, p.3:

Concern council robbed of planning powers

LOSING the planning powers to the $92.8 million redevelopment of Dandenong to Planning Minister Rob Hulls has made the council obsolete, says Greater Dandenong councilor John Kelly.

He says government investment should not be at the expense of council powers.

“As an elected member of the council, our powers have been taken away from a major part of our city. Is there a lot of point in having Dandenong as a council?”

Mr Hulls will be the planning authority for the 180-hectare zone that will develop as part of the project to transform Dandenong into a regional transit city.

Dandenong MP John Pandazopoulos and Major Projects Minister John Lenders said the planning process would be a joint partnership with equal input from the State Government and the council.

Municipal Association of Victoria President Geoff Lake said: “Clarification is needed from the State Government on whether it views Dandenong as a model for how other transit cities will be developed and the criteria it will use to determine whether the minister should assume the status of responsible authority. At face value, this decision seems unjustified.”

A spokeswoman for Mr Hulls said the decision was made after consultation with the council.

“It was agreed the best way forward was to put planning for a project of this magnitude with the Government.”

The spokeswoman said planning decisions will be made only after consultation with councilors, and that decisions could still be contested at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

“Residents will still get their voices heard in planning matters.”

Greater Dandenong Mayor Maria Sampey said she didn’t see the planning procedure as a hindrance.

Kane Mason

From the Journal, Monday October 3, 2005, p.3:

More than $92 million to be invested in Dandenong
Vision of prosperity
By Kane Mason

THE State Government will pump $92.8 million into redeveloping Dandenong in Victoria’s biggest urban renewal project since the Docklands.

Major Projects Minister John Lenders last Monday announced that an infrastructure funding package aimed at boosting commercial confidence, and generating millions of dollars in private sector development and thousands of jobs.

He said the work under the Government’s Revitalising Central Dandenong project could take up to 15 years to complete.

“The project will kick start the regeneration of Dandenong, and unlock the city’s potential to become a thriving city centre in Melbourne’s growing south-east corridor.

“Dandenong has a rich and prosperous history, but like cities around the world, it has changed in recent years and has had to compete with surrounding developments.

“This will make Dandenong and Melbourne’s south-east, one of Victoria’s most dynamic and prosperous regions.”

The funding package comprises $50.3 million to buy and redevelop land in a declared area in central Dandenong, $17.5 million to build the George Street Bridge linking southern Dandenong with the central business district and $25 million for a residential development of the former Dandenong saleyards.

Mr Lenders said the project would be partly funded by an infrastructure recovery charge for all new commercial redevelopments in the declared zone.
“As part of the project, a defined area of land has been declared under the VicUrban Act for land acquisition for future infrastructure development.

“All new commercial developments within the declared zone will attract an infrastructure recovery charge of about 5 per cent.”

The project is expected to create 5000 jobs and the building of 4000 houses including 400 affordable housing packages.

Dandenong MP John Pandazopoulos said the project would transform the city.

“Dandenong is indeed the hub of the south-east corridor and now developers will be confident to invest in Dandenong.”

Greater Dandenong Mayor Maria Sampey said the project would revitalise Dandenong which faced a bright future.

From the Journal, Monday October 11, 2005, p.22:

Business optimistic on city development plan

By Kane Mason

THE State Government’s $92.8 million redevelopment of Dandenong is going to be “fantastic” for business, says the outgoing president of the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Peter Helmore.

Speaking at a chamber breakfast meeting last Wednesday, Mr Helmore said there were “exciting times ahead” for businesses with the redevelopment of Dandenong’s central business district.

“There is a real buzz about what the Government and the council are doing with our city. It’s just fantastic for business.”

Greater Dandenong Council chief executive officer Carl Wulff, who was guest speaker at the breakfast, said the first stage of the Metro Village 3175, a 1000-house development at the Dandenong saleyards site, would start early next year.

He said the $25 million estate would offer lifestyles similar to Williamstown, and Subiaco in WA when completed in seven to 10 years.

Mr Wulff said the redevelopment, which will be the biggest urban renewal project since the Docklands, was expected to attract about $1 billion in private investment, which was attainable and a modest figure compared with Docklands.

At the breakfast, hardware supplier Hafele, food manufacturer Traditional Foods Australia and disability employment service provider Gateway were nominated for the chamber’s business awards for March.

It was a busy week for the chamber, which also launched its community development and mentoring program at the Ramada-Encore hotel on September 29. The program, to be run in conjunction with the City of Greater Dandenong, will promote social responsibility among Dandenong businesses, and provide business skills and knowledge through community groups.

From the Journal, Monday October 11, 2005, p.15:

Asset sale “will pay for new council office”

By Kane Mason

PUBLIC assets will be sold to pay for a $40 million council office building planned for central Dandenong.

Greater Dandenong Council’s chief executive officer Carl Wulff revealed plans for an upgraded town centre at a chamber of commerce breakfast last week.

It will include a state-of-the-art, multi-storey office building next to Dandenong Plaza on the corner of Lonsdale and Clow Streets.

Mr Wulff said council-owned assets would have to be sold for the project to go ahead, as it would not be funded by any of the State Government’s $92.8 million for the revitalisation of central Dandenong.

“We have a lot of assets. There’s an ability to leverage some of our assets,” he said.

Council staff currently work from offices in Springvale and Dandenong.

Greater Dandenong councillors have been split over the protection of the council’s buildings in Springvale and public spaces. There are concerns there was a plan to sell them off to fund a central office in Dandenong.

Mr Wulff said combining the staff in a central location would be logical and would save the council money.

“There’s a whole lot of costs we absorb without really thinking about it.”

Cr Peter Brown said he believed under the Springvale Activity Centre Structure Plan, a council plan for the development of Springvale, buildings could be sold off to fund the new office.

“Lying beneath some of the layers is this premise of the selling off of Springvale’s Civic Centre.

“The real reason in the plan canvassing the sale of the Springvale Civic Centre, is the bulk of the funds being diverted to an office block in Dandenong.”

Cr Brown said the $40 million price for the proposed new council headquarters had gone up $10 million from the time the proposal was first discussed by councillors.
I believe this is the same multi-storey yellow building I posted earlier in this thread which was positioned in the car park next to Myer.

thanks for that Palmer.

this one?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Dande1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Dande2.jpg

14-15 levels?

I had no idea that Greater Dandenong has that many people working for them ;)

but yes, as I was saying before, focusing the public sector could help kick off other developments (in the above case, in Springvale assuming the structure plan is in place and will support it, and in Dandenong itself).

bonus, good to see council going the highrise option, should give developers a bit of confidence

thanks for that Palmer.

this one?
No problems tays, yeah thats the one as far as I can tell.

14-15 levels?

I had no idea that Greater Dandenong has that many people working for them ;)
Hehe, yeah a bit of a surprise there, but the Springvale Civic Centre (going back to the dim dark recesses of my childhood memory) is a bunch of sprawling low-rise offices, so I can see how it might be consolidated.

but yes, as I was saying before, focusing the public sector could help kick off other developments (in the above case, in Springvale assuming the structure plan is in place and will support it, and in Dandenong itself).
They are looking to replace the Springvale Civic Centre with housing, not sure what sort yet, as the Structure Plan is supposed to be available from Greater Dandy CC next week. It is a great move to consolidate council offices in Dandenong, it'll now be the third new high-rise development waiting to be built in Dandy :)

it'll now be the third new high-rise development waiting to be built in Dandy

one's 56 Walker and the other?

bonus, good to see council going the highrise option, should give developers a bit of confidence
I think the fact that council wont be deciding on development will give them even more confidence!

one's 56 Walker and the other?In addition to the 17 storey building on 56 Walker Street, theres also a 7-storey on the corner of Scott and Robinson streets which also has a planning permit.

From the Journal, Monday November 14, 2005, p.1:

South Park
Ex-sewerage plant to become retail precinct
By Kane Mason

A DISUSED Melbourne Water sewerage site in Dandenong South is set to become a jewel in the city's crown.

The State Government has pledged $150 million to develop the land into a commercial and residential hub.

Last Thursday, Major Projects Minister John Lenders announced that a 180-hectare site of Kirkham Street would be transformed to a picturesque retail precinct with nearby housing, wetlands and open space near Dandenong Creek. Jobs would be created through leisure outlets and business via industrial and retail sectors.

Greater Dandenong Council development services director Mal Baker said the development revealed Dandenong's potential for business and urban development.

"It won't be long before Dandenong is well known for its lifestyle, residential and industrial opportunities," Mr Baker said.

"Council has always had confidence in Dandenong's potential and the additional $150 million package cement's the State Government's confidence in our city."

The project will be run as a joint partnership with Melbourne Water and government development body VicUrban, which is also responsible for the $92 million Revitalising Central Dandenong project already announced.

The project's timeline will remain unclear until contamination at the site is cleared by Melbourne Water.

Dandenong MP John Pandazopoulos said that ongoing consultation with residents was paramount to the plan's success.

"There's a lot of work to be done."

Mr Pandazopoulos said Dandenong Creek would be cleaned as part of the project.

The former sewerage treatment plant closed in 1996, but contamination levels are still unknown with Melbourne Water set to spend $50 million on testing and cleaning the site.

Melbourne Water spokesman Doug Tipping said the clean-up would be thorough.

Mr Tipping said some tracts of land would be ready for development sooner than others: "It will be released in stages."

He estimated the clean-up would be completed by 2008.

Melbourne Water will undertake public consultation.

Supplement to the Journal, Monday November 14, 2005:

Shows more of the sort of housing to be featured in Metro3175

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Metro3175Nov14051.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Metro3175Nov14052.jpg

^^ They look like something you'd expect to see in Caroline Springs, IMO.

Or The Heath in Heatherton (Warrigal Road).

Town Houses look good though.

From the Journal, Monday November 28, 2005, p.3:

Village launch

DANDENONG’S $25 million Metro Village 3175 residential project was launched by VicUrban and Greater Dandenong Council last Wednesday.

The event showcased a mix of apartments and town houses, with more than 50 deposits taken for properties on the night.

VicUrban development director Dominic Arcaro hailed the project a success.

“People are jumping at the opportunity to invest in this development and Dandenong’s future.”

The village will have 1100 houses and will accommodate 3000 residents.


From the Journal, Monday November 28, 2005, p.7:

VicUrban eyes sites for design
By Kane Mason

VICURBAN says it will use its legislative powers to acquire properties of ‘strategic importance’ as part of its Revitalising Central Dandenong project.

Speaking at a lunch in Dandenong last Wednesday, VicUrban development director Dominic Arcaro said letters had been sent to several commercial property owners in Dandenong’s central business district to see if they were willing to sell.

Mr Arcaro said negotiations with owners of the sites that were strategically important to the $92.8 million State Government funded project would start immediately.

He would not say which property owners had been written to, or where the land was.

VicUrban is looking at securing up to 50 locations in the CBD as part of the redevelopment. If a compromise cannot be reached with the owners, VicUrban could take legal action to secure the land.

Mr Arcaro said if that was to happen, the market price of the land and relocation costs would have to be paid to the owners.

He said any sale would have to be approved by the valuer general’s office and such a move may be unnecessary depending on the response from the letter.

“The letters are just a way of getting an idea of which owners are interested in selling.

“That’s the path that was taken with people in Docklands. We never had to compulsorily acquire land with Docklands.”

He said efforts would be made to keep businesses that want to stay, in Dandenong’s CBD.

up to 50 development sites in the dandy CBD . . . . shit!

Yes, take all the sites - there's very little to lose in Dandenong. And get rid of the businesses who whinge about having a shadow cast over their roof in the late evening.

I'd say at least 50, Dandenong is a classic case of suburban flight - probably the best (worst?) example in the country, the office stock is Z grade, the only residential stock in the area outlined for intensive development is a few 2 or 3 level walk ups in the North west corner (Thomas/Robinson Streets) and the main 'hub' is a now-shitty shopping centre surrounded by acres of car parking with the rest of the CBD derelict (Dandenong Plaza put the nail in the coffin for the massive retail areas west of Lonsdale st) or grossly underutilised. The main heritage concerns are the Town Hall, Firestation Gallery (Walker / Robinson Sts, pity, cos that site is a real 'flatiron' site) and the facades along the western side of Lonsdale St - off the top of my head - it's roughly about 5-10% of the buildings which exist right now.

If they really took to Dandenong with a fine comb, I reckon they could pull 100 sites out of their arses.

(I would love to see Dandenong become what Parramatta is to Sydney. It is really developing in Parramatta to be a focus of the west. Dandenong has alot of potential but so far nothing has been enacted to make it work. NSW govt gave concessionas to companies to move to Parramatta, and the Vic gov should consider something similar. Imagine a dandenong area that had trams, taller buildings with shops, offices and residential all included, and therefore giving the east a real hub.

just a dream I know!

No thanks!

Bondi Junction & Chatswood - A train station with Westfield (or other big shoppo owner) on top with a couple of big towers thrown around the joint - boring as hell and to tell you the truth, the new Chatswood interchange looks to be a lot better than what exists, but it still has a massive commercial focus on the movement of people in and out of the station and the god awful 'PPP' word is thrown in to describe essentially what is very little change from the existing situation - shopping centres enroaching on the station (think Box Hill with a few more skylights and multiply by 3).

Parramatta: big expansive area which could be really cool, lots of towers going up but DEAD outside of business hours. Severe lack of master planning, really hotch potch development, isolated train station and just like Dandenong now, too much of a big shopping centre focus.

admittedly they're primarily initial observations / impressions and I'd like to see a bit more, but on the surface, I wouldn't want to wish a Parramatta / Chatswood or Bondi Junction on Melbourne no matter how many towers they build, nor no matter how high they are.

$0.02.

Not really related to development, but has anyone seen the photo of the newly elected mayor of Greater Dandenong?

He looks like one of those conmen you see Today Tonight reporters following. I'm too lazy to scan the local paper. =P

From the Journal, Monday February 13, 2006, p.5:

Budget blow-out after project halt

By Kane Mason

A GREATER Dandenong councillor claims construction delays on Dandenong's Metro Village 3175 apartment complex could leave this year's council budget $3 million in the red.

Cr John Kelly said the council budget relied on public sales of the housing precinct, which was being developed in partnership with VicUrban, the State Government's residential development arm.

He said the re-alignment of Cheltenham Road had caused bureaucratic delays between VicRoads and VicUrban, halting the progress of the $93 million Revitalising Central Dandenong project and affecting the council's coffers.

"The council's probably two-to-three-million dollars behind the eight ball."

This was a result of Metro Village 3175 not meeting it's budget, he said.

Cr Kelly said his budget deficit estimate was "conservative", having factored in a combined loss of up to $1.2 million from the Dandenong Town Hall development, and the cost of the trouble plagued 2005 hard waste removal.

Greater Dandenong Council's corporate services director Ross Hepburn confirmed the re-alignment of Cheltenham Road had delayed the 1000-house project.

He estimated the council shortfall at $1.5 million.

As part of the re-alignment, a section of Cheltenham Road would be diverted along Brighton Road to cater for village houses.

But Mr Hepburn said the council budget of $100 million was big enough to absorb the cost blow-out.

"The size of the Dandenong budget is such that the village delay will in no way affect the services in Greater Dandenong."

The council budget would balance itself out over the course of the 10-year project, he added.

However, Cr Kelly said budget cuts might need to be made in the short term.

"We need to sharpen our pencils in the mid-term of our budget." he said.

Under the VicUrban contract, Dandenong will receive 20 per cent of total sales, and a guaranteed $13 million when the project is completed.

Greater Dandenong chief executive officer Carl Wulff said the council's cut could be worth as much as $20 million, depending on the economic climate at that time.

"It's likely to be between $13 million and $20 million depending on how much time it takes to sell it," Mr Wulff said.

The VicUrban and Greater Dandenong project includes a revamp of Dandenong's central business district, and the development of a George Street Bridge that will link Metro Village 3175 with the town's centre.

Here are some perspective drawings of the 17 storey apartment that was proposed for 56-62 Walker St in 2004 as drawn by McGauran Giannini and Soon, September 2004:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Viewfromstockyards.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/ViewfromPalmPlazaMall.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/ViewnthalongPrincesHwy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/ViewnthalongThomasSt.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/ViewalongWalkerStreet.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/ViewfromDandenongStation.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/ViewfromLonsdaleStreet.jpg

A blast from the past. :)

A couple of old Dandenong postcards ~1940s

http://www.thecollectormm.com/gallery/postcards/1920s-1980s/slides/Dandenong1.jpg

http://www.thecollectormm.com/gallery/postcards/1920s-1980s/slides/Dandenong2.jpg

The circus came to town today and it sure didn't disappoint....

They opened the new $34 million extension to the Dandenong Hospital, and announced a further $197 million for the Dandenong Transit City project. This is in addition to the $93 million allocated last year for the same purpose, and the $150 million for a new residential/commercial/industrial development (LOGIS) in Dandenong South.

The aim (amongst other things) is to:

-create 5000 jobs and attract up to $1 billion in private investment
-transform Lonsdale Street into a tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly boulevard
-create a new "City Walk" between Dandenong Railway station and Dandenong Plaza
-create a new pedestrian plaza on the north side of Dandenong station
-create a new civic square/plaza for Central Dandenong
-create a new education/learning precinct to the north of Dandenong station.

The aim is to have all this implemented by 2020.

Dandenong's $200m boost (http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/dandenongs-200m-boost/2006/04/26/1145861420353.html)
By Mathew Murphy and Stephen Moynihan
The Age (www.theage.com.au)
27 April 2006

DANDENONG will undergo a major revitalisation with the State Government announcing a further revamp of the area worth almost $200 million.

The money will be spent over the next 20 years under the Government's Transit City initiative, designed to attract people to live, work and invest in Dandenong. The $197 million funding commitment comes on top of $92 million dedicated to it last September.

Premier Steve Bracks made the announcement while in Dandenong for the Government's 64th community cabinet meeting.

He said projects to make Dandenong's main thoroughfare, Lonsdale Street, more pedestrian friendly, a new path linking its railway station to the suburb's centre and a beautification of the area would begin immediately.

Mr Bracks said the funding would be used to get about $1 billion of investment into the area and create 5000 new jobs.

"It will mean that beautification work, traffic calming, enabling pedestrians to be part of the city centre of Dandenong can go ahead," he said.

"It will cement Dandenong as Melbourne's second biggest city, it will cement it as one of the most liveable areas of Melbourne, it will cement it as a commercial hub as an industrial hub, as a place you can work, live and invest."

Mr Bracks would not be drawn on whether the development meant a third train line to Dandenong would be announced to cope with the extra activity.

Transport Minister Peter Batchelor yesterday announced $20 million to upgrade four stations across three lines of Melbourne's rail network.

Improvements include upgraded lighting and video surveillance at Kananook, Heatherdale, Noble Park and Dandenong stations. A new station and car park will be built at Heatherdale, with the car park improved at Dandenong.

Health Minister Bronwyn Pike also unveiled the new $34 million, multi-storey wing for Dandenong Hospital, boasting an extra 64 beds and a bigger intensive care and high dependency unit.

Opposition Leader Robert Doyle said the Government was reannouncing a 2002 promise.

"What we have today is a promise, and an old promise at that," he said. "Isn't it wonderful that the plan that goes for 20 years hasn't got started in the last four years?" he said.

"I would be very embarrassed if I was Steve Bracks standing in Dandenong. He is standing right between two of the projects that characterise his Government — between the Scoresby Freeway and the broken promise on tolls, and regional fast rail, the biggest blow-out in time and budget that this state's ever seen."

The Herald-Sun has puts it's own slant on this announcement:

Driven off by $200m development
Ashley Gardiner
27apr06
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,18943538%255E11088,00.html

MOTORISTS will make way for pedestrians as part of a $200 million redevelopment of central Dandenong.

In the latest salvo in the war on cars, traffic conditions along Lonsdale St, the main arterial through Dandenong, will be changed.
Premier Steve Bracks said this would make the street less of a barrier dividing the north and south sides of the city's central business district.

"It will mean beautification work, traffic calming, enabling pedestrians to be part of the city centre of Dandenong," he said.

Firm details of the changes are scant, but they could include:

WIDER footpaths for seats and outdoor cafes.

BETTER pedestrian crossings over Lonsdale St.

MORE on-street parking to support the shops.

PLANTING trees to create a boulevard look.

Cheltenham Rd could also be moved to remove through-traffic from Foster St.

A pedestrian walk linking

the railway station to Dandenong Plaza is also on the drawing board.

The State Government's Revitalising Central Dandenong policy pointed to the congestion of central Dandenong's streets.

"This creates a barrier to easy and safe access between different precincts in the city centre," the policy said.

"(This) detracts from the enjoyment of walking in the city's streets and shopping strips."

The Government expects the opening of the EastLink toll road to take away much of the passing traffic, especially trucks.

Mr Bracks said the redevelopment would attract $1 billion in investment and create 5000 jobs.

The $197 million announced for the project will be spent over the next 20 years.

Courtesy of VicUrban's "Revitalising Central Dandenong: A shared Vision"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/2020dng1.jpg

Where is all the proposed highrise? Isn't Dandenong supose to be Melbourne's 2nd CBD? Not if this is what they have planned. There is great potential for Dandenong to become like Chatswood or Parramatta but this is weak!

Where is all the proposed highrise? Isn't Dandenong supose to be Melbourne's 2nd CBD? Not if this is what they have planned. There is great potential for Dandenong to become like Chatswood or Parramatta but this is weak!
This is by no means exactly what is going to be implemented, this plan is about creating the right conditions in Dandenong for private developers to move in.

At the moment this is the proposed high-rise, most of these already have permits approved:

3 Storeys
9 King Street, Dandenong (13 apartments, already built)
3-5 Hutton Street, Dandenong (29 apartments)

4 Storeys
61-63 Clow Street, Dandenong (24 apartments)
3 Close Avenue, Dandenong (21 apartments)
2-4 Hutton Street, Dandenong (31 apartments)
1/42 Princes Highway, Dandenong (12 apartments, already built)
5 Stud Road, Dandenong (16 apartments)

7 Storeys
27 Scott Street, Dandenong (44 apartments)

9 Storeys
Former Keg Site near Hemmings Park, Dandenong, Residential Tower 1 proposed late 2004

11 Storeys
Former Keg Site near Hemmings Park, Dandenong, Residential Tower 2 proposed late 2004*

17 Storeys
56-62 Walker Street, Dandenong (54 apartments)

Council can only do so much to attract developments to Dandenong, it's time for the developers to come to the party.

* The twin tower proposal was to have a total of 116 apartments

It's called the don't scare the NIMBY'S concept plan :-) The plans for Southbank in the early 1990's looked similar.

The government hasn't really got across the scale of what is proposed here. Basically the government is going to buy up half of ceontral Dandenong and demolish all the buildings, realign the roads and then sell off the new lots created to developers to built pretty much whatever they want :-).

It's called the don't scare the NIMBY'S concept plan :-) The plans for Southbank in the early 1990's looked similar.

The government hasn't really got across the scale of what is proposed here. Basically the government is going to buy up half of ceontral Frankston and demolish all the buildings, realign the roads and then sell off the new lots created to developers to built pretty much whatever they want :-).
You mean Central Dandenong :P

Yes VicUrban is in the process of buying up to 50 sites within Central Dandenong for redevelopment. Existing uses either have the choice of selling or being compulsorily acquired.

The Minister is the responsible authority and as far as I know within Central Dandenong there is no appeal to VCAT, no height limit (subject to a much higher standard of design than exists with the building stock at present) and no reason why developers shouldn't be jumping on board for this. Land prices in Central Dandenong are cheap and the State Government is contributing nearly $300 million towards infrastructure improvements. Then there's the added benefits of Eastlink, the Dandenong Southern Bypass, and the $150 million LOGIS development in Dandenong South to create a new commercial/industrial hub.

as far as I know within Central Dandenong there is no appeal to VCAT, no height limit (subject to a much higher standard of design than exists with the building stock at present) and no reason why developers shouldn't be jumping on board for this
Correct, correct, and correct again.

Dandenong can't jump into large numbers of highrise construction because most people still have a pretty poor opinion of the place - whether it deserves it or not. It's a lot better to have low and mid-rise buildings rather than high-rise if the only thing that people think of when they hear Dandenong is "dump".

The first step is to move the centre of activity away from the Plaza and Markets back to the other side of Lonsdale St, so it's closer to the railway station and the new redevelopment which is directly on the other side of the rail lines.

It's really good to see that at least something will finally be done to the huge, ugly carpark to the south of the station and all the other derelict sites nearby. And there is a real need to plant trees around Dandenong because some places are very barren right now.

that boulevard/walk from station to Lonsdale St looks schmick. Line the bastard with 30 level towers! :)

It's just silly building anything over 17 levels in the suburbs. Why can't have high density development spread out a little?

South-east corner of Lonsdale and Walker Streets:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/2020dng2.jpg


South-west corner of Lonsdale and Walker Streets:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/2020dng3.jpg

Dandenong Station:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/2020dng4.jpg


City Walk Concept A:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/2020dng5.jpg

City Walk Concept B:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/2020dng6.jpg


City Walk Concept C:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/2020dng7.jpg

Clow Street / Lonsdale Street Intersection Aerial View:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/2020dng8.jpg


Clow Street / Palm Plaza Intersection looking towards Dandenong Market:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/2020dng9.jpg

Foster Street / Lonsdale Street Intersection:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/2020dng10.jpg


Little India Precinct / Foster Street West:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/2020dng11.jpg

Nice! If done properly this will really breathe life into Dandenong and the surrounding suburbs... and success I think would breed Melbourne's first real suburban skyline in the future. The Walks look fantastic as does the intersection.

Stu

Those sketches probably make things look a lot better than they will actually turn out. But anything's better than what's there now. The last time I went that way to catch a movie at the Plaza (a long time ago - and I'm not doing it again), it's incredibly depressing walking through these very deserted streets.

Maybe I'll go out that way some day and take some photos of how it looks like now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/2020dng2.jpg
One nudge, and the guy in blue sitting on the right will be getting very intimate with the oncoming traffic. :)

What are the planners on the board view's on the different city walk concepts?

I suppose it's a question of what the top priority is for Dandenong eh? Concept A to me seems to put too much emphasis on 'seeing' the station from the plaza or vice versa, i.e in saying that the Plaza is the heart and we're primarily concerned with connecting that with the station - that to me is like two steps forward and one step back.

Concept B I don't particularly like because of that huge space infront of the station - I can just see it as Dandenong slowly changes not much around the station will - that's a mecca for every Dandy Chav to hang about in scaring off any PT patronage at night and what not. I do like the big sweeping crescent though.

I quite like Concept C the best cos it's like a journey through the town where every you go and doesn't focus on the end points. More continental rather short-back-and-sizes grid pattern than what we're used to.

Clow, Walker & Londsdale Sts: site for a big commerical tower, the site is orientated perfectly for a gateway/symbolic tower.

£0.01/$0.02 :D

Concept A puts emphasis on having a clear main axis between the station and the Town Hall Clock Tower. Walker Street then bends slightly, as it does now, so that you wouldn't actually see Dandenong Plaza from the station.

Concept C is almost a do nothing approach and would not create a clear route between the heart of Dandenong and the station, the same problem that we have today.

You are right about a large plaza in front of the station, that would be a really bad idea in Dandenong. Restoring a feeling of safety and security would have to be the number 1 priority for the Dandenong CBD and this would be best achieved with an open street layout with clearly defined routes between the major activity nodes.

This is a great start, and lets hope the ball keeps rolling and rolling and rolling with more concepts, ideas and most of all developers with $$$$$

Metro 3175 is underway.

Noticed the first house under construction on my way to the city on the train this morning.

Hopefully it will be the first of 1400 households to be constructed there over the next few years.

originally posted on Railpage by PalmerEldritch.


Mystery project in pipeline

Melinda Marshall

A “PROJECT of state significance” could be in the pipeline for Dandenong’s former sewerage treatment plant.

The secret project was among development plans revealed by VicUrban and City of Greater Dandenong representatives during a media lunch last week

VicUrban Dandenong general manager Dominic Arcaro said a “project of state significance” was in the works for part of the still contaminated former Melbourne Water site south of Greens Rd in Dandenong South.

Mr Arcaro later revised his comment through spokeswoman Suzanne Northey, saying a proposal had come from a private company that would be a significant local employer.

As Dandenong awaits concrete plans for the $290 million redevelopment of its CBD, VicUrban and the council revealed:

- Lonsdale Street will have to wait for EastLink to open in 2008 before development works begin

- Council plans to merge Dandenong and Springvale council offices into a new, single Dandenong office would be finalised in two months

- A master plan and traffic investigation for the CBD redevelopment are unlikely to be unveiled until late next March

- More than 20 applications for “very significant developments” in Dandenong have been lodged with council

- One was a “fairly significant residential development” on the fringe of the CBD; and

- Some of the applications involved Dandenong’s neglected arcades.

The Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development was considering the significant Dandenong South project with VicUrban, Ms Northey said.

Mr Arcaro said the project was not a recycling centre or an inland port. VicUrban is overseeing the clean-up of the 180ha site, which will be redeveloped as an industrial park called “Logis” and a housing estate.

Council corporate services director Ross Hepburn said the council would use the November state election to lobby for Government and VicUrban funds for the new council office.

________________

silvermb: can you fix the guide, the Dandenong link is linking to the Greater Melb thread.

Also read in the local papers that the council wants to use one of the huge blank walls in the CBD for projecting images as another part of the plan to install public art around Dandenong.

It's also a great way to cover up eight (?) floors of blank concrete on Dandenong's second tallest building. The CBD doesn't look too bad these days, but when I was there yesterday, it could do much much better considering there's a bus interchange in the middle of the CBD (the age of the signs suggests that it predates the interchange down the road at the station)

From the Dandenong Star, Thursday 17 August 2006, p.3:

Chopper may stunt growth

DEVELOPERS will need special exemption to build tall buildings near Dandenong Hospital if a proposal to protect a medical helicopter's flight path is approved.

Greater Dandenong Council this week resolved to have the state planning minister amend its planning scheme to ensure the hospital's helicopter could take off and land without having to navigate tall buildings that could be built if there were no height restrictions in place.

A design and development overlay (DDO) stretching for almost a kilometre radius from the hospital will require any applications within the immediate vicinity to be referred to the council.

Other applications further out in the radius for four-storey buildings or higher must also be referred to the council.

An officer's report states that without the amendment the emergency helicopter would find it difficult to transport trauma patients into and out of the hospital.

But a chunk of central Dandenong to the hospital's north-west will be spared the DDO.

The officer's report states this is because council had "initial concerns about loss of development potential of land".

The DDO will be on public exhibition if the planning minister authorises the amendment.

At the moment this is the proposed high-rise, most of these already have permits approved

Newer applications identified since last update (on previous page of this thread) are bolded:

3 Storeys
9 King Street, Dandenong (13 apartments, already built)

3-5 Hutton Street, Dandenong (29 apartments)

145-151 Stud Road, Dandenong (former petrol station site incorporates a three storey building with 51 apartments, and multi unit development x 12)

161-163 Princes Highway (cr Jones Road), Dandenong (16 apartments, basement car parking and medical centre).

235-239 Springvale Road (cr Virginia Street), Springvale (12 apartments and office)

20 Orgill Street, Dandenong, (11 apartments)


4 Storeys
61-63 Clow Street, Dandenong (24 apartments)

3 Close Avenue, Dandenong (21 apartments)

2-4 Hutton Street, Dandenong (31 apartments)

1/42 Princes Highway, Dandenong (12 apartments, already built)

5 Stud Road, Dandenong (16 apartments)

7 Storeys
27 Scott Street, Dandenong (44 apartments)

9 Storeys
Former Keg Site near Hemmings Park, Dandenong, Residential Tower 1 proposed late 2004

11 Storeys
Former Keg Site near Hemmings Park, Dandenong, Residential Tower 2 proposed late 2004*

17 Storeys
56-62 Walker Street, Dandenong (54 apartments)


* The twin tower proposal was to have a total of 116 apartments

Thanks Palmer for posting the height limit article, read it in the local papers myself but was a bit lazy to type it out. :D

The Star and Leader that I get are now only for the Springvale and Noble Park area, so the amount of news for Dandenong I get in the mail every week has decreased. Still got the Dandenong Journal (and the Dingley Dossier) though. It's a long way from when the Leader covered everything between Oakleigh and Dandenong.

From the Dandenong Journal, Monday August 21, 2006, p.1:

Arkana nailed
By Leigh Rogers

A PRIME piece of real estate with a landmark building in Dandenong’s central business district has been sold.

The Lonsdale Street site of Arkana Timber and Hardware has been acquired by property developer Deal Copr for an undisclosed amount. The former family-run hardware store operated at the site for 42 years and has been vacant since 2003.

It’s believed that up to 50 suites, conference facilities, and hotel/apartment style rooms will be built.

There would also be retail premises and offices houses at the ground level. Deal Corp managing director David Kobritz said early planning was under way but did not reveal exactly what was intended for the site.

“It’s very early days. We’re just going through some feasibility studies and sketches.

“We’re in early discussions with the council, so we need another month or so. At the moment we’re just testing various models. I don’t want to pre-empt anything.”

Cr John Kelly believed a residential apartment was on the cards. It’s also believed the site could have conference amenities and retail stores.

Mayor Peter Brown was unaware of any plans for the site, nor the involvement of Deal Corp. But he was happy at the prospect of redevelopment.

“It’s an eyesore – I don’t think there’s anything iconic about it [the site] at all.” he said.

“I’d be more than happy to see the bulldozers go through.”
Just one little problem with Mayor Brown's fantasy, the site is listed under a Heritage Overlay.

I agree with the 'nothing' site comments.

I'm more interested in seeing something of true 'landmark' status being built on those massive swaths of open car parks between the station and Lonsdale Street - you know, the ones surround by all the dirty mag shops :lol:

From the Dandenong Star, Thursday 31 August, 2006, p.12:

Arkana developer eyeing more sites

By Shaun Inguanzo

THE developer of central Dandenong’s former Arkana hardware store site is eyeing other prospects to inject a new wave of developments into the city.

Toorak-based Deal Corporation acquired the Arkana site this month but will not reveal how much was paid.

Development manager Simon Abraham told Star the company had enlisted a heritage consultant to help work around the existing heritage overlay on the Lonsdale Street site.

He said Deal Corporation was working with Greater Dandenong Council on several options for the site, but it would follow in the footsteps of other Deal Corporation developments combining a mixture of residential and commercial outlets in the one building.

“Our proposal is for a mixed development,” he said.

“It will contain serviced apartments, some own-your-own dwellings for residents of the area, offices and a retail showroom on the ground floor.”

Mr Abraham said Deal Corporation was aware of the city’s potential and was keen to develop other sites following Arkana.

“We wouldn’t have considered Dandenong if we didn’t believe it was in the beginning of a period of growth with the support of the State Government,” Mr Abraham said.

“With the transit cities program it is certainly an area of growth, and we hope we are able to provide a new type of development, something that hasn’t been in Dandenong for some time.”

Dandenong Retail Trader’s Association chairman Roy Aspinall said he welcomed the idea of a redeveloping the site but would wait to see the final plans before commenting further.

“It is good to see something happening with the site,” he said. “It’s the focal point of the city as it sits on a major corner”.

From the Dandenong Leader, Monday September 4, 2006, p.7:

Alfresco dining on the menu

RESTAURANTS and cafes are being encouraged to send their diners out the door.

Outdoors to footpath tables, that is, in an initiative to promote alfresco dining in Dandenong.

Greater Dandenong Council is cutting fees for street-side tables for a year.

Normally, restaurants and cafes are allowed one free outdoor table, but each further one comes at an annual cost of up to $161.

Under the scheme, restaurants and cafes will be able to set as many tables outside as they like for a flat fee of up to $161.

Michael Greener, who owns Café Villa on Langhorne St, said it was a great idea.

“Why not? I think the more people do it the better for the area,” Mr Greener said.

“It makes it look a little more upmarket, doesn’t it?”

Café Villa has had alfresco dining for a year, and Mr Greener said the outdoor tables were especially popular in summer.

Mayor Peter Brown said it was part of plans to revitalise central Dandenong.

“Outdoor dining adds to the vibrancy of the streets and cosmopolitan feel of the city and that’s why we want more people to have more places to eat outdoors and socialise,” Cr Brown said.

From the Dandenong Leader, Monday September 4, 2006, p.8:

Dandenong Albanian community is leading a building boom but there have been growing pains, MELINDA MARSHALL writes

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Metro3175vsMcMansions.jpg

Albanians not impressed

MANY among Dandenong South’s Albanian community have rejected a nearby housing development the community once expected to buy up.

“Only a few of our community have bought there – four or five. They could have all been snapped up by our community,” Dandenong South resident Ferliyan Tairovski said.

The growing Albanian community is leading a building boom in Dandenong South, but land is scarce.

Members of the community said many had hungrily eyes nearby properties at the former Cheltenham Road sale yards.

Then the State Government-funded $25 million, 1000 home Metro Village development moved in.

It was designed in line with the Bracks Government’s higher density planning blueprint Melbourne 2030, which aims to limit urban sprawl.

Developer VicUrban has sold 24 of the 54 properties in the first stage since sales began in November.

VicUrban boasted more than 50 reservation deposits were laid down on opening night in November.

Only 13 of those were converted into sales.

Mr Tairovski had reservation deposits on two sites at Metro.

But when he saw the “ridiculous” homes on offer, he had his deposits refunded.

Two of his cousins had also withdrawn deposits at Metro and three other families he was related to had abandoned plans to move there.

Mr Tairovski said he knew of 20 Dandenong South families who had chosen to buy in central Dandenong despite Metro’s offer of nearby properties.

Greater Dandenong councillor and Dandenong South man Jim Memeti said VicUrban had the location right, but the design wrong.

Blocks at Metro range from 250sq m to 500sqm.

Houses range from two-bedroom apartments to detached and semi-detached homes with up to four bedrooms and a study.

Mr Tairovski said Albanian-background buyers wanted big houses with large backyards to let extended families live together.

From the Dandenong Leader, Monday September 4, 2006, p.8:

In this case, small is better than big

METRO Village sales manager Anthony Mawer concedes the housing development may have sold faster if it had been designed differently.

“You could have cut it all into 400-500 sq m blocks. You probably would have sold it all to the Albanian community,” Mr Mawer said.

“We probably would have gone through the whole area in a year.” But that was not the point of the development.

“Had we had all just large blocks down here, the first home buyers wouldn’t have had an opportunity,” he said.

The idea behind Metro was to bring up to 3000 new residents to the area.

More people meant more retail opportunities and economic growth for Dandenong, Mr Mawer said. The sight of open land at the sale yards site on Cheltenham Rd may have led the Albanian community to believe Metro would offer bigger blocks, he said.

“You see raw acreage, and so you think ‘oh there’s plenty there’,” he said. And, Mr Mawer said, fewer people were asking for big blocks.

how is this then a bad thing?

Enclaves of any kind, be they Albanian, Fijian, Australian, Homosexual, Metrosexual, Chinese or Antarctican encourage less harmony.

We all need to love each other a little bit more. One of my neighbours is Maltese, He is a great bloke. The other is a silly old fart who annoys me because he has nothing better to do. I could do without him.

Maybe all consuming love is over-rated.

From the Dandenong Leader, Monday September 11, 2006, p.11:

New homes for sale

Melinda Marshall

PROSPECTIVE home buyers previewed the second release of properties at Dandenong South’s Metro Village 3175 estate on Saturday.

In another milestone, the $25 million Cheltenham Rd estate’s first residents were expected to move in at the weekend.

The 28ha estate is a state and local government venture headed by development agency VicUrban.

It is supposed to bring 1000 new houses and 3000 residents to the area across seven to 10 years.

The first 29 homes released in Stage 2 go on sale on September 17.

The remaining 30 homes will be released later this year or early next year depending on sales.

Prices for Stage 2 had not been announced last week.

Housing styles in the second stage were similar to those available in Stage 1, project manager Jonathan Room said.

The range included detached, terrace, two-storey, single-storey and “mansion” buildings containing four dwellings, he said.

The 54 Stage 1 properties went on sale last November.

According to recent figures supplied by VicUrban, 24 of the Stage 1 houses have sold. Metro Village 3175 is a seven-stage project.

Proposal for a 3 storey (ground level retail and two levels of apartments, 35 in total) mixed use development plus a 6-storey car park on the site of the current ground level car park on the corner of Balmoral and Buckingham Avenues, Springvale. Right in the heart of the Springvale shopping precinct and within easy walking distance of Springvale railway station

Corner of Buckingham Avenue and Balmoral Avenue looking south-east:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Springy2-1.jpg

Buckingham Avenue looking north-east:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Springy3-1.jpg

EDIT: Buckingham Avenue Streetscape:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Springy1-1.jpg

Overview Balmoral and Buckingham Avenue looking south-east:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Springy4-1.jpg

Nice renders, but I can't really imagine tree-lined streets in Springvale. There's also way too many people there that know only of driving as a form of transport, and a multi-storey carpark will be total chaos. Bus services suck though, especially on weekends when people come from far and wide to do their shopping.

Apartments are a good start though. Springvale is totally dead after 6, apart from between restaurants and the car park, and a few at the bus stop (which is totally dark thanks to store owners being tightarses).

The render also shows a new development on the opposite corner which was once a day hospital but has been a gravel carpark for most of the last decade. Whoever drew the render also forgot that Buckingham Ave is a one-way street. :)

Nice renders, but I can't really imagine tree-lined streets in Springvale. There's also way too many people there that know only of driving as a form of transport, and a multi-storey carpark will be total chaos.
It's a real shame as Springvale is very easy to walk around.


Apartments are a good start though.
If this goes ahead it won't be the first in Springvale, there's a 2 storey apartment building comprised of 16 apartments at 8 St James Avenue.

Springvale is totally dead after 6, apart from between restaurants and the car park, and a few at the bus stop (which is totally dark thanks to store owners being tightarses).
Agree the place needs a more active nightlife.

The render also shows a new development on the opposite corner which was once a day hospital but has been a gravel carpark for most of the last decade.
That's actually part of the development as well, Building "C".

Looking good. A few more of these and others a little higher in the middle of the blocks would add some more activity into Springvale Central.

Corner of Buckingham Avenue and Balmoral Avenue looking south-east:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Springy2-1.jpg

Overview Balmoral and Buckingham Avenue looking south-east:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Springy4-1.jpg

Expression of interest for the purchase of apartments at 61-63 Clow Street, Dandenong near the intersection of Clow Street and Stud Road/Foster Street.

There are 24 apartments contained within this development over four storeys. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/picsforray001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/picsforray002.jpg

CITY ON THE WAY UP (The Journal) Monday, October 23, 2006.

A Towering $30 million mixed use development is planned for the former Arkana Harware site in central Dandenong.

Picture on front page - Looks like a 8 level tower. Can someone post article with picture as scanner and photocopy machine is playing up here at work.

The Journal never seems to get delivered until Wednesday here, but I'll scan it if no one else has done it by then.

EDIT: Actually got delivered on the Monday this week! I'll scan it later and post it. The top part reminds me of Neo200's podium, but the podium is like Melbourne Central's with a lot of wood used.

http://www.limitedintelligence.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/PICT3424.jpg

I know, camera skills suck. :P

monster development, i could piss over that.

anyway a nice start, cant expect 20+ levels until a bit of urban renewal kicks in at street level. plough a bit of dosh into public amenity/facilities and then people might want to live in a cbd highrise

colour pic of 15 walker - reckon it would look very good should it eventually be built
http://www.mgsarchitects.com.au/resources.ashx/ProjectsChildDataImages/160/zoomImageName/BE480F1D65B779D470FB9BF1DDA29A56/walker_zoom1.jpg

horrific site though. Busy highway out front, busy railway out the back. Triple glazing s'il vous plait.

Highrise in Dandenong - yipeeeeee :D

he with monster appendage... piss over hahahah

I agree with the guru. fairly ordinary siting. But it looks better than anything else in Dandy. Except me; when i'm there.. ;)

Except me; when i'm there..

*belly laugh* ;)

Saleyards looks to be really cranking up now.

closure of Brighton Road (PDF) (http://agenda.greaterdandenong.com/Agenda/4_4.pdf)

and they're now publishing minister's delegated decisions for Central Dandenong:

click (PDF) (http://agenda.greaterdandenong.com/Agenda/2_5.pdf)

Perpectives of the Arkana Redevelopment at 157-163 Lonsdale Street and 126-134 Foster Street, Dandenong:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/ArkanaPerspective1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/ArkanaPerspective2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/ArkanaPerspective3.jpg

Deal Corporation are seeking to build a total of 74 apartments (mix of studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom), a conference centre, cafe and offices within the development.

It wasn't that long ago that VicUrban and GDCC won the battle with VicRoads to divert Cheltenham Road along the Brighton Road alignment, and reduce the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h.

Now it seems VicRoads wish to inflict this on Dandenong:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/ArkanaCheltRdRealignment.jpg

Shown above is the second proposed realignment of Cheltenham Road (the Foster Street West Bypass).

Note that the Arkana development is shown (and is a maximum of 8 storeys high).

I'm not too sure why VicRoads are proposing a bridge (rather than an underpass) over the railway line, and I'm not sure why it is shown as being so high at its peak on this concept plan. Whatever they are on, it looks like an eyesore.

That looks like something that could belong on a rollercoaster.

From the Journal, Monday October 30, 2006, p.3:

Go-ahead for rezoning

PLANNING Minister Rob Hulls has approved Amendment C55, that forms the basis of the revitalisation plans for central Dandenong.

The council’s development director Mal Baker said C55 allowed for the rezoning to a comprehensive development zone. “C55 enables a wider choice of housing, business activities, and recreational facilities to exist side by side.”

Previously, central Dandenong was a mixture of land use types that restricted the types of development in the CBD.

The residential 2 zone on the periphery of central Dandenong declared area will remain.

From the Journal, Monday October 30, 2006, p.10 (Your view, letters):

Keep the cupola

I AM disappointed that Cr Peter Brown has shown no appreciation of the historic value of the Arkana site in his comments reported in The Journal last week.

In an email he sent to me on September 6, he informed me that the original building on the Arkana site in Dandenong was constructed circa 1912.

This makes the Arkana building, including the distinctive cupola, one of the oldest in Dandenong.

Dandenong has little architecture pre-1945, much of it having been destroyed in the 1950s and 1960s in a mad rush to build tacky concrete buildings that blight the city today.

While I welcome the proposed redevelopment of the site, given it will assist in the revitalisation of Dandenong, I cannot see why this cannot be done in conjunction with preserving the heritage value of the site.

Like many redevelopments that have taken place in the Melbourne CBD over the last 30 years, and like the recent redevelopment of the Dandenong Town Hall, the façade of the present Arkana building, particularly the cupola on the corner, should be kept.

This would make the rest of the new complex unique and preserve an important feature of Dandenong.

M Kirwan, Keysborough

----------------------------

Plan lacks vision

I WAS extremely interested in your story on the proposed development of the old Arkana site (The Journal, October 23).

Your heading above the artist’s impression titled ‘Monster development’ is certainly an apt term to describe the proposal. And may I place the emphasis on ‘monster’ rather than ‘development’.

The building portrayed is a brutalistic monstrosity more reflective of a penitentiary rather than a vibrant, cosmopolitan city building, which I am sure, the City of Greater Dandenong would like to foster.

In my haste to criticise this majestic marvel I must say I have been a little harsh. It does have one redeeming feature.
It makes the Tax Office building in Robinson Street look downright appealing.

If this is what mayor Peter Brown so enthusiastically proclaims as being “exactly what we are looking for”, we certainly have cause for concern.

Yes, Dandenong does need development, but not for development’s sake.

Perhaps Cr Brown has visions of Nefertiti when he made the statement, because the current vision for the Arkana site looks like a concrete sarcophagus.

Let me conclude my comments by saying what a lovely touch the doves flying above the building on the artist’s impression make.

Although on closer inspection I am mistaken.

They are actually a couple of vultures waiting to swoop on the dying carcass of a building.

Dandenong for too long has been considered second rate by developers, giving us second-rate developments which are an affront to this grand city’s forefathers.

The Arkana site is a prime Dandenong site, a site worthy of a landmark building, a building which generates a sense of civic pride not solely the generator of council rates.

Above all, it should be a building which the people of Dandenong can identify with and have a sense of belonging.

P Parmigiano
Greater Dandenong

Maybe it was the blue and yellow Mitre 10 colour scheme that did it, but the original building was never that appealing anyway. The Dandenong Town Hall is totally different.

Besides, the ATO building isn't all that bad. At least it's clad in glass, which is something you can't say about the rest of Dandenong's buildings.

GDCC have received an application for an 8 storey Mixed Use Building at 18-24 Scott Street, Dandenong (between Thomas and Lonsdale Streets).

This is just down the road from the 7 Storey Morando's Point Apartments at 27 Scott Street (corner Scott and Robinson Streets) which already has a planning permit, but has yet to commence construction.

18 Scott Street involves the demolition of an existing building covered by a heritage overlay.

Greater Dandy CC should start narrowing a few streets and widening footpaths, and Vicroads should seriously consider narrowing Lonsdale St (or at least getting rid of the angle parking along it), seeing as it won't be the main traffic route for all that much longer.

Until that's done, it's pretty much a dead zone unfortunately.

Lonsdale St is ridiculously wide though, Google Maps suggests that it's 50m wide going through the CBD. You could fit all four lanes into the service road if you got rid of the parking.

It'd be perfect for a tram network though. Plenty of wide streets in Dandenong and the surrounding suburbs. :D

^^ Yes, a tram network should be looked into, it is a poorly planned car dependant mess, like some two year old scribbled on a piece of paper and they built from it. Sorry anyone from Narre Warren etc.

It would be good to see some action rather than applications. I'll support anything to save Dandenong! Nothing has changed really in Dandenong apart from a piece of artwork on Lonsdale Street and some pretty blue lights and some civic stuff really. Can Dandenong be saved? at the moment, one would think it will become a ghetto!

From the Dandenong Leader, Monday January 8, 2006, p.1:

Traders cool on revamp
Melinda Marshall

A LONG-awaited $40 million-plus plan to transform the heart of Springvale has drawn a lukewarm response from traders.

After years of inaction, plans have been lodged for a Buckingham Ave shopping centre, apartment and office complex with a multi-level car park and town square.

What is now a traffic-clogged artery would become a two-way street lined with shops and trees.

But Springvale Asian Business Association spokesman Stan Chang said many traders had objected to the plan on the grounds it failed to solve Springvale's parking crisis.

The complex would include 113 public kerbside spaces and 359 public spaces in a five-storey tower.

Developer GLG Developments could open the centre late next year if it wins council approval. It would include 36 street-front shops, 35 two or three-bedroom units, and 560sq m of office space over three buildings on either side of Buckingham Ave.

The main three-storey building and car park tower would occupy the car park at the north-east corner of Balmoral Ave. GLG director Dan Langer said the City of Greater Dandenong helped develop the altered plans over six years.

"We've scaled the development back considerably," Mr Langer said.

The council is expected to consider the plans next month.

^ any plans?

Corner of Buckingham Avenue and Balmoral Avenue looking south-east:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Springy2-1.jpg

Buckingham Avenue looking north-east:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Springy3-1.jpg

EDIT: Buckingham Avenue Streetscape:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Springy1-1.jpg

Overview Balmoral and Buckingham Avenue looking south-east:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Springy4-1.jpg

PalmerEldritch, what are your feelings? Is it likely to be built? I really hope there's more investment in that area.

That place is so ethnically diverse, it doesn't have any whites left.

Well that would make it not diverse.

Hopefully a good start to fixing that whole shanty town up. However is there a market for apartments in an area of cheap housing????

Don't underestimate the power of the NIMBY. I had to start telling people that it was silly to oppose redevelopment of the current piece of crap that is the library, which faces a carpark at the back rather than the main road on the front.

Architecturally, Springvale is a dump. The store owners don't care less as long as the customers are spending their money. A few years ago, there was a massive letterdrop promoting the new SmartBus route yet very few shoppers take the bus - it's still dominated by commuters, high school kids and the elderly. Springvale is extremely PT accessible, it's just that most of the people who shop there will never leave their cars. They're the same people who've never taken a train because they read reports about isolated assaults on late night trains which means that all trains are dangerous.

Potential, potential, potential. I can rant on forever, I've lived here for 9 years and can point out all the wasted opportunities. It's only recently that the place has shaken off its reputation for drugs and crime but unfortunately there's been the rise of the Asian bogan who starts smoking at the age of 12 and is out of school by 16. Still, there's plenty of decent people around, but some attitudes are way too conservative. Cabramatta has huge multi-storey parking decks - I don't want Springvale to turn out like that. Attitudes need to change but people are too stubborn.

@Wilko, a lot more is being planned for Dandenong, it's going to be a long term project like the Docklands. I just added a heap of info to the Dandenong (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandenong,_Victoria) article in Wikipedia. Apart from the external links which have a bit info, this great booklet (http://www.revitalisingdandenong.com/dandenong/downloads/RCD_shared_vision.pdf) outlines the vision for Dandenong.

Don't underestimate the power of the NIMBY. I had to start telling people that it was silly to oppose redevelopment of the current piece of crap that is the library, which faces a carpark at the back rather than the main road on the front.

Who is opposing it? I though Asians (and others who live there) aren't all that big in confronting authority. Sure, they might but conservative but are they actually taking action?

Architecturally, Springvale is a dump. The store owners don't care less as long as the customers are spending their money.

It's more lively than the outer suburbs though. That's what I like about the place.

I don't know about opposition per se but everything is a game of Chinese whispers. News gets so horribly distorted because people believe what others tell them and never think about checking the facts themselves. It also seems that it's very easy to be able to persuade people to sign a petition for you.

A bit of blame could go to the council too, it's a case of the vocal minority who stir up the biggest fuss, while those who don't mind aren't going to say anything. Plus, there's accusations that Springvale is being neglected in favour of Dandenong.

And yeah, I'd take Springvale over a place like Fountain Gate any day.

PalmerEldritch, what are your feelings?
I was born in Springvale, spent the first eight years of my life living there, and even now I go back there on a regular basis to dine out.

Springvale is a fantastic, bustling and exciting place, and it has a bright future.

Its main problem is its over-dependence on the car, which shouldn't be the case given the walkability of its grid pattern of streets, access to several bus routes including a SmartBus route and access to a premium railway station.

The majority Vietnamese-origin population are not the same people one might see riding bikes in Hanoi or Saigon, as for them the car is a status symbol and a source of pride in their new found prosperity in Australia. Such a mindset is difficult to change unfortunately.


Is it likely to be built? I really hope there's more investment in that area.
Given Council have been working with the developers on the proposal for this site for a number of years (as it is a council-owned site), and have made many changes since the first edition of these plans appeared some twelve years ago, I think they are likely to support the application.


that place is so ethnically diverse, it doesn't have any whites left.
Not true, there are many people of Caucasian or European origin living in Springvale. Both older people of southern European backgrounds especially and middle aged and younger people from predominantly Eastern European backgrounds. Springvale north of the railway line has a much more even proportion of Asian and Caucasian inhabitants than there is south of the railway line.

Hopefully a good start to fixing that whole shanty town up. However is there a market for apartments in an area of cheap housing????
Springvale is hardly a shanty town and there is a market for apartments there. GLG Developments wouldn't be proposing 35 apartments at the corner of Balmoral and Buckingham Avenue if there wasn't.

Have a look at the 2 story apartment development (containing 16 apartments) that was recently constructed at 8 St James Avenue.

Also an application for a three storey building at 235 Springvale Road (corner Springvale Road and Virginia Street) featuring 12 apartments and a shop recently received planning approval as well.

This will only be the tip of the iceberg in terms of developments in Springvale in the future.

Who is opposing it? I though Asians (and others who live there) aren't all that big in confronting authority. Sure, they might but conservative but are they actually taking action?
The majority of the several dozen objectors to the proposal for Balmoral and Buckingham Avenues are Asian traders who are upset about the potential for disruption during construction, and an unfounded belief that there is not enough parking provided within the development.

GLG Developments wouldn't be proposing 35 apartments at the corner of Balmoral and Buckingham Avenue if there wasn't.

Ha ha. Just because a development company is putting up a proposal to build, do you assume they've done a feasibility analysis? ... Easy to lose money in the apartment game especially in the mid to outer suburbs. This one would be good for springvale, but high risk.

http://commercial.domain.com.au/public/suburbprofile.aspx?mode=buy&suburb=Springvale&postcode=3171

The facts:
Springvale Median House Prices = $266,750
Springvale Median Flat/Unit Prices = $199,500
New Apartment sell Av = $260,000.00 ??

CHEAP!! Brand new units VS large house.

Any idea if this proposal has gone through council yet?

^Yes and of course most developers would happily spend 10s to 100s of thousands of dollars in consultant fees when purchasing properties and developing proposals, without looking up domain.com.au for likely sale prices ;)

Did you actually look at the quality of what's on offer in the unit/apartment market in springvale. There's almost nothing of this type. Dandenong and Springvale and similar areas in middle to outer Melbourne will probably experience a similar scenario to Geelong or even central Melbourne - the first few developments take quite a while to get off the ground with a sceptical community, but then after a couple of successes the development starts to snowball.

Any idea if this proposal has gone through council yet?Advertising period was over by Christmas. Due to the number of objections it will go to a council meeting next month.

the first few developments take quite a while to get off the ground with a sceptical community, but then after a couple of successes the development starts to snowball.

The market will decide and it will be interesting to watch how it pans out.

^^ I'm not optimistic for some reason.

The following was a preliminary proposal for the Palm Plaza in early 2006, which sadly, does not appear to have proceeded past the concept stage yet:

Tram-Café

Dandenong is a great place to live. The mixture of different nationalities and cultures is what makes Dandenong a special place and together with the developmental possibility it is an ideal place to invest in. Its diversity and potential stretch to beyond to what one can imagine.

Its apparent cosmopolitan development is evident when one looks outside its main attraction the Dandenong Plaza. The shopping centre in its humble dimension is complied with a beautiful street a no-traffic hazard, which offers its citizens a light, careless walk through the city during the day whether from or to shopping/work/school/ etc.

Dandenong’s character as a distinct centre will be enhanced only if activity and amenity grow within the scope of urban design. For many, travelling more than 30km is normal in order to sit down, have a coffee and admire the quality of life which the environment of Chapel St or Acland St offer to the them.

The truth is that Dandenong in all its promises is short of delivering the Cosmo 2nd city lifestyle. The street which carries the Plaza is dead in mid afternoon hours. Its emptiness and lifeless after hours do not encourage the society of its city to come out and play. For life is a journey and Dandenong’s citizens have no place to enjoy at?

Our suggestion to this would be opening up a Tram-Café, which would be located in the Dandenong walking area and would give Dandenong exactly what it lacks – a place where one could enjoy having a coffee with friends at any time, whilst enjoying the amazing atmosphere surrounding the Dandenong walk-way. It would be something that would separate Dandenong out from the rest of the city – a unique feature that would attract not only Melbournians but foreign tourists as well. Melbourne’s 2nd city deserves this opportunity.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Tram-Cafe1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Tram-Cafe2.jpg

Tram-Café characteristics

Our vision of the Tram-Café is to be situated in front of the Dandenong Plaza, and would consist of 2 trams, put together as one. The length of each tram would be 12 metres, and in width 2.5 metres (the measurements are approx). The trams would be accompanied with a spacious, charismatic garden.

The authenticity of the tram would remain unchanged, therefore items such as the wheels, rails and other details would stay untouched. As the proposed object in mind would be a café, the necessary lighting and staircase would be provided from all the entrances (2 approx).

We suggest that the surface which the tram would be on be changed to cobble stone, with the colour remaining the same. The purpose for this would be so that the Tram-Café area stands out.

The interior of the Tram-Café will induce its customers with a relaxed, elegant, warm aura. The place will convey a specific charm, right in the heart of Dandenong, providing its customers with impressive views, quality service and a friendly atmosphere.

We would be honoured if our project with the support of Vic Urban were amongst one of the first in the process of revitalising Dandenong.

Name and address withheld.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Tram-Cafe3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/Tram-Cafe4.jpg

From the Dandenong Star, Monday 15 March 2007, p.2:

Council moves into support office block change

THE City of Greater Dandenong will urge VicUrban to pitch in funds for a massive office block in central Dandenong that will house council workers from Springvale and Dandenong.

But Greater Dandenong councillors lashed out at an alternative option to rebuild on the Clow Street site because it would have required land currently occupied by residents’ houses.

A report at Tuesday night's council meeting outlined details on the Municipal Buildings Project.

The project will determine the future of both Dandenong and Springvale's library and customer service centre, and the Springvale City Hall.

The report urged the council to lobby VicUrban to fund a central Dandenong office block to house all of its workers.

If negotiations fail, the council will be forced to look at rebuilding on its current Clow Street site.

But while in support of the move, Cleeland Ward councillor Paul Donovan said plans for the Clow Street site would require land currently occupied by residents’ homes, and as such should be discounted.

"The plan is a great opportunity to move forward, but it severely affects some residents of Stuart and Sleeth streets in Dandenong," he said.

"Residents will be perplexed when they read the papers and see that this development is being drawn up on their land."

"It is disgraceful that residents have not been consulted on the matter and the plans."

Dandenong North Ward councillor John Kelly said some residents had been there for more than 50 years.

Councillors supported the alternative motion, which supported the report but removed the intention to draw up plans for a new Clow Street site.

Some renders of the proposed 8-storey development at 18-24 Scott Street, Dandenong by Petridis Architects which will feature 40 apartments:

Looking North-west:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/18-24ScottStreet.jpg

Looking North:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/18-24ScottStreet2.jpg

Looking North-west across McQuade Lane:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/18-24ScottStreet3.jpg

Looking North-east:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/18-24ScottStreet4.jpg

Looking South-west across McQuade Lane:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/18-24ScottStreet6.jpg

Looking west from the Albion Hotel Beer Garden:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/PalmerEldritch/18-24ScottStreet7.jpg

Meh.:sleepy:

Looks good for Dandenong.

PalmerEldritch, what are your feelings? Is it likely to be built? I really hope there's more investment in that area.

That place is so ethnically diverse, it doesn't have any whites left.

I live near the area and just because the CBD of Springvale is congested with asians doesn't mean there aren't an "whites" living there. The thing is the "whites" prefer to go shopping elsewhere. A lot of them go to Parkmore in Keysborough instead of Sprignvale to buy their groceries. There's less "ethnic" stuff on offer and more familiar western brands.

If you went into the Dandenong Plaza and not onto the street you could be forgiven for thinking it wasn't an ethnic area.

I live near the area and just because the CBD of Springvale is congested with asians doesn't mean there aren't an "whites" living there.

I wasn't really bagging the place. "Congested with Asians" sounds racist LOL.

I wasn't really bagging the place. "Congested with Asians" sounds racist LOL.

Well it isn't racist if it's true. :) Walking around the crowded CBD footpaths 9 out of 10 people are of asian descent. If you didn't know any better you'd think you'd been teleported to Hanoi or something. lol They've completely taken over that suburb, that's why some refer to it as "Chinvale".

If you went into the Dandenong Plaza and not onto the street you could be forgiven for thinking it wasn't an ethnic area.
And so what if it is?

Well it isn't racist if it's true. Walking around the crowded CBD footpaths 9 out of 10 people are of asian descent. If you didn't know any better you'd think you'd been teleported to Hanoi or something. lol They've completely taken over that suburb, that's why some refer to it as "Chinvale".
Actually the 2001 Census data for the 3171 postcode showed that Springvale had a population of 17,996.

Chinese (3,482) and Vietnamese (3,479) were the two most common ethnicities with 19.35% and 19.33% of the total population respectively.

It noted that there were significant Greek, Italian and Eastern European minorities.

The small number of other Asian nationalities such as Cambodians, Lao, and Filipino people would possibly put the number of Asian-descent people in Springvale at somewhere between 40 and 45% at most.

Therefore the assertion that Asians have taken over the suburb is deceiving. More than 50% of the resident population of Springvale is non-Asian.

Walking around the crowded CBD footpaths 9 out of 10 people are of asian descent. If you didn't know any better you'd think you'd been teleported to Hanoi or something.

Yeah, I've been there and felt a little out of place myself. I dunno why, I'm not racist or anything. Actually I've noticed a lot of people of African descent - presumably from Sudan.

They've completely taken over that suburb, that's why some refer to it as "Chinvale".

Yeah, cause you know all Asians are Chinese. No, that's not racist. It's true! :ohno:

Therefore the assertion that Asians have taken over the suburb is deceiving. More than 50% of the resident population of Springvale is non-Asian.


Ooops...my mistake. I meant to say the CBD not the actual suburb as a whole. Very few business in the Sprigvale CBD are owned or operated by non-asians. The only ones that I can think of at the top of my head are the real estate agencies and the sole news agency. The rest are almost exclusively owned/operated by asians of various background but predominatly vietnamese. Which explains why the majority of shoppers are asian I guess.

Yeah, cause you know all Asians are Chinese. No, that's not racist. It's true!

I've heard other people (even asians themselves) use it. I never said that I've made it up or used it myself to refer to Springvale. You're really trying hard to twist my words to paint me as a racist aren't ya? :ohno: