Grollo
October 21st, 2004, 07:33 AM
FROM THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING
DATE: Tuesday, October 19, 2004
SWANSONG FOR FRANKSTON'S UGLY DUCKLING
The $40 million redevelopment of Frankston's so-called ugliest building was a vote in confidence in the seaside community's status as a sought after place to live, the Minister for Planning, Mary Delahunty, said today.
Ms Delahunty was launching the conversion of the Peninsula Building – recently described by actor Barry Humphries as one of Melbourne's worst eyesores- – into an apartment complex. The project consortium includes Backyard Blitz star Jamie Durie and leading architect Karl Fender.
"Coming on the back of Frankston's nomination in the United Nations endorsed International Awards for Liveable Communities, this project is yet another expression of confidence in Frankston," Ms Delahunty said
"This project embodies Melbourne 2030, our plan to protect what we love about Melbourne. Melbourne is the world's most liveable city and it is through projects such as this that we will keep it that way," she said.
"Over the past decade, Frankston has gone from sleepy village to one of the most attractive places in Melbourne – in every sense of the world. Frankston looks great, its community is thriving and it is a great place to live.
"Turning the Peninsula Building from a blight into an architectural beauty will create a striking symbol of optimism at the entrance of the city. It will announce that Frankston has come of age."
Peninsula Holdings and Development plans to turn the 12-storey 1970s Peninsula Building on the Nepean Highway into 55 luxury apartments, with a three-level spa resort, retail and restaurant complex. The scheme has received the endorsement of a Frankston Council's Urban Design Renewal Panel, which includes local, state and national urban design and planning experts.
"A concerted effort by Frankston Council, backed by strategic investment by Government in services and facilities, has seen this area blossom," Ms Delahunty said.
"In recent years the State Government has spent more than $14 million in Frankston, on projects that are helping make it a great place to live, raise a family and do business," she said.
"Much of this investment has been under the Melbourne 2030 Transit Cities program, which is creating more jobs, housing and services in important transport hubs.
"As part of the Melbourne 2030 Transit Cities program, the Government, in partnership with Frankston Council, is investing about $5 million beautifying and improving Wells Street, and creating an attractive new Town Square. The Government and council are spending almost $1.2 million on exciting works around Kananook Creek, the foreshore and the pier.
"Exciting projects like the Peninsula Building redevelopment show that the private sector is also prepared to invest in Melbourne's liveability."
DATE: Tuesday, October 19, 2004
SWANSONG FOR FRANKSTON'S UGLY DUCKLING
The $40 million redevelopment of Frankston's so-called ugliest building was a vote in confidence in the seaside community's status as a sought after place to live, the Minister for Planning, Mary Delahunty, said today.
Ms Delahunty was launching the conversion of the Peninsula Building – recently described by actor Barry Humphries as one of Melbourne's worst eyesores- – into an apartment complex. The project consortium includes Backyard Blitz star Jamie Durie and leading architect Karl Fender.
"Coming on the back of Frankston's nomination in the United Nations endorsed International Awards for Liveable Communities, this project is yet another expression of confidence in Frankston," Ms Delahunty said
"This project embodies Melbourne 2030, our plan to protect what we love about Melbourne. Melbourne is the world's most liveable city and it is through projects such as this that we will keep it that way," she said.
"Over the past decade, Frankston has gone from sleepy village to one of the most attractive places in Melbourne – in every sense of the world. Frankston looks great, its community is thriving and it is a great place to live.
"Turning the Peninsula Building from a blight into an architectural beauty will create a striking symbol of optimism at the entrance of the city. It will announce that Frankston has come of age."
Peninsula Holdings and Development plans to turn the 12-storey 1970s Peninsula Building on the Nepean Highway into 55 luxury apartments, with a three-level spa resort, retail and restaurant complex. The scheme has received the endorsement of a Frankston Council's Urban Design Renewal Panel, which includes local, state and national urban design and planning experts.
"A concerted effort by Frankston Council, backed by strategic investment by Government in services and facilities, has seen this area blossom," Ms Delahunty said.
"In recent years the State Government has spent more than $14 million in Frankston, on projects that are helping make it a great place to live, raise a family and do business," she said.
"Much of this investment has been under the Melbourne 2030 Transit Cities program, which is creating more jobs, housing and services in important transport hubs.
"As part of the Melbourne 2030 Transit Cities program, the Government, in partnership with Frankston Council, is investing about $5 million beautifying and improving Wells Street, and creating an attractive new Town Square. The Government and council are spending almost $1.2 million on exciting works around Kananook Creek, the foreshore and the pier.
"Exciting projects like the Peninsula Building redevelopment show that the private sector is also prepared to invest in Melbourne's liveability."