The proposed 31 level 105m tower in Box Hill will be called "Barton Hill" and as you might have guessed is being developed by Barton Group Austrlia who are building Barton Tower in the city.

http://www.whitehorseleader.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/07/15/N41WH204A1C.JPG

Critics slam height of Box Hill 30-storey proposal
http://www.whitehorseleader.com.au/article/2008/07/16/39218_whv_news.html
Michael Howard

16Jul08


Proposals for a 30-storey building in Box Hill are not to everyone's liking.

THE $80 million 30-storey development proposed for Box Hill's heartland would cause parking and traffic woes and drown the business district in darkness, objectors say.

Whitehorse Council has received seven objections to developer Barton Towers' bold bid to build a 105-metre structure at the corner of Carrington Rd and Station St.

Shirley Crossley, committee member of the Box Hill Senior Citizens Club, said Carrington Rd traffic was already at a standstill for most of the day.

"So we do not want any more cars in the area," Ms Crossley said.

Vendor Yvonne Pun, who owns rental properties near the site, said the building would be "a ridiculous and unacceptable height".

"The development will cause a phenomenal increase in traffic to the area," Ms Pun said. "It will overshadow and block out natural light to the surrounding streets and buildings."

Alex Ahles said he couldn't imagine "anything more inappropriate, or stupid, for the location".

Box Hill trader Christopher Tang said the planned 340-space car park would be "grossly inadequate". Mary Symons said she understood the need for density living, but "this building is just too high".

Box Hill North resident William Barnett and Box Hill's William Orange also voiced concerns about the structure's height, traffic congestion and parking dearth.


The site's architect, Con Bahramis, of St Kilda-based CBG, said Box Hill's traffic hub made it the perfect place for the building. "Tall and high is not evil as long as it's done nicely and does not affect the amenity of the area," Mr Bahramis said.

ahhh...stupid stupid people. the only way to fix the traffic crisis is to build more dense...so then more people will use PT and we would get better PT and then it would all be good. if thsi building gets scraped...seriously, i'm moving to europe or something.

Proposals for a 30-storey building in Box Hill are not to everyone's liking.

[/i]

Would I be right in saying that would be the NIMBY Generation knows as 'Baby Boomers'

Would I be right in saying that would be the NIMBY Generation knows as 'Baby Boomers'

I'm a 'Baby Boomer' and I like tall buildings. The taller the better as far as I'm concerned. So please, don't jump to any conclusions about what constitutes a "NIMBY".

DO these people not even think before jumping to such rabbid conclusions??

That Leighton Toorak Rd site aparently also used to be a drive in theatre many moons ago

The proposal in Box Hill looks very good. Hopefully it gets built as that site is utter trash wasting right now.
Box Hill has got so much potential. Something in the range of 10-15 stories on the site of the former AMF Bowling building on Whitehorse Road could work, and that strip heading to Elgar Road (name escapes me right now, I think it starts with M?) has potential to build up.

Has Tally Ho ever been mentioned for taller, denser development?

7 objections is the best part of Sweet Fuck All.

onwards to approval! :D

I'm a 'Baby Boomer' and I like tall buildings. The taller the better as far as I'm concerned. So please, don't jump to any conclusions about what constitutes a "NIMBY".

Sorry Melbourneguy, didn't mean to offend

I'm a 'Baby Boomer' and I like tall buildings. The taller the better as far as I'm concerned. So please, don't jump to any conclusions about what constitutes a "NIMBY".

i think it's a very safe conclusion to draw; baby boomers are really the last conservative generation in Australia, and once you guys die off, things will change - guaranteed:)

But there are always going to be exceptions. And most of the best critiques of Australian culture and life came from the baby boomer generation, so there are underlying tensions(as always).

i think it's a very safe conclusion to draw; baby boomers are really the last conservative generation in Australia, and once you guys die off, things will change - guaranteed:)



A little harsh, no?

A little harsh, no?

just kidding man :lol:

anyway, i'm all for building high in box hill!!!

BUILD IT

PUT A CINEMA IN THERE


BOX HILL FOR MOVIES

BUILD IT

PUT A CINEMA IN THERE


BOX HILL FOR MOVIES

OK

^^there was actually going to be a cinema in Box Hill--Readings, i think--and it was meant to be built at an old carpark site, and the Asian owner wouldn't sell, even though he is filthy rich and owns car parks and properties all over Melbourne:bash::lol:

The 22 storey, 90m high office tower at the Travencore development has been approved by VCAT:

http://www.leadernews.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/08/11/11.jpg

Soaring trends unsettle Camberwell (http://www.progressleader.com.au/article/2008/08/12/40833_ppv_news.html)
By Cassie Maher
12 August 2008

http://www.progressleader.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/08/11/N06PP112VC.JPG
BRAG president Jack Roach, right, with concerned trader Doug Gale and resident Janine Bennett who want Camberwell protected from inappropriate development.

RESIDENTS fighting to save Camberwell from overdevelopment say their worst fears are being realised with another high-rise development approval on the cards.

And they say they believe the centre's vulnerability has increased with the resignation of a Boroondara Council senior planner who was working on the Camberwell Junction draft structure plan.

A six-storey restaurant, office and apartment building at 19-32 Cookson St rejected by the council in January was given a tentative tick of approval by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on July 21.

Applicant Richard Gellard said he would address VCAT recommendations for increased height setbacks before resubmitting plans by September 1.

Boroondara Residents Action Group (BRAG) president Jack Roach said the decision was another example of VCAT supporting the State Government's aim to fill Camberwell with tall buildings, despite resident and council objections.

He said the December approval of a 14-storey tower at the former Henley Honda site set a precedent for inappropriate development.

BRAG vice-president Mary Drost said the proposed "ugly monstrosity" in Cookson St did not fit with heritage surrounds.

She said traffic concerns were not addressed by VCAT with parking already at "saturation level".

Planning director Phillip Storer said the council stood by its initial criticism of the development's height and scale and would make a submission on the amended plans.

Camberwell station developer Tenterfield last month confirmed it would take its $50 million, council-rejected plans to VCAT.

The architect of a proposed seven-story hotel above Sofia's restaurant in Burke Rd will also take his council-opposed plans to VCAT (Progress Leader, July 29).

High-rise sites
* Camberwell station (six-storey), pending VCAT approval
* Hotel above Sofia's (seven-storey), pending VCAT approval
* The Well (seven-storey), constructed
* Former Henley Honda site (14-storey), approved
* 851 Burke Rd (five-storey), under construction

The 22 storey, 90m high office tower at the Travencore development has been approved by VCAT:

http://www.leadernews.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/08/11/11.jpg

zing.

First stage, the low-rise has, apparently sold out.

^^ excavator already onsite

Soaring trends unsettle Camberwell (http://www.progressleader.com.au/article/2008/08/12/40833_ppv_news.html)
By Cassie Maher
12 August 2008

http://www.progressleader.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/08/11/N06PP112VC.JPG
BRAG president Jack Roach, right, with concerned trader Doug Gale and resident Janine Bennett who want Camberwell protected from inappropriate development.

RESIDENTS fighting to save Camberwell from overdevelopment say their worst fears are being realised with another high-rise development approval on the cards.

And they say they believe the centre's vulnerability has increased with the resignation of a Boroondara Council senior planner who was working on the Camberwell Junction draft structure plan.

A six-storey restaurant, office and apartment building at 19-32 Cookson St rejected by the council in January was given a tentative tick of approval by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on July 21.

Applicant Richard Gellard said he would address VCAT recommendations for increased height setbacks before resubmitting plans by September 1.

Boroondara Residents Action Group (BRAG) president Jack Roach said the decision was another example of VCAT supporting the State Government's aim to fill Camberwell with tall buildings, despite resident and council objections.

He said the December approval of a 14-storey tower at the former Henley Honda site set a precedent for inappropriate development.

BRAG vice-president Mary Drost said the proposed "ugly monstrosity" in Cookson St did not fit with heritage surrounds.

She said traffic concerns were not addressed by VCAT with parking already at "saturation level".

Planning director Phillip Storer said the council stood by its initial criticism of the development's height and scale and would make a submission on the amended plans.

Camberwell station developer Tenterfield last month confirmed it would take its $50 million, council-rejected plans to VCAT.

The architect of a proposed seven-story hotel above Sofia's restaurant in Burke Rd will also take his council-opposed plans to VCAT (Progress Leader, July 29).

High-rise sites
* Camberwell station (six-storey), pending VCAT approval
* Hotel above Sofia's (seven-storey), pending VCAT approval
* The Well (seven-storey), constructed
* Former Henley Honda site (14-storey), approved
* 851 Burke Rd (five-storey), under construction

I'm not opposed to projects provided they're designed well and complement the local area. The Well is absolutely hideous. One of the ugliest developments lately anywhere in Melbourne.

I really would like to see something done at the station - the local council want to build a new library there.

There has also been the odd rumour rising among locals every now and then that the car park behind the shops on the Camberwell side (between Burke Road and Target/Safeway) could be redeveloped. More carparks, more shops, rumored to include DJs!

I'm not opposed to projects provided they're designed well and complement the local area. The Well is absolutely hideous. One of the ugliest developments lately anywhere in Melbourne.

I really would like to see something done at the station - the local council want to build a new library there.

The Well isn't that bad, and is eight million times better than what was there previously. But you're right they could have done much better, especially with the glass. Let's hope they cover up those bloody cinder blocks!

There has also been the odd rumour rising among locals every now and then that the car park behind the shops on the Camberwell side (between Burke Road and Target/Safeway) could be redeveloped. More carparks, more shops, rumored to include DJs!

Well the councils junction draft plan had part of the carpark becoming a plaza, the section adjoining the market and stretching to the old tram substation. There would be an even larger community protest if they threatened to get rid of the Sunday market.

That car park is owned by the City of Boringdarra, oops, I mean Boroondara. There is now way they are going to sell it or redevelop it into what it should be - more commercial and residential activity. Just look at Subiaco in Perth, same type of location, same type of population, yet there has been great development there.

Tower plans for Sydney road precinct

* Kate Lahey
* August 21, 2008 - 2:44PM

Moreland Council is considering plans for a 14 storey tower in Brunswick's Sydney Rd precinct, which has sparked concerns from some residents that the development will put a strain on local infrastructure.

The council's plan for Brunswick says the suburb needs to accommodate between 5,000-10,000 new dwellings over the next 15-20 years and allows a maximum building height of 15 storeys in some areas.

The building planned for 286-294 Albert Street would comprise 185 dwellings, seven home offices and retail premises.

Brisbane-based Citimark has applied to the council for development and will present its plan at a public meeting tonight (Thursday).

Citimark would not provide The Age with images or details of the proposal in advance, a spokesman said the company wanted to give the Brunswick community the chance to hear about the development first hand.

But some residents already fear the effect the new building would have.

Brunswick resident Gianna Varasdi said a tower on the corner of Albert Street and Sydney Rd might seem good in theory, but would not work in reality.

"The density of it is too great for that area," she said.

"All the amenities that go with that that make up a liveable community go out the window".

Ms Varasdi said traffic and infrastructure issues needed to be resolved before the development could happen.

Former Brunswick councillor Katerina Angelopoulos said she was concerned about over-development in the area, including a separate building planned for Albert Street for a six-storey apartment block.

"You don't need to have an engineers degree to know the amount of pressure it puts on infrastructure," she said.

The Citimark spokesman said once residents understood the development, they would not be concerned.

"I am very confident that we'll be able to allay any fears that people have, or any concerns that some people may have," he said.

The plan comes after Moreland announced a partnership with Grollo family company Equiset in June for a $1 billion rejuvenation of the intersection of Bell Street and Sydney Road in Coburg.

Last week, the council adopted its structure plan for Glenroy, which will allow a maximum height ot 10 storeys.

The council will hold an information session on the Albert Street proposal at Brunswick Town Hall tonight at 6pm.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/tower-plans-for-sydney-road-precinct-20080821-3zb7.html

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

What the? A suburban council that actually encourages 15 story buildings? Crazyyyyy

Isn't it funny how there is never a story about something over 5 storeys in the burbs without NIMBYs!

Ms Varasdi said traffic and infrastructure issues needed to be resolved before the development could happen.
Or fix up the krappi PT.

Or fix up the krappi PT.

... with a capital K.

redirected

I visited the new development at Waverley Park yesterday and think they're doing a great job - I was especially impressed with the way they have integrated the remains of the old stand into the project, and the landscape in general... One thing I was disappointed by was the lack of any high quality pictures of the old stadium (particularly from the air). I've had a search around on the web and can only find a couple of small images - anyone know where there might be any good ones?

argh, VFL Park. Even seeing that nice aerial shot makes me remember cold 80s/90s rainy days, my dad paying people $$ to park on their front lawns, and long long long walks back to the car after Geelong lost. which was quite often back then. man i hated that place :)

40 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg

High Quality Office on a High Profile CornerLocated in the commercially developing area of Heidelberg, 40 Burgundy Street has easy access to major roads and freeways. Across the road from Heidelberg and Warrigal parks, it offers a great mix of city life and open spaces.

Being the only new office development in Heidelberg, 40 Burgundy Street is the boutique development that is sure to be noticed. There will be twenty-three contemporary office suites located on the first floor with a secure entrance and allocated parking.

•Suites starting from 56sqm.
•Own your own office from $252,000 (ex GST)
•Huge stamp duty savings and depreciation benefits

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/0115/5440115ml1220418060.jpg

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/0115/5440115al1220418060.jpg

The $300 million Equiset development Monash Village (as far as i can c no-one has mentioned this one which is a little surprising.

intergrates caulfield plaz and community shops with monash university campus
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n373/spiralout09/hi_res02.jpg
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n373/spiralout09/hi_res03.jpg
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n373/spiralout09/hi_res04.jpg
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n373/spiralout09/hi_res05.jpg
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n373/spiralout09/hi_res06.jpg
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n373/spiralout09/hi_res07.jpg
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n373/spiralout09/hi_res08.jpg
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n373/spiralout09/hi_res01.jpg

here's the site
http://www.equiset.com.au/projects/current/projects_monash_fusion.html

Its been mentioned a number of times, but some of these renders are new to me. I suspect the development will commence in 2009.

the well home and hosed, good outcome

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/wel20080910.jpg

air at pentidge about to start construction

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/airpen.jpg

and another

Another High Rise Apartment for Doncaster Hill
PDF Print E-mail
Written by Marc Pallisco
Monday, 15 September 2008

More than a decade after the first major apartment buildings dotted suburban Doncaster’s skyline, high density developers are back, with Elgar 1, a new project proposed for a site near the corner of Doncaster and Elgar roads, near Blackburn Lexus.

DKO Architecture has designed a 12-level, 109 unit apartment building for 812 Elgar Road, capitalising on the sites potential views to the Yarra Valley in the north and the CBD to the west. Plans have been approved and construction is expected to start by December. Three adjoining houses on the site will be demolished to make way for the development.

Several sites along Doncaster Road including numbers 632, 642, 659 and 682 have permits to be developed into high rise apartment buildings, as part of the Manningham City Council’s plan to attract residents to Doncaster Hill, one of the highest points in Melbourne.

Permits for the Sovereign Point apartments in Williamsons Road, opposite Doncaster Shoppingtown, were granted by the City of Manningham in 1995, well before widespread acceptance of apartment living in the suburbs had occurred.

By year 2000, three high rise apartment buildings had been developed in Doncaster including the six-level The Ridge, five-level The Gardens, and nine-level The Crest.

AIR is pretty cool, but in the overall development I wish they kept a bit more of Pentridge.

air at pentidge about to start construction

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/airpen.jpg

Fucking brilliant!

I know this is an old news item, but I heard rumours today that the flags will be going up soon.
Has anyone else heard anything?

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2007/03/13/1173722444074.html

From The Age

Giant flags for Westgate Bridge
March 13, 2007

Giant flags will be erected atop the two towering pylons at the centre of Melbourne's Westgate Bridge, the Victorian government has announced.

Premier Steve Bracks said flag poles will be installed in about 18 months, with the flags to measure about nine metres by 4.5 metres and to be illuminated at night.

"Placing the Australian and Victorian flags on top of one of Melbourne's most recognisable and iconic landmarks will give the community a sense of pride in their state and their country," Mr Bracks said today.

He also likened the new flags to those that adorn Sydney's Harbour Bridge, New York's Brooklyn Bridge and the Tower Bridge in London.

I know this is an old news item, but I heard rumours today that the flags will be going up soon.
Has anyone else heard anything?

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2007/03/13/1173722444074.html

From The Age

Giant flags for Westgate Bridge
March 13, 2007

Giant flags will be erected atop the two towering pylons at the centre of Melbourne's Westgate Bridge, the Victorian government has announced.

Premier Steve Bracks said flag poles will be installed in about 18 months, with the flags to measure about nine metres by 4.5 metres and to be illuminated at night.

"Placing the Australian and Victorian flags on top of one of Melbourne's most recognisable and iconic landmarks will give the community a sense of pride in their state and their country," Mr Bracks said today.

He also likened the new flags to those that adorn Sydney's Harbour Bridge, New York's Brooklyn Bridge and the Tower Bridge in London.

In case we forget where we are?
:ohno:

Just for once I'd love to see us do something a little different and not just because Sydney, New Yawk or London has done it.

By year 2000, three high rise apartment buildings had been developed in Doncaster including the six-level The Ridge, five-level The Gardens, and nine-level The Crest.

Did they get anybody from the NSW North Coast to write that article?

5 storeys is not 'high rise' - possibly only comparably to the 1 and 2 level houses that dominate the area.

I know this is an old news item, but I heard rumours today that the flags will be going up soon.
Has anyone else heard anything?


Late pole delays West Gate flags plan

Staff reporter
September 18, 2008 - 5:34PM
Advertisement

A $350,000 plan to instil pride by flying huge state and national flags from the West Gate Bridge has been put on hold - because the flag poles aren't ready.

VicRoads was set to oversee the closure of the bridge tonight so workers could erect the poles, but the project, which would have thrown traffic into turmoil, has been abandoned for now.

"VicRoads has been advised this afternoon that the flagpoles to be installed on the West Gate Bridge will not be ready until tomorrow at the earliest," the roads authority said in a statement.

"As such, the planned closure of the West Gate Bridge will occur at a later date to be advised, depending on when the flagpoles are delivered and weather permitting. The bridge will be open as per usual tonight."

VicRoads had originally advised the closure was due to weather conditions.

Under the now-dumped plan, lanes on the bridge, which forms part of Melbourne's busiest freeway, were to have been closed progressively from 7.30pm before complete closure at 1am Thursday.

The yet-to-be-installed flags are 40 metres square.

A State Government spokeswoman referred the matter to VicRoads.

-

This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/national/late-pole-delays-west-gate-flags-plan-20080917-4iia.html

^^ Thanks. :)

How can the Aussie flag be "40 metres square", when the flag is rectangular? Stupid people!!

Tooronga taking shape (http://progress-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/tooronga-taking-shape/)
17 Sep 2008
By Bianca Carmona

http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/33f3b45d2d40f05ba20858f9bd764392_resized.JPG
An artist's impression of the multi-million-dollar Tooronga Village redevelopment.

PROPERTY developer Stockland has released the first external images of the multi-million-dollar Tooronga Village redevelopment.

Spread over 10.6ha, the $600 million project, at the intersection of Toorak and Tooronga roads, will be the largest mixed-use development in the eastern suburbs.

The first stage will include 196 apartments in 10-storey and eight-storey towers. Prices of two- and three-bedroom apartments will start at $500,000, while one-bedroom penthouses will cost from $2.5 million.

Stage one will include a new shopping centre and outdoor piazza featuring alfresco restaurants, cafes and landscaped open spaces, and 460 car-parking spaces and 127 bicycle spaces.

Stockland state manager of apartments Matthew Belford said the company was not worried about a fall in property values, despite posting a 59 per cent drop in annual net profit. “We see there’s still demand there and there is an undersupply of residential developments, so we’re still quite confident,” Mr Belford said.

Tooronga Action Group spokesman Bernard Barrett said while residents welcomed an upgraded shopping centre with residential component, he feared the planned 600 dwellings would be an “over-development”.

"Stockland is not providing any community infrastructure in Hawthorn or Glen Iris to cater for the needs of this concentrated population,’’ Dr Barrett said.

Construction of stage one will start next month once demolition and earthworks are finished and is scheduled for completion in late 2010.

Display suites will open late October for people who have registered on the website.

The entire project is likely to be complete by late 2013.

One Bedroom penthouse for 2.5 million - in the suburbs. lol. ah well, each to their own I guess - the chodes! :D

How can the Aussie flag be "40 metres square", when the flag is rectangular? Stupid people!!
Erm...no. It's obvious they mean 40 square metres, and using either is acceptable (http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/57209.html).

relative to a couple of pages back, the old gasworks near coles HQ. commencing november

Axiom Properties Limited has entered into an agreement with Coffey International Limited (ASX: COF) to develop the second Australian “WorldPark” green business precinct, to be located in Melbourne.

Under the terms of the Development Agreement, Coffey International will anchor the first of three buildings with a commitment to occupy 12,000sq.m. for an initial term of 15 years. The total development is expected to comprise 25,000 - 30,000 sq.m. of campus-style “green” office accommodation, with an estimated end value of $180 million.

The company is extremely enthusiastic about the concept and what it stands for, particularly in terms of the substantial environmental design initiatives we are currently achieving in Adelaide, which Axiom and Coffey intend to roll out in Melbourne and other states. The concept of Worldpark is ground breaking and creates the benchmark for the future of environmentally sustainable business precincts. It will be environmentally friendly, people friendly, nature friendly and space friendly, and will be carefully designed using the latest in green building technology.

The planned site for the Melbourne WorldPark project is on Toorak Rd in Hawthorn East, abutting the Monash Freeway. The site shares similar attributes to the Adelaide site, being within close proximity to the CBD and with excellent public transport and profile.


also the 10L swinburne uni building on burwood rd is about to begin and there's demolition on the cr elgar/whitehorse rd, seems to be a large development site

Caro going off (19/09/08):

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2903341991_e088da1e7c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2903341985_7fb3d5e0a1_o.jpg

^^ You wouldn't think that anything >3 storeys would be built right on the edge of suburbia, but stranger things have happened before. IIRC the building where the crane is will be 7 or 8 storeys. :happy:

office building in bleakcity's pic was supposed to be 2 levels taller - ehh well. building with crane is 6L mercure hotel

I thought it looked a little short.

The local library's fairly photogenic - I'll need to remember to take a photo next time I roll past.

BANBURY VILLAGE, FOOTSCRAY

Melbourne's inner West is poised to boom as more people discover the convenience, culture and lifestyle opportunities of the area.

Capturing all this and more, Banbury Village offers Melbourne inner suburban living at its best.

Located in Footscray adjacent to the Whitten Oval, home to the Western Bulldogs Football team, is a unique medium-density development just 6.5km from Melbourne’s CBD.

Banbury Village, built over nine hectares, will incorporate distinctive heritage features into its design and landmark buildings will be fully revitalised. Around 300 detached houses, townhouses and apartments will have access to the best in urban facilities including easy access to shopping, schools, universities, hospitals and transport.

To meet the growing demand in the area, significant redevelopment has been proposed and approved around Banbury. Residents will have access to improved local amenities including a completely overhauled Whitten Oval which will open the oval for public use, providing sporting amenities, function rooms and childcare facilities.

Banbury Village will set the benchmark for excellence in urban design and will be at the forefront of sustainable living.

The project is expected to commence in early 2009.

The Footscray Station Bridge concept:
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q279/duongLe_/IMGP3940.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q279/duongLe_/IMGP3941.jpg

As long as it includes an open plaza onto Irving Street, with surrounding shops, and the potential for future decking over the Interstate/Sydenham lines.

Is anything going to come of this unlike the umpteen other bridge proposals?

Is anything going to come of this unlike the umpteen other bridge proposals?

Something needs to be done. I used that walkway this morning - I'd go as far as saying its structurally unsafe.

Lucky we are not on a fault line, put it that way.

Hope they start soon, years of talk & no action with the whole station, so much could be done there next to the market & all

Some of the shops will be demolished in Early 09 and the bridge is supposed to start Mid 09.

Will it include room for Olympic Doughnuts?

I love how the buses stop so far from the station

BTW dlskt, there is also an Inner City thread for Footscray.

There is?!

I was on a Bairnsdale train on Thursday and noticed that roads are starting to go in on former farmland at Officer for average/low-density suburban housing/sprawl - yuck. Should be sprawl suburbs all the way from the CBD to Pakenham soon, ugggh.

I hope that I never see Nar Nar Goon as a sprawl suburb once they have finished building low density houses on the other side of Pakenham.

Why the obsession with sprawl?

Pakenham is the end of the Urban Growth boundary and the small corridor from between the Pakenham bypass and the Pricness HWY in Officer is the only part which will be sprawled.

does anyone know what the St. Hilliers construction site on the cr. Whitehorse & Elgar will become. next to Box Hill tafe, piling has commenced

The new Westfield Doncaster opens 16 October

Look for all your favourite big names, including David Jones, Myer, Target, Big W, Coles, Safeway and Village Cinemas.

Westfield Doncaster is set to introduce a new age of tailored shopping to Melbourne with the official launch of its prestigious fashion precinct on 16th October 2008. Featuring labels such as sass & bide, Zimmermann, Hugo Boss and a pop-up shop from French label Paul and Joe, the flagship centre will more than double its retail space to include a sophisticated mix of leading Australian and international labels.

Headlining the fashion offering is the iconic and admired sass & bide, which has chosen Westfield Doncaster to launch its first ever Melbourne retail space. Other much-loved brands setting up shop include Gorman, Alannah Hill, Carla Zampatti, Mimco, Oroton and children’s store Seed who will be launching its first ever womens-wear label Seed Femme at Westfield Doncaster.

Multi label shoe emporium Evelyn Miles, which stocks labels such as Miu Miu, Prada, Jimmy Choo and Missoni will also add to the fashion offering, alongside luxury boutique Christensen Copenhagen. Straight from the catwalks of Europe, Christensen Copenhagen will be stocked with premium international labels such as Diane von Furstenberg, Missoni, Matthew Williamson, See by Chloe and Malene Birger.

Westfield Doncaster will showcase a range of global labels such as Karen Millen, Lacoste, Max & Co, Tommy Hilfiger, Weekend by Max Mara, Swarovski and superior Danish jeweller Georg Jensen whose store is designed by prominent London-based architectural firm Mark Pinney Associates.

The centre also includes an edgy urban street-wear precinct featuring the very best in youth fashion such as Ed Hardy, That Store, G-Star, Pepe Jeans London and the multi-label Luella boutique stocking brands such as Natasha, True Religion, and Bettina Liano amongst others.

Enjoy our unique Guest Services including Butler Service, Valet Parking, Styling Suite and Gizmo.

Best of all, see for yourself why Westfield Doncaster is the only place to shop for fashion.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/wholesale-market-in-doubt-after-developer-hammered-20081015-51k1.html?page=1

From The Age

Wholesale market in doubt after developer hammered
Cameron Houston and Jewel Topsfield
October 16, 2008

A $1 BILLION joint venture to move Melbourne's Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market from Footscray to Epping is on the brink of collapse and may require a government bail-out.

Developer Mirvac has refused to sign a contract with Victoria Fresh Markets after agreeing in February to build a $300 million wholesale market in Melbourne's outer north.

Victoria Fresh Markets was established in January to represent the wholesale market's tenants and has an agreement with the State Government over the relocation and redevelopment of the Epping site.

Mirvac also has plans for a $700 million industrial park next to the new market, but has been crippled by the global economic meltdown — it's share price has fallen 65% this year.

Uncertainty over the market's future comes after The Age revealed yesterday that the credit crisis had also put in doubt the redevelopment of St Kilda's prized triangle site.

Mirvac's Victorian chief executive Greg Collins yesterday refused to discuss the status of either project. He did not return several calls from The Age after initially saying: "I'll make some inquiries and get back to you."

When selected as the preferred bidder in February, Mr Collins said the listed developer had agreed to a joint venture with Victoria Fresh Markets.

"We are committed to fast tracking the project for the benefit of the market community, the state and our shareholders," Mr Collins said.

The State Government allocated $300 million in the 2005 budget for the relocation and redevelopment, with work expected to be completed by 2011. Any delay to the massive project could jeopardise Victoria's agricultural industry, which is worth more than $8 billion a year.

The State Government's 2007-08 financial report, released this week, said it had expected a development contract to be signed last financial year. "However, this project is not currently proceeding as a Partnerships Victoria project and no contract has been signed," the report said.

But a spokesman for Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said last night that the project would go ahead on schedule.

"The commitment in our future estimates of $300 million remain the same," he said. "The Government has no contract with Mirvac and Mirvac are a subsidiary element of the overall project."

Earlier, during question time in the upper house, the Opposition seized on the uncertainty. Opposition spokesman for the scrutiny of government, David Davis, asked Treasurer John Lenders whether the State Government would allocate part or all of the $1 billion required to complete the project, given the public-private partnership would no longer proceed.

"Or is the project dead in the water?" he asked.

Mr Lenders said the Government had allocated money in the budget for the move, had bought the Epping site and found a new use for the Footscray Road site.

"Let's make it unequivocally clear — we have acquired land, allocated money and are keen to proceed with this project," he said. But he said before Partnerships Victoria projects could be concluded they had to get "contracts to the table".

Mr Lenders said Mr Helper was working with numerous stakeholders. "This is a very complex project in the process of negotiation," he said.

Partnerships Victoria referred to the Melbourne Wholesale Market as a public-private partnership in a press release as recently as February 13. But this was gone from the website yesterday.

Mr Davis said the livelihoods of hundreds of market traders were in limbo. "The Government's got to come clean on why this project fell over — whether it's the partner pulling out, whether it's the failure of the project to stack up financially or whether it's a problem with the line of credit," he said.

"This is typical of Labor's incompetence in major projects. We have an unbudgeted project that could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars."

Traders have campaigned against the move from the Footscray Road site, but with more than 7000 people using it, the Government refused to budge. A Department of Primary Industries spokesman said yesterday storeholders might now be asked to build their own storage space.

I am a bit confused.

So now traders will be forced to leave after the joint shuts down with nowhere to go? Or they will just stay where they are in F'cray?

The market in F'cray is meant to become a freight area once the move is done in 2010. Is that still happening?

The new Westfield Doncaster opens 16 October

Look for all your favourite big names, including David Jones, Myer, Target, Big W, Coles, Safeway and Village Cinemas.

Westfield Doncaster is set to introduce a new age of tailored shopping to Melbourne with the official launch of its prestigious fashion precinct on 16th October 2008. Featuring labels such as sass & bide, Zimmermann, Hugo Boss and a pop-up shop from French label Paul and Joe, the flagship centre will more than double its retail space to include a sophisticated mix of leading Australian and international labels.

Headlining the fashion offering is the iconic and admired sass & bide, which has chosen Westfield Doncaster to launch its first ever Melbourne retail space. Other much-loved brands setting up shop include Gorman, Alannah Hill, Carla Zampatti, Mimco, Oroton and children’s store Seed who will be launching its first ever womens-wear label Seed Femme at Westfield Doncaster.

Multi label shoe emporium Evelyn Miles, which stocks labels such as Miu Miu, Prada, Jimmy Choo and Missoni will also add to the fashion offering, alongside luxury boutique Christensen Copenhagen. Straight from the catwalks of Europe, Christensen Copenhagen will be stocked with premium international labels such as Diane von Furstenberg, Missoni, Matthew Williamson, See by Chloe and Malene Birger.

Westfield Doncaster will showcase a range of global labels such as Karen Millen, Lacoste, Max & Co, Tommy Hilfiger, Weekend by Max Mara, Swarovski and superior Danish jeweller Georg Jensen whose store is designed by prominent London-based architectural firm Mark Pinney Associates.

The centre also includes an edgy urban street-wear precinct featuring the very best in youth fashion such as Ed Hardy, That Store, G-Star, Pepe Jeans London and the multi-label Luella boutique stocking brands such as Natasha, True Religion, and Bettina Liano amongst others.

Enjoy our unique Guest Services including Butler Service, Valet Parking, Styling Suite and Gizmo.

Best of all, see for yourself why Westfield Doncaster is the only place to shop for fashion.


Lots of wanky brand/label shops for all those idiots to whom brand name is everything. Suppose i have to hold the wife in a headlock to keep her from going.

Lots of wanky brand/label shops for all those idiots to whom brand name is everything. Suppose i have to hold the wife in a headlock to keep her from going.

God forbid someone having differing priorities to you...

^^yeah but in his defence, he isn't that far away from the truth for comfort.

unfortunately i have no pics, but the new part of westfield Doncaster sets a new standard in Australian malls. i have not seen interiors in an Aussie mall that resemble this new part; definitely not in Melbourne. whether other malls follow suit remains to be seen, but it's definitely impressive, and makes the rest of the new centre--which others on here commented is already impressive as is--feel rather ordinary in comparison.

it also has the advantage of feeling like a 'complete centre' rather than a jigsaw puzzle maze that was built piece meal ala Chadstone etc.

the cinemas are more low-key than i expected, but on the plus side they don't look anywhere near as tacky as village's other multiplexes. definitely more stylish, in a minimal sort of way.

not a huge mall fan in general but Westfield delivered on their promise with the new Doncaster.

http://images.theage.com.au/ftage/ffximage/2008/10/16/doncaster__1__gallery__600x399.jpg

http://images.theage.com.au/ftage/ffximage/2008/10/16/doncaster__3__gallery__600x396.jpg

http://images.theage.com.au/ftage/ffximage/2008/10/16/doncaster__2__gallery__600x400.jpg

http://images.theage.com.au/ftage/ffximage/2008/10/16/doncaster__4__gallery__600x399.jpg

http://images.theage.com.au/ftage/ffximage/2008/10/16/doncaster__8__gallery__600x398.jpg

Does look as though it has replaced Bondi Junction as Westfield's flagship.

Not a big fan on malls for fashion shopping, but I don't mind ones such as this for everything else that doesn't require a trip to the city. Even enjoy them (I'm sure its a result of a middle class suburban upbringing).
If only Brumby would spend $700m putting a train line out to it, instead of wasting it on relieving congestion in Franga for exactly 5 minutes. I need to move to Copenhagen or Madrid.

Aussie Steve: you should have posted pics of the new fashion area mate, around David Jones. that part looks 10X better than what you just posted. ok, well you did i guess, but it was a floor shot only :-(

good job anyway. at least the pics were from a different angle than the last ones posted on here.

^ they're from The Age

Anyhow: ...JAFSC.

given that it seems no photos of the "david jones side" of the shoppo have been posted, let's bear with this low quality one I took with my phone today for now

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb76/vincent_hms/DSC00154.jpg

similar article with video

http://www.theage.com.au/national/butlers-stylists-valets-westfields-600m-mega-mall-has-landed-20081016-527g.html?page=-1

cool photo vshea.

welcome!

www.theage.com.au
MELBURNIANS will soon be able to spot Box Hill from a distance, if plans for a 38-level skyscraper get off the ground.

The Whitehorse City Council is reviewing an application for a mixed-use tower on the northwest corner of Station and Carrington streets, now an open-air car park.

The building will include about 4000 square metres of retail space, about 4300 sq in of offices and more than 200 apartments, about half of which will be serviced.

As recently as 18 months ago, the 9150 sq in Box Hill development site was expected to make way for a 10-level building with a six-level underground car park, under plans by its previous owner.

However, after submitting - but not receiving - a permit for a 30-level building, ownership of the site was transferred in April. The new owners, a consortium of Chinese and Australian investors including local developer Francis Kwong, have lodged the application for the 38-level building.

Mr Kwong's biggest other project in Melbourne is the $100 million 36-level Barton Tower at 318 Russell Street, which will include about 284 apartments.

The 38-level Box Hill application, for the property known as 545-563 Station Street, was lodged by Property Consultant Services' David Blanche.

Representing the developer, design manager Mr Blanche said it would be inappropriate to comment while council was reviewing the development.

Sources say that depending on market demand for apartments, work could start by as early as 2010.

The project could have an end value of more than $100 million. The development will not include a 1200-seat cinema, proposed in an earlier application.

At 38 levels, the Box Hill building would be the biggest outside of central Melbourne, including the central business district, Docklands, Southbank and St Kilda Road. But the Stonnington City Council is also reviewing a 38-level mixed-use building for a site on the northwest corner of Toorak Road and Chapel Street in South Yarra.

The Box Hill building would stand behind the Centro Box Hill shopping centre, the Box Hill train station, Whitehorse Road train and bus terminal servicing the eastern suburbs.

Box Hill is the main activity centre in the Whitehorse municipality, providing many retail, medical, education and community services.

Whitehorse City Council general manager, city development, Paul Kearsley, said council had an ongoing program of improvements to increase the appeal of Box Hill to the public.

Box Hill is one of nine metropolitan Melbourne transit cities in the State Government's policy Melbourne 2030, and one of 26 principal activity centres.

Colliers International manager, office leasing, Travis Myerscough, said major new office development had not taken place in Box Hill since the suburb was developed as a major suburban office precinct in the early 1990s.

The Box Hill suburban office market measures 132,315 sq in, of which about 5200 sq in - about 3.92% - is vacant.

CB Richard Ellis selling agent Scott Panton expects the shortage of office stock in Box Hill to force prospective tenants into neighbouring Doncaster.

www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/boxhill

I wish them all the very best.

I can see VCAT being involved somewhere in the future.

Hope they make them change the podium; from memory the current one looks like one of little Joey's Leggo blocks.

The pics from that shopping centre are nice however Aus still seems to be dragging it's feet in shoping centre design. It looks like something that would have gone up 10 years ago in HK or Singapore.

The ratio of Chinese who have grown up surrounded by skyscrapers to greenie NIMBYs in Box Hill is about 100 to 1 so hopefully this has a good chance! :D

The ratio of Chinese who have grown up surrounded by skyscrapers to greenie NIMBYs in Box Hill is about 100 to 1 so hopefully this has a good chance! :D

my thoughts exactly :wink2:

Where do you live, Qantas743? Some outer sprawl suburb?

The majority of people who live in the suburbs of Box Hill, Box Hill North (where I have previously lived) and Box Hill South aren't even a majority of asians - try again.

As to the development - Melbourne has no proper suburban CBDs, which is a real pity. I'm skeptical of Box Hill really being developed to much more than it is now, but it would be awesome to see something like this which could lead to more future development :banana:

Where do you live, Qantas743? Some outer sprawl suburb?

The majority of people who live in the suburbs of Box Hill, Box Hill North (where I have previously lived) and Box Hill South aren't even a majority of asians - try again.

you're missing his point... there IS a large asian population in Box Hill, where the proposal is located (not south or north box hill)... he wasnt commenting on how large the population was, rather, how the development is less likely to be attacked by your average NIMBY...

You seem to think that the number of chinese shops, etc means that the suburb of Box Hill has a high proportion of Asian residents.

Yawn - stop dribbling.

You seem to think that the number of chinese shops, etc means that the suburb of Box Hill has a high proportion of Asian residents.

Yawn - stop dribbling.
Mate YOUR DROWNING in your own DRIBBLE, why do you antagonize people for your own amusement?.?........:bash:

Ire on Camberwell station rejig (http://progress-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/ire-on-camberwell-station-rejig/)

REVISED Camberwell railway station plans including almost 100 extra apartments have been labelled a “train wreck” by nearby residents.

Boroondara Junction Ward councillor Jack Wegman said developer Tenterfield’s new submission, to a state planning tribunal (VCAT) hearing next March or April, ignored height, bulk and design concerns and was worse than the original.

An extra 98 apartments (up from 20) are now earmarked for the site, with an increase from six to eight storeys.

Cr Wegman said small alterations including wider stairs and bike storage were “inadequate and disingenuous”.

“The new plans look like the Titanic and the cosmetic changes they are proposing are just rearranging the deck chairs,” Cr Wegman said.

But Tenterfield director Andrew Cook said the changes reflected the State Government’s plan to boost housing in principal activity centres.

Commercial occupancies had been cut, he said. “The site has been through lengthy and detailed state and local planning and heritage overlay processes to ensure the integrity of the railway station and its surrounds are protected,” he said.

“We have listened to council and incorporated their many fair and reasonable recommendations into the new plans.”

The Place, as it would be known, would see a reduction in car dependency, with easy access to public transport and bicycle storage, Mr Cook said.

Cr Wegman rejected the idea.

“What sort of impact do they think cars from an extra 100 apartments will have on Junction traffic?” he said.

Boroondara Residents’ Action Group (BRAG) vice-president Mary Drost said the plans were a “train wreck of major proportions”.

“If they win at VCAT, it will be a disaster through the years and we will never lose our hatred of it,” Mrs Drost said.

_________________________________________

lol

Mate YOUR DROWNING in your own DRIBBLE, why do you antagonize people for your own amusement?.?........:bash:

I'm sorry, but you don't educate dribblers by saying "Great idea to run trams down every street. Great work for a 13 yr old" in response to dumb posts - they need to be old what is wrong a bit more blunty so that they will GET IT ;)

You seem to think that the number of chinese shops, etc means that the suburb of Box Hill has a high proportion of Asian residents.

Yawn - stop dribbling.

bahahaha! Such an uneducated comment! Making yourself look dumb... Don't you wish there was a delete button?

By the way I have lived in box hill most of my life

^^ Lol - why would I delete my post? I stand by everything that I have said. Go to the ABS site and get uncle L2 actual facts instead of lame personal attacks. Don't say "But dats uneducated waah waaah they all asian waah" - give me proof that it actually is.

Here's a hint - as a n00b, you shouldn't come in here and start attacking the experienced users (I have been here since December 2004) :ohno:

Haha, I'm glad you wrote that so everyone on here can have a laugh
'boo hoo, I'm older than you! Respect me! Boo hoo'

I don't need to provide you with stats on what is just common sense. There is an increased population of Asians in box hill. Do you need confirmation that the sky is blue as well?

By the way, I'd suggest you look back at the posts and see who went on the attack first... I believe a certain someone got his feelings hurt when he was corrected.

Go back to your toy trains, lovejoy...

I don't need to provide you with stats on what is just common sense
That's a strong argument - give me proof or you fail. How old are you?

BTW, L2 is always right - that's common sense, so I don't have to prove it!!!!111 [/your style of arguing]

Go back to your toy trains, lovejoy...
Too funny - you're even copying expressions from the WA dribblers. Did you used to live in Perth by any chance?

I'm sorry, but you don't educate dribblers by saying "Great idea to run trams down every street. Great work for a 13 yr old" in response to dumb posts - they need to be old what is wrong a bit more blunty so that they will GET IT ;)
Fair, but some points in MOST posts have valid points to think about, we should chat about those ideas in a positive way & try not to get to serious & worked up about stupid ones...dont you think ?? :):)

Back on topic folks...

Too funny - you're even copying expressions from the WA dribblers. Did you used to live in Perth by any chance?

no... But I love that folks from all over oz tell you where to go!

oh and by the way, according to the 2006 australian census..

Box Hill
asian population - 105,361
% of total population - 40.04%

this makes box hill the highest asian populated township in australia.

...the word 'ruined' comes to mind...

now, back to topic..

...the word 'ruined' comes to mind...

now, back to topic..

In what way is Box Hill ruined?

no Box Hill isnt ruined, i was refering to L2's argument that there isn't an increased population of asians in box Hill.

its ruined like Harbour1, like the new Indiana jones, and like hot girl with red hair...

oh and by the way, according to the 2006 australian census..

Box Hill
asian population - 105,361
% of total population - 40.04%

I can smell something - people who talk out of their arse usually have bad breath ;)

To add a hint of actual fact to this thread, the entire population of the City of Whitehorse is only 144,768. source (http://www.id.com.au/whitehorse/commprofile)

Are you from Maroondah or Knox?

rather than rely on a dodgy 3rd party, downloaded the pdf from the abs website and here's he breakdown...

China (excl. SARs and Taiwan Province) 3,172
Fiji 74
Hong Kong (SAR of China)(b) 1,013
Indonesia 322
Japan 121
Korea, Republic of (South) 400
Malaysia 1,240
Philippines 160
Singapore 314
Thailand 138
Viet Nam 482

total box hill pop - 55,712
total asian pop - 7436
percentage of box hill pop - 13.34%
australian asian population percentage - 5.4%

so box hill has just under three times more asians than australia's average asian population.

still ruined, case closed. lets hope this development gets the go ahead.

lombards site, stage 2
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/lom200811.jpg

Barkly Theatre apartments Footscray:

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/3041/105363041ml1226563155.jpg

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/3041/105363041dl1226563155.jpg

view:
http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/3041/105363041bl1226563155.jpg

^^ Lets hope so.
I dont know how many plans have failed at the old Barkly Thearter.
Have to just wait and see if this one gets off.
PS The 8Lv apartment building down the city end of Barkly st (Hopkins & Cowper Sts) is going full steam ahead, basement almost done.............

^^ axiom apartments. westville central site has closed as a carpark and is now a construction site. also 8L barkly hotel apartments shouldn't be too far off.

so the area is busy, just looking for some taller developments

Its about time that wonderful old theatre building was restored to its former glory.

If I am not mistaken, the plans for Barkly Theatre were amended to increase height from 8 storeys to 10 storeys.

38 Storey Box Hill Tower

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/1431/boxhillhg9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/boxhillhg9.jpg/1/w350.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img234/boxhillhg9.jpg/1/)

Plans to build 38-storey tower in Box Hill (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24695141-2862,00.html)

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6364622,00.jpg
By Kelly Ryan
24 November 2008

FORGET urban sprawl - developers hope to head skyward with plans for a 38-storey tower in Box Hill.

The ambitious proposal is for a combination of retail, residential and office space in a sky-rise complex 14km from town but still boasting bay-and-beyond views.

Given that Eureka Tower and the Rialto are both visible from several suburbs stretching along Whitehorse Rd, the skyscraper could pinpoint Box Hill's heart from the city centre. The Station St tower would be the tallest building outside the CBD, including Southbank and Docklands.

An artist's impression of the proposed tower, included in the plans on display at the City of Whitehorse offices and to be considered in the new year, shows a futuristic structure. The application for the high-rise on the corner of Carrington Rd, now a car park, has been lodged by a consortium of Australian and Chinese investors, replacing a 23-storey plan that had been approved.

The environmentally friendly structure would include water recycling, solar power and a non-reflective exterior.

With a local population of about 130,000, Whitehorse has been identified by the State Government as suitable for higher-density development. It has been declared a transit city under the Melbourne 2030 policy, and is well served by public transport.

But local residents are concerned about the impact of such a high-density building.

Elizabeth Meredith, from the West of Elgar Residents' Association, said parking and traffic congestion were major concerns.

The top-most floors are expected to be reserved for penthouses taking in 360-degree views of the Dandenongs, the city skyline and Port Phillip Bay.

Serviced apartments, 4300 sqm of office space and almost as much retail area would make up the rest of the tenants.

looks very eurekaish :)

Looks like a complete redesign.

Looks like a complete redesign.

I think this design is better than the 1st one.
Is it the same 38st that was proposed alittle while back at Box Hill ?
.................:cheers:

Imagine the views to Doncaster and the city.
Let's hope this pulls through.

The proposed 31 level 105m tower in Box Hill will be called "Barton Hill" and as you might have guessed is being developed by Barton Group Austrlia who are building Barton Tower in the city.

Sounds like they have added 7 levels to the tower which shoudl take it up to 120m high!

Imagine the views to Doncaster
Yes, you'd get a nice view of the urban sprawl.

I'd rather be looking toward Mount Dandenong to be honest.

lombards site, stage 2
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/lom200811.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q279/duongLe_/sienna.jpg
This is called.. Sienna Apartments designed by FK :)
http://www.siennaapartments.com.au/index.html

Gotta shake your head at some of the comments on the Herald Sun website regarding the proposed 38-storey tower in Box Hill. I'd take Hong Kong over Lakeside Pakenham any day of the week.

An ugly eyesore. Who wants to live like caged battery hens? The Government should be reducing population growth rather than trying to cram in more and more people.
Posted by: Suzanne of Melbourne 5:44pm today
Comment 5 of 5

I think it is inovative as there should be a need to develop were there is existing public transport infustructure as apposed to going to a farm paddock and making another boooring delfin development that takes decades to be a proper suburb with public transport pfft
Posted by: Max of Melbourne 4:15pm today
Comment 4 of 5

Who needs a skycraper for Box Hill to resemble China/Hong Kong....Box Hill shopping centre already does...spoilt by too many "$2 type" shops selling poor quality products labelled in anything but English. Traffic problems....already present....drive through at your own risk, oh! and by the way - be patient waiting to get passed a motorist trying to park even the smallest car.
Posted by: wendy of box hill 1:39pm today
Comment 3 of 5

Will Box Hill will now be formally known as "Inland Hong Kong"?
Posted by: Rita of Melbourne 8:26am today
Comment 2 of 5

I do hope the hypocrtical NIMBY's don't get to scupper this project. It always makes me laugh that the very same people who claim to be environmentalists and global warming believers, are the very same people who campaign against higher density lliving in already populated areas. It is the lack of high density livimg areas in Melbourne that is causing the environmentally unfriendly urban sprawl which in turn results in a higher reliance on cars in suburbs that are miles from the CBD and other urban centres.
Posted by: Ryan of Pro Urban Skyscraper 4:04am today
Comment 1 of 5

How does Box Hill compare to Hong Kong lol? Then Southbank must be...hmmm...Tokyo?

Battery Hens? So if you live in the burbs as I do, I must be a free ranger.

You gotta laugh! And punch em if ya knew them.

Box Hill isn't a patch on Chatswood, let alone Hong Kong. :nuts: :bash:

I like the last comment.

Funny that you mention Lakeside Pakenham, I visited the area recently and took some pictures (still some places to get a side-on shot of the entire length of a 6-car train!). I really couldn't think of a worse kind of place to live, despite all the hype the developers put on!

There was a report on Ch 7 about this tonight and it gave the impression that this is going to go the same way as Fun Factory.

Probably will fold... 38 stories won't happen.
If they've already got approval, why jeopordise that?

There was a report on Ch 7 about this tonight and it gave the impression that this is going to go the same way as Fun Factory.

You mean get approved by VCAT? ;)

Box Hill isn't a patch on Chatswood, let alone Hong Kong. :nuts: :bash:

I like the last comment.

Funny that you mention Lakeside Pakenham, I visited the area recently and took some pictures (still some places to get a side-on shot of the entire length of a 6-car train!). I really couldn't think of a worse kind of place to live, despite all the hype the developers put on!

That rite, its nothing like Chavswood or Hongkers..
Sounds like some of those comments are tainted with racism and xenophobia.:bash:
I find anywhere out in the sprawl to be Hell, no matter what shit and crap developers have to say...
Its nice to know that you and i can see eye to eye on some things......:cheers:

See video about the Box Hill proposal here:

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2331097&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1

^ Good...Well it would be built in a designated suburban hub (Transit City 2030) anyway not 'Ramsay Street'. Jack Roach maybe getting too old.

Dissagree that it would set a dangerous precedant for places like Ringwood, Greensborough and Frankston, it would set a benchmark and an example as long as the architecture is good.

More than a million people in the Eastern suburbs alone (Still sprawling) and next to absolute no high rise living East of Spring Street is whats dangerous.

Bruce Henderson will be designing the footbridge for Footscray Station

poobuild have a crane on chadstone. also lusimon have commenced barkly hotel apartments in footscray

this be the chadstone crane ye speak of.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k64/sorryspeilberg/Picture.jpg

L U Simon have a crane up at Tooronga now too

Swinburne Advanced Technology Centre now under construction in Burwood Rd.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/andrewpert/atc.jpg

More pictures here (http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/facserv/2008%20ATC%20IMAGES_external.pdf)

wow. love the double-height entries from the street.

Swinburne Advanced Technology Centre now under construction in Burwood Rd.

I passed this one last week... currently at excavation stage, I believe.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24814976-2862,00.html

A 27-STOREY block of flats will overlook CityLink at Flemington after Moonee Valley Council approved the tower.

The $160 million building, containing 396 flats, will be built next to the Mt Alexander Rd entrance to the freeway.

The proposal by developer Bensons Property Group was given the go-ahead amid angry outbursts from residents.

Cr Rose Iser described it as a "ridiculous and ill-considered monolith".

The old Lombard's paper site already has 387 apartments.

Bensons managing director Rick Curtis said tower apartments facing CityLink would have special glazing to shield traffic noise.

Mayor Paul Giuliano said the project was good for the community.

But residents and community groups said it was over-development and would create more traffic on Mt Alexander Rd.

Kathryn Miller, of the Flemington Association, said the original application was approved on the basis of it being an office and commercial project. "The impact of a residential tower is drastically more than for a commercial development."

Usual clowncillor twittery.

There are already four twenty level commission towers to the immediate south of it, so it's hardly out of place.

Usual clowncillor twittery.

There are already four twenty level commission towers to the immediate south of it, so it's hardly out of place.

hmmm i'm surprised by this one...i live near the area and i can't imagine why in the world why anyone would want to live in the new tower proposed. there's a freeway on one side, and a tram and train line on the other. the noise would be horrendous. also space is limited as there is a 5 storey apartment complex that just got completed adjacent.

also, for an apartment tower to be viable shops like supermarkets etc need to be within walking distance...whereas here you'd need to head into Newmarket to go shopping....a bit of a hike.

i don't think this will get off the ground as they won't presell enough apartments....then again we will see. perhaps they might make them low budget apartments and target the student accomodation market

In the Herald Sun today, they said that all the windows would be treated with a special type of glazing to keep out noise - So that counts out the noise issue. And living close to a tram line, a train line and a freeway wouldn't be considered totally bad by everybody.

^^Especially if the price was right.

^^Ând its only a minute to the train or tram to go shopping.
Its a great location, Royal Park just across the road, the zoo and great access to the airport on city link.

Drug Den Barkly Theatre Footscray to be Redeveloped into Luxury Apartments

Written by Marc Pallisco
Wednesday, 17 December 2008

A BURNT out theatre once described as Melbourne’s worst drug den, is being converted into a $25 million luxury apartment complex.

Owners of the heritage listed, but derelict Barkly Theatre in Footscray have revived plans to restore the baroque facade and entrance foyer of the 94-year building, and develop a 8 -level, 60-unit apartment building at the rear of the site.

The plans come six years after the property’s then-owners, former Western Bulldogs footballer Chris Grant, and business partner, Emmanuel George, proposed a similar redevelopment of the site at 277 – 287 Barkly Street.

They pre-sold about 30 of 56 apartments, but failed to get a necessary commercial tenant to occupy ground floor space. They shelved the project, reportedly selling the site and permit to its current owners in October 2003 for $2.1 million. Mr Grant and Mr George paid $522,500 for the disused theatre in March 2000.

Apartment Superstore is marketing 60 apartments in the new Metaxas Architect- designed project. Construction has started, and is expected to end by mid 2010, says selling agent Ariel Brukarz.

It will include about 30 “theatre” apartments, within the walls of the historic building, and about 30 apartments, in a new high rise building, which would offer city skyline, and West Gate Bridge views.

The Barkly Theatre opened as an independent cinema in 1914, and closed in 1962. Its various incarnations later included a reception centre, and a bingo club. It closed its doors for good in 1993, and was part destroyed by a fire in 1995.

In September last year, it was reported heroin addicts were living at the theatre, which is opposite Gilmore Girls College, and students as young as 13.

and a bigger pic
http://images.domain.com.au/img/20081121/11502/817328f6-e5ed-4ce8-9a47-b225d3bf83d0.jpeg?mod=081219-0708

^^If only they had such an attitude towards run down, derelict buildings in the 60s and 70s :(

Plans to build 38-storey tower in Box Hill (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24695141-2862,00.html)

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6364622,00.jpg
By Kelly Ryan
24 November 2008

FORGET urban sprawl - developers hope to head skyward with plans for a 38-storey tower in Box Hill.

The ambitious proposal is for a combination of retail, residential and office space in a sky-rise complex 14km from town but still boasting bay-and-beyond views.

Given that Eureka Tower and the Rialto are both visible from several suburbs stretching along Whitehorse Rd, the skyscraper could pinpoint Box Hill's heart from the city centre. The Station St tower would be the tallest building outside the CBD, including Southbank and Docklands.

An artist's impression of the proposed tower, included in the plans on display at the City of Whitehorse offices and to be considered in the new year, shows a futuristic structure. The application for the high-rise on the corner of Carrington Rd, now a car park, has been lodged by a consortium of Australian and Chinese investors, replacing a 23-storey plan that had been approved.

The environmentally friendly structure would include water recycling, solar power and a non-reflective exterior.

With a local population of about 130,000, Whitehorse has been identified by the State Government as suitable for higher-density development. It has been declared a transit city under the Melbourne 2030 policy, and is well served by public transport.

But local residents are concerned about the impact of such a high-density building.

Elizabeth Meredith, from the West of Elgar Residents' Association, said parking and traffic congestion were major concerns.

The top-most floors are expected to be reserved for penthouses taking in 360-degree views of the Dandenongs, the city skyline and Port Phillip Bay.

Serviced apartments, 4300 sqm of office space and almost as much retail area would make up the rest of the tenants.

will stick out like dog's nuts from Richmond:

http://www.thecollectormm.com.au/gallery/photography/Suburbs%20and%20Regional/slides/Richmond2.jpg

^ A The Collector Holdings Pty Ltd production. :)

Hmmm in that view wouldn't the tower would be out of shot to the left? But yes would still stick out like dogs balls no matter where you viewed it from.

It will be great if this gets up. Melbourne desperately needs some proper satellite cities to start popping up.

childrens hospital from the wheel..
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k64/sorryspeilberg/DSC01098.jpg

yesterdays paper carried an article describing plans for a 27L residential tower opposite flemington racecourse on the former racecourse hotel site. interesting to see if it gets up at 80m +. area has a tallish commission block close by so not without a chance

axiom apartments footscray
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/axc20090117.jpg

vic uni expansion
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/vut20090117.jpg

sienna apartments with office tower which will now become apartments
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/lom20090117.jpg

childrens hospital from the wheel..
This is the Greater Melbourne, not the Inner City thread.

This is the Greater Melbourne, not the Inner City thread.

Considering it's just down the road from the Lombards site, I think you're being a bit nit picky... But whatever L2... if you want it to be in the inner city thread, you can use your imagination..

Yeah... It's fun to pretend. :)

This is the Greater Melbourne, not the Inner City thread.

Let the moderators do the moderating.

Never claimed to be a moderator - are friendly suggestions banned here? You're on a high horse at the moment.

Besides, the moderators have more important things to do - like addressing the users who fill the forums with crap (the Skybar tools).

New Proposal For Mitcham High Rise Site
Written by Marc Pallisco
Monday, 02 February 2009
The controversial development dubbed the “Mitcham Monster” may be back, but wearing a much more discreet disguise.

Whitehorse City Council has confirmed it is assessing a new planning application, for the Colombo Street site, which made headlines in 2004 when it was earmarked for a 17-level, and 11-level apartment building, with a total of 199 units.

The new proposal will rise no higher than 7-levels, but will still include about 200 units, a council spokesman told Secret Agent. Speculation the development would be a student accommodation facility could not be confirmed.

It was just over four years ago the Supreme Court controversially supported a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision to approve the two high rise towers for the 4,000 square metre site.

VCAT’s decision defied Whitehorse City Council recommendations the size of the project be substantially reduced.

Locals branded the project “The Mitcham Monster”, and filed more than 600 objections. The Mitcham project never got off the ground.

However that landmark decision – which cited the then-new Melbourne 2030 planning blueprint encouraging higher density development around existing transport nodes – started a wave of major development proposals in the suburbs.

As well as Mitcham, Whitehorse City Council is currently reviewing an application for a 38-level building behind the Centro Box Hill shopping centre. If approved, that building could be Melbourne’s tallest, outside of the CBD.

A Golden Ridge Investments spokesman declined to comment on its plans for the Mitcham site. It is expected the company will try to sell the block, if it obtains a permit.

The troubled Mitcham property failed to sell as a retail development site in 2007, despite reports supermarket giants Woolworths and Aldi were separately vying for the asset, for a price of about $3.5 million.

928 Doncaster Road
http://www.realestateview.com.au/pics/648/1241648ao.jpg

The Pinnacle, an exclusive 5-star luxury apartment building due for completion in February 2011.
632-640 Doncaster Road
http://www.realestateview.com.au/pics/047/1270047ao.jpg

367 Burwood Road HAWTHORN

http://images.domain.com.au/img/2009211/3517/2007602333_1_FS.JPG?mod=090213-0932

http://images.domain.com.au/img/2009211/3517/2007602333_3_FS.JPG?mod=090213-0932

from recent days

barkly hotel footscray
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/bho200902.jpg

vut expansion
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/vut200902.jpg

tooronga village, big big development
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/tvi200902.jpg

Tooronga is going to be huge and well placed. We need more of these developments in Melbourne.

shame abotu the prices at Tooronga Village... think the cheapest you can get for a 1 bedroom apartment is something like $350,000. 12km from city.

will be a very good development though. about 500m walk to Tooronga Station, will have a new Coles supermarket and retail shops built into the development and some surrounding employment (Coles Myer Head office and the Toorak/Auburn/Tooronga block) which may encourage people to live where they work. Also great access to Gardiners Creek bike path for a 15-20minute bike commute to the CBD.

First off with the aerial proposal right on the junction. Nothing on the website yet but the sign shows that they're still interested and hopeful they can get the money.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3297191592_ba8578b16a_o.jpg

This one is proposed for opposite Camberwell City Hall. Interesting front facade.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3297191498_b2df503055_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3296366281_6ae4fdb59c_o.jpg

These next bunch are of the recently completed Well development. Basement + two levels of retail, three levels of carparking topped with two levels of apartments. Good size for the area if a little inward focused. Great views too.

From the east.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3297191268_8f64935861_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3296366119_3cb9ff7e62_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/3296366005_914ee19fca_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3296365889_5dd028303b_o.jpg

Bourke Rd entrance.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3296365795_876276b71c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3297190748_7efb91eb53_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3297190642_a5b7c0ef16_o.jpg

From the 2nd level.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3297190536_fd7f081bcb_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/3297190426_1efac085a9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3297190340_65d8c6a202_o.jpg

Some of the interior.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3296365135_3ace152075_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/3297190124_4d960d5ceb_o.jpg

Main entrance.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3297190000_8b22b51d03_o.jpg

Western facade.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3296364675_9870a9d4b2_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/3296364519_5e90a358e4_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3297189466_e0ecafc1a0_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3296364329_4baf53b103_o.jpg

A little further up Camberwell Rd this little office building has just reached ground level. I think that there will be apartments behind it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3296364203_3e754cd9d0_o.jpg

:cheers:

thanks for that gappa - still haven't been out to Camberwell to have a look at the Well.

This one is proposed for opposite Camberwell City Hall. Interesting front facade.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3297191498_b2df503055_o.jpg


<dirtymind>

Siemen's HQ? (they look like long strands of 'protein')

</dirtymind>

<dirtymind>

Siemen's HQ? (they look like long strands of 'protein')

</dirtymind>

you see semen, i see a happy face! :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3296366281_6ae4fdb59c_o.jpg

^^^^
Einstein's face i think.............

^^ Correct, It's the image below.

http://hunternuttall.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/albert-einstein.jpg

http://www.mcmullin.com.au/images/pages/southeastbusinesspark.jpg

Designed by ARM. Very similar to their (unbuilt) King St Wharf proposal which incorporated Max Dupain's 'Bondi" photo.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/2969/kswarmdupain.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Camberwell has such great potential. There are a number of sites that could be redeveloped into offices and apartments and even more retail. I just can't wait 'till the State Govt. takes over planning control of the Junction, as the local council is hopeless!

the well is actually quite ugly in the upper floors. I think it looks okay from ground level when you're close but surprised at how boxy the apartments look from a distance.

their is plenty happening in Camberwell despite Boroondara Council - although I guess it all depends on funding when they start getting built rather than the approvals for developments like the Honda Site and Camberwell Station.

^^^^
The Well is plain ugly

on another note... visy park works...

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k64/sorryspeilberg/2-2.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k64/sorryspeilberg/d57717de.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k64/sorryspeilberg/0c8c327a.jpg

Indeed, there will be a small development of 41 apartments behind this commercial development, facing Harold Street. 5 levels.

ESSINGTON Apartments comprise 41 high quality apartments with features ranging from stunning views to the top echelon of design and finishes, all located within the leafy Camberwell junction precinct.
A diverse range of apartments is offered with:

• Small, medium and large one bedroom apartments with diverse features and price levels
• Medium and large two bedroom apartments with varied balcony sizes and views, and flexible price levels
• Three three bedroom apartments / penthouses with generous ensuites and walk-in wardrobes for master bedrooms, all with stunning balconies

I agree Aussie Steve, the junction is goddamn ugly and Camberwell has so much potential. Nice to see a few smaller developments up and about, ease those Camberwellians into the 21st century.

yep I think Harold Street/Burwood Road/Burke Road triangle is going to be one big construction site in the coming 10 years as developers build up from the current 1/2 storey office buildings to 4/5 storey buildings and take out hte last of the terrace houses on Harold Street for bigger buildings.

Hopefully Council allows more development similar to the Well also in the area where car parks currently are i.e. release council land to a developer with the developer to rebuild public car parks with commerical development above. Of course they'd need to have some decent architecture instead of rubbish like the Well.

There are two tower cranes in the main street of Footscray at the moment.

Construction (or demoltion) sites of note at the moment are:

Irving Street Footscray. All the shops are being demolished prior to the construction of a new footbbridge and access to the station

Hopkins Street/ Winfield Street: huge crane here, 11 storey residential building.

Rear of previous Barkly Hotel (apparently heritage listed): another large crane has been erected, for construction of 13 storey Ministry of Housing Acccommodation .

There are additional multi-storey sites in this area:

Barkly Theatre redevelopment.

Nicholson/Droop Street multistorey (I'd give this a name if I could; the site has been levelled)

Moore/Hopkins St. Redevelopment.

I think it's Westville Central
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q279/duongLe_/WestvilleCentral.jpg

moved

Tooronga is going to be huge and well placed. We need more of these developments in Melbourne.

Drove past last night and the third tower crane is being put up. Only the tower was there last night but I guess by monday the crane will be done.

from today's Capital Gain:

Forges' new strategy

MELBOURNE'S western suburbs is losing one of its largest and proudest retailers, with Forges of Footscray confirming it will sell its almost one-hectare land holding, part of which abuts the Nicholson Street Mall.

The sale is believed to be part of a strategy by the discount retailer to open smaller, 1000-square-metre shops in a greater number of areas - and cash in on the current cash-strapped economy.

News of the Footscray sale follows the offloading last year of Forges' Dimmeys Richmond property for $16.5million to private developer Joel Freeman.

Dimmeys is expected to occupy a small piece of a retail space within a redevelopment of the prominent Swan Street building.

Vinci Carbone directors Frank Vinci and Joseph Carbone are marketing the Forges of Footscray properties, which spread over Paisley, Albert and French streets and include buildings and land used for car parks.

The sites are expected to sell for about $15million and eventually be developed into a major inner-city shopping centre, possibly with some form of high-rise residential.

Forges managing director Doug Zampelli was unavailable for comment when contacted by Capital Gain.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/likely-goahead-for-frankston-marina-20090308-8sg2.html?page=-1

Likely go-ahead for Frankston marina

A MASSIVE new marina that would radically change the face of the Frankston foreshore could be approved within weeks by Planning Minister Justin Madden.

Frankston Council is awaiting ministerial approval to put the $90 million project to tender, and hopes to do so next month.

The marina is expected to reclaim about 22 hectares of the bay, mostly over the seabed, at Olivers Hill.

The State Government has previously said it supports the proposed model.

Opponents fear the marina will be a financial flop and become an environmental blight on the bay.

A smaller version of the Frankston Safe Boat Harbour was previously allowed under the council's planning scheme, but was deemed commercially unviable. Frankston Council is now proposing an enlarged version, with 300 wet berths, 400 dry berths, at least 30 public wet berths, a 60-unit hotel, 660 car parking spaces and 2000 square metres of commercial area.

The council hopes the marina will be a "tourism hub that generates local pride", providing jobs and a new public space.

Frankston Mayor Colin Hampton said the project would go to tender as soon as possible.

"The minister still has to sign off on it; that should happen this month," he said.

"This is a long-term investment. I can understand the situation at the moment with the turn-down in the world economy — it might not be viable. We'll soon find out once the tenders come back in again."

Allan Cayzer of the Marina Industries Association of Australia said he expected strong interest in the tender.

The boat population had increased by about 22 per cent in the past 10 years, while facilities had only increased by about 2 per cent, he said.

"It's crying out for some sort of facility there in the Frankston area.

"We're just not catering for the growth that our marine industry is enjoying. I know we're in a recession now, or supposedly, but that's not going to last forever."

Use of the nearby Patterson Lakes Marina was restricted by the bridge that only some boats could travel under, he said.

But Frankston Beach Association secretary Graeme Lyell questioned whether the project would meet expectations.

"One of our major concerns is the whole financial viability of the project," he said, adding that if the marina becomes a white elephant, the environmental restoration work to be carried out by the operator would likely be abandoned.

The tender requires the successful bidder to have a beach renourishment plan to minimise environmental impacts.

The council does not plan to contribute to the capital cost of the project and wants the State Government to fund related public works.

A State Government spokesman said Mr Madden's submission was not merely a technicality.

"The planning amendment will have to fit in with the proposed model the Government supported in September last year and the minister will take that into account when considering any amendments," he said.

A large marina is also planned for the other side of the bay at Wyndham.


Pics on the website. Dubaiesque.

Good news. The Franga foreshore has been improved quite a bit over the past few years. I remember when it was a dump, but it's actually pretty nice out there these days.

hickory have started construction on 10L anstey square on sydney rd, brunswick

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/6291/104726291mm1235610923.jpg

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/6291/104726291bl1235610923.jpg

next door axf are about to put their crane up for another apartment building

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/axe20090308.jpg

hickory have also picked up elvera nearby

http://bensonsgroup.com.au/content_images/1/elverabig.jpg

these ought to get the local tree-swinging lefties riled

the local tree-swinging lefties

silvermb, the great man.

^^ Not bad, that's an area that I'm happy to see get higher density. Sydney Rd is ripe for development - it's mostly fairly low rise but close to the CBD and linked by heavy rail (albeit unutilised) and tram.

I'd love to see the properties between Sydney Rd and the Upfield Rail Line in the Brunswick area redeveloped. There's a lot of buildings used as things like factories or warehouses (small ones!) which IMO is a waste of the land :)

in the same part of town, Air launched today

Valad Announces AIR Development on Pentridge Prison Site, Coburg

Written by Marc Pallisco
Monday, 09 March 2009

Valad Property Group has released images of its $114 million, 259-unit environmentally friendly AIR apartment tower, on a slice of the former Pentridge Prison, in Coburg.

The 18-storey building, designed by Rothelowman to capture and funnel the wind, will include a German-engineered wind harnessing system, capable of producing 17,500 kilowatt hours of electricity a year.

Apartment Superstores chief executive officer Jack Brukarz is marketing apartments at Air.

He said the building will include practical, inbuilt green features “that produce real savings for its inhabitants and the environment.”

Studios of about 30 square metres start from $215,000. One-bedroom apartments start from $287,500, while two-bedroom start at $465,000.

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/0879/105520879ml1233719817.jpg

http://www.parktrent.com.au/site_images/properties/full/607_2.jpg

http://www.parktrent.com.au/site_images/properties/full/607_3.jpg

I do like whats happening in Sydney Rd though maybe they should think alittle bigger in terms of buildings and potential population..
Air is a good size but it makes the gaol wall look small in that render, have to say the view from there would be hot..........

$465k for a two bed suburban apartment..... hrm - can get a 2 bedroom in Watergate for that.

I'd love to see the properties between Sydney Rd and the Upfield Rail Line in the Brunswick area redeveloped. There's a lot of buildings used as things like factories or warehouses (small ones!) which IMO is a waste of the land :)

Well said. :D

Proposed new marina at Frankston.

http://images.theage.com.au/2009/03/08/410037/N_FRANKSTON-420x0.jpg

An artist's impression of the concept for the proposed $90 million Frankston marina, which is awaiting ministerial approval.

looks like it belongs in Dubai. I like the Helipad (which is the red thing at front left of the photo just inside the breakwater).

I wouldn't be holding my breath that someone will stump up $90 millino to fund this anytime soon though?

lombards and an old banger at breese st, brunswick

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/lom 200903.jpg

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/axe 200903.jpg

interesting to see a tower crane standing mid ground at the simpson barracks, watsonia

suspect its a new DFSS education complex

Peninsula Centre - VCAT Decision (www.vcat.vic.gov.au)

Site: western side of Nepean Hwy, Frankston, 50 metres north of Wells St and runs through to Keys St. Frontage of 26.44 metres to Nepean Hwy and 26.72 metre to Keys St. Land area 1925sqm.

It is proposed to alter and extend an existing 12 storey commercial building that has been used up until recently as offices, shops and other commercial uses such as cinemas and nightclub. The application will alter the layout and undertake additions to the existing building to accommodate the following:

* 129 room Residential hotel with ancillary gymnasium and pool area for guests of the hotel only;
* Office floor space of 1531m2 with ancillary board meeting rooms;
* Retail premises over two ground floor tenancies comprising 154m2 in area;
* 72 seat licensed Restaurant comprising 225m2 in area;
* 33 patron Tavern comprising 102m2 in area;
* a ballroom/function centre for 200 persons comprising 343m2 in area; and
* a conference facility for 250 persons comprising 547m2 in area.

The proposed buildings and works comprise:

* a two level addition (levels 3 and 4) above the podium with a 6 metre landscape setback east of the main tower;
* a new pool and terrace area with the western portion of the building at level 3;
* remodelling of the tower roof to screen existing antenna and plant; and
* relocating plant and equipment.

The proposed changes to the external built form are:

* retaining the north and south facades of the building save for the two voids where the structure of the building permits intrusion;
* re-cladding the central part of the northern and southern facades;
* treating the podium level ensuring it is visually different from the tower component of the building. At the Nepean Highway frontage the ballroom and swimming pool projections in particular will add visual interest. At the rear, a pattern of glazing across the eastern wall of the podium will provide visual interest; and
* partially articulating the west elevation between levels 5 and 9 by providing a balcony space to the residential hotel component.

^ Are you referring to Frankston?

^ Are you referring to Frankston?

It sounds like they've actually decided to do something to the hideous Peninsula Centre. I found myself having a conversation just the other day about whether it would be worthwhile to have it imploded.

It sounds like they've actually decided to do something to the hideous Peninsula Centre. I found myself having a conversation just the other day about whether it would be worthwhile to have it imploded.

Agree although redevelopment of the 'Horror Block' would be better as I would like to see more highrise in the Frankston area.

If Aussie Steve is referring to the Peninsula Centre, i'd be excited but then it contradicts a media report approx a week ago mentioning the plans are on hold for now due to the economic crisis. The plan was for a hotel. Havn't got all the info at hand atm sorry.

Peninsula Centre

Site: western side of Nepean Hwy, Frankston, 50 metres north of Wells St and runs through to Keys St. Frontage of 26.44 metres to Nepean Hwy and 26.72 metre to Keys St. Land area 1925sqm.


Never Eat Soggy Weetbix. ;)

^ I'm a dumb f***, How did I miss that?

^Na (assuming Aussie Steve's information is from the application), I think the developers are the fumb ducks, as it pretty much has to be the peninsula centre.

well its either the Peninsula Centre or the old Village Cinema building, although it seems they've turned it into some sort of function centre.

Here we go: http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/vic/VCAT/2009/511.html

Its the former Peninsula Centre, Frankston!!!!!

Its the former Peninsula Centre, Frankston!!!!!

Yeah I think we got that - just a bit confusing when they don't know their east from west.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/new-suburb-for-melbournes-west-20090409-a1c0.html

New suburb for Melbourne's west

* April 9, 2009 - 10:16AM

A new suburb creating 7500 jobs and more than 3000 new homes will be developed on a former defence site in Melbourne.

The federal and Victorian governments are working together to buy the 128-hectare former Department of Defence site in Maribyrnong, in the city's west.

Premier John Brumby said the project was expected to create about 4500 construction jobs during the ten-year developing period and up to 3000 positions at a new business precinct.

"State and federal governments are taking a lead by delivering more housing supply and choice, public recreation space and community facilities," Mr Brumby said.

"The Department of Defence has already begun an extensive remediation project to clean up the site."

The Victorian government developer VicUrban will work with the private sector to build the as yet un-named suburb.

Federal MP for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten said the move would provide the local community with access to a parcel of land that has been closed to the public for more than 100 years.

"Along with new residential and commercial developments that will occur in the area, the site will be cleaned up and include significant areas of public open space and a variety of community facilities," Mr Shorten said.

The site will have to meet Victorian environmental standards before VicUrban takes control of the land.

The total project value is over $1 billion.

_________

the Premier's press release states 6000 people living in an area of 128 hectares (1.28 square kilometres) - that's high density, probably one of the most dense in the city.

Towers++

VCAT has approved the redevelopment of Sofias Restaurant in Camberwell incorporating the restaurant and a 5 storey hotel above. It includes (finally) construction behind the bank facade next to Sofia's that has been sitting there for at least 3 or 4 years as only the facade.

adds to the numerours approved 5+ storey developments in Camberwell.

The proposal is to for the development of a 3 and 6 level building over a 3 level basement for the purposes of a residential hotel[1], as described below:
Basement car park over three levels for 80 car spaces
Ground level: hotel lobby, offices, lounge and business area, restaurant and two small shops.
First and second floors: 20 hotel rooms each.
Third floor: 13 hotels rooms plus communal facilities.
Fourth floor: 15 hotel rooms.
Fifth floor: 14 hotel rooms.

http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/vic/VCAT/2009/438.html?query="Boroondara%20CC"

few more of the pinnacle, doncaster hill

http://www.realestate1.com.au/webdata/property/3177/22505_xlrg.jpg
http://www.realestate1.com.au/webdata/property/3177/22506_xlrg.jpg
http://www.realestate1.com.au/webdata/property/3177/22507_xlrg.jpg

http://www.theage.com.au/national/new-suburb-to-rise-from-arms-site-20090409-a24x.html

New suburb to rise from arms site

* Paul Austin
* April 10, 2009

http://images.theage.com.au/2009/04/09/469478/svSUBURB-420x0.jpg

An artist's impression of the new suburb.

MELBOURNE is to get a new suburb, on the banks of the Maribyrnong River just 10 kilometres from the city.

The old munitions factory site near Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong will be transformed over the next decade into a still-to-be named suburb with about 6000 residents — roughly the same number as live in Castlemaine or Lakes Entrance.

Cleaning up the 128-hectare disused Department of Defence site, to ensure it is safe to live on, is expected to take two to three years.

The Commonwealth will then sell the land at market value to the State Government, whose property development agency, VicUrban, will be charged with creating the new suburb.

It is expected to have about 3000 houses. About 600 will be for public and social housing tenants, but some along the three kilometres of riverfront and others with sweeping views to the city are likely to be valued at $1 million-plus.

Parkland will be incorporated in the design, as well as office space for up to 3000 workers.

Premier John Brumby predicted the new suburb, on land that had been closed to the public for 100 years, would become "the jewel in the crown" of Melbourne and the envy of major cities around the world.

On the day Victoria's unemployment rate rose again, to 5.7 per cent, Mr Brumby said the project would create about 4500 construction jobs over 10 years.

"In these tougher global economic times, we are taking action to create jobs," he said.

The State Opposition said it supported development of the site, but dismissed Mr Brumby's jobs claims as a con.

Opposition scrutiny-of-government spokesman David Davis described yesterday's announcement as a rehash of a five-year-old story, and warned: "There is an enormous amount of work to be done before one job is created by this project.

"Labor has been sitting on this opportunity since 2004. VicUrban's 2004 annual report had stated it had begun negotiations with the Commonwealth on developing a new suburb.

"There's something very wrong with the Brumby Government when it puts job-creating projects on the back burner for five years, then boasts about creating jobs that are at least three years away. We need these jobs now."

The local federal MP, Labor's Bill Shorten, acknowledged it would be a "complex exercise" to protect the river and the environment as well as ensuring the development did not lead to increased congestion on roads and public transport in the western suburbs.

He said all members of the local community would be given the chance to have their say on planning for the project.

few more of the pinnacle, doncaster hill


With regards to Doncaster Hill's "The Pinnacle", i believe there is an information night with the architects and owner representatives set for the 20th of this month.

Been waiting a long time for development within the area, and can only hope the final wait is nowhere near as long.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/moreland-council-officers-hit-out-at-pentridge-plans-20090413-a4u1.html

Moreland council officers hit out at Pentridge plans

* Kate Lahey
* April 14, 2009


NEW retail plans for Pentridge will compete too heavily with other Coburg shops and the development lacks commitment to affordable housing and heritage, according to Moreland council officers.

Developer Valad has released its master plan for the 6.5-hectare Pentridge Piazza, which includes almost 29,000 square metres of retail and commercial space.

The council is planning a $1 billion project with Equiset Grollo to revitalise the heart of Coburg at the Sydney Road-Bell Street intersection.

The council recently commissioned research on the Valad master plan "to ensure that the proposed retail-commercial component proposed at Pentridge (Piazza) will not operate in competition with or have significant negative impacts on the core of the Coburg principal activity centre".

In a letter to Valad in February, the council's acting chief executive, Roger Collins, said the acceptable amount of retail and commercial space for the piazza was 20,000 square metres, so as not to reduce sales in the "relatively weak" Coburg core. The letter also said Valad's mention of affordable housing as "feasible" was not strong enough.

The Age believes Valad has been in talks with housing associations and is prepared to make a firmer commitment once the plan is approved.

The master plan also proposes three towers up to 16 storeys high, where the previous plan allowed for eight storeys or higher.

The National Trust has objected to one tower and the matter is being considered by Heritage Victoria.

A report to councillors from staff warns that the master plan lacks commitment to restoring and using heritage buildings.

However, the new plan retains all of A Division where previously a wing was to be demolished, in a decision the trust welcomed. A Division was designed and originally used as a women's prison.

A Valad representative was unavailable yesterday, but Kurt Wilkinson, the company's head of property, said last week the plan would better protect the site's heritage.


There's a pic up on the website of one of the internal courtyards. It looks a little Fed Square.

P.S. Question about photos from online newspapers. If I want to include them in my posts do I need to host the photo on my own server???

http://images.theage.com.au/2009/04/14/472912/140409-pentridge-420x300-420x0.jpg

^No - just paste the url as an image.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/stars-missing-as-rail-curtain-rises-20090414-a69f.html
From The Age

Stars missing as rail curtain rises
Kate Lahey
April 15, 2009

NEITHER Geoffrey Rush nor Barry Humphries was there to see it, but a hearing began yesterday to determine the fate of the Camberwell station. It was nonetheless a full house.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal began to hear arguments on the proposal by Tenterfield to build a public plaza and two buildings, one of three storeys and another of nine.

The City of Boroondara had refused a previous application from the developer. Tenterfield lodged revised plans with VCAT last October, proposing 118 dwellings instead of 20.

The original development plan sparked community protests, led by actors Rush and Humphries, in a test of the State Government's Melbourne 2030 planning blueprint.

The council says the development will be out of place in the Burke Road streetscape, but supporters describe it as an intelligent approach that will set a new benchmark for quality architecture.

Boroondara Residents Action Group president Jack Roach told the tribunal he would speak on behalf of about 30 people who turned up to watch yesterday's hearing.

Chris Wren, for the council, said it stood by the 31 grounds for refusal of the original plan.

"Put simply, that the amended proposal doesn't fit the Burke Road streetscape, it doesn't fit the heritage of its place, and that it doesn't work," Mr Wren said.

In a written submission to the tribunal, former state president of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Dimity Reed, said the proposed development would make the station safer, turning a "dubious evening walk" into one of the city's famed laneway experiences.

"I am aware of the heritage context of Camberwell station, but firmly believe that this proposal is an intelligently considered and skilfully designed response to a series of complex site and built character issues," Professor Reed said in her submission.

VicTrack chose Tenterfield in 2002 as the preferred developer for the site. The proposal has been developed by architects Wood Marsh, town planners URBIS, heritage consultants Lovell Chen and landscaping consultants John Patrick.

Tenterfield director Andrew Cook said before the hearing the development was an excellent example of what the State Government was trying to achieve with activity centres at transport hubs. The hearing is due to run for eight days.

englehart developments have boarded up 642 doncaster rd. render looks to be 12L, not too bad sitting next to pinnacle (pic above). 9L Crowne Plaza hotel at 682 donc rd should also start in the next few months

site of the old gasworks next to monash. coffey have leased 12000sqm of the 30000sqm.
better than a hole in the ground i guess

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/coffey.jpg

^^ Functional and that's all!
Imagination 1/10. :down:

^^ x 2

I would have hoped for something that better showcases the planning objectives in the area for mixed-use development.

At this stage though, the quantity of dormant sites around the Doncaster Hill area are an absolute eye-sore.

Some good news!Great to see the Govt overide the whingeing nimbys.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/brumby-sidelines-councils-20090415-a7gy.html?page=2

Brumby sidelines councils

Kate Lahey
April 16, 2009



THE Brumby Government is preparing to override more local councils in a bid to speed up development projects as it tries to stimulate Victoria's sagging economy.
Yesterday's announcement from Planning Minister Justin Madden that he was intervening to accelerate five major projects is unlikely to be the last, with his department already examining other potential sites.

With the state's unemployment rate having jumped to 5.7 per cent, Mr Madden says speeding up the five projects across Melbourne and near Geelong will ensure the creation of 13,700 jobs and bring an economic boost of at least $1.6 billion.

Some of the projects will also help the Government deliver on its "Melbourne @ 5 million" planning blueprint, which aims to have 53 per cent of new housing built in established areas.

Premier John Brumby revealed last week the economic slowdown had wiped $2 billion from this year's expected $37.8 billion budget, largely through reductions in GST and stamp duty revenue.

Mr Madden said yesterday he was taking planning control of the $1 billion Pentridge Prison redevelopment in Coburg, which includes residential towers, and the $350 million Monash University redevelopment in Caulfield.

He also immediately rezoned the 16.5-hectare Amcor site in Alphington to mixed use before expressions of interest in the sale of the land close today.

The huge inner-suburban lot on the Yarra is expected to fetch more than $150 million and have at least 2000 dwellings.

Mr Madden said the five projects were chosen for their ability to provide jobs, investment and certainty for the market. "This is a direct response by the Brumby Government to the challenging times we face."

He also said he would rezone land for the $50 million expansion of the Waurn Ponds shopping centre on Geelong's outskirts and refer a $250 million redevelopment of the Werribee Plaza to a Priority Development Panel.

In February the Government announced an audit of projects to identify those to be fast-tracked, and took control of the Common Ground public housing project in Elizabeth Street

The strategy was immediately criticised as undemocratic, amid fears it would sideline local communities.

Yarra councillors, who had decided not to rezone the Amcor land before its sale, lashed out at the Government for failing to respect their decision and the community's wishes. "If the developer wants to put cheap-to-build, nasty-to-live-in towers right down to the river bank, we'll have very few means to stop them," Cr Allison Clarke said.

"The rezoning and overlay also means the community will no longer have input into any proposed development."

The Amcor site has a 30-metre development buffer from the Yarra, according to a Government spokeswoman.

Mr Madden denied using the economic downturn as an excuse to wield greater planning control. "I wouldn't anticipate we would want to make a regular habit of calling in projects or intervening in projects in any way," he said. "This is really about giving confidence and certainty to the market."

Opposition planning spokesman Matthew Guy accused the Government of not intervening fast enough. "If Labor had acted last year when all indicators showed a deep economic downturn was coming, these projects would be in the construction phase right now," Mr Guy said.

The Master Builders Association said the intervention would lift the spirits of the 194,000 Victorian construction workers and ease the effects of the downturn.

site of the old gasworks next to monash. coffey have leased 12000sqm of the 30000sqm.

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/coffey.jpg

Is this on the south side of Toorak Rd, just east of the Monash Fwy?

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=-37.846376,145.043306&spn=0.003829,0.010986&t=h&z=17

Yep, the green block of land with the concrete circle in the middle. Just to the right (the now demolished shopping centre and carpark) is where stocklands toronga village thingy is going on.

I am not too certain if these have been posted already

http://www.law.monash.edu.au/caulfield/model.jpg

http://www.law.monash.edu.au/caulfield/aerial.jpg

http://www.equiset.com.au/assets/projects/fusion/main.jpg

http://www.equiset.com.au/assets/projects/fusion/hi_res01.jpg

http://www.equiset.com.au/assets/projects/fusion/hi_res02.jpg

http://www.equiset.com.au/assets/projects/fusion/hi_res03.jpg

http://www.equiset.com.au/assets/projects/fusion/hi_res04.jpg

http://www.equiset.com.au/assets/projects/fusion/hi_res05.jpg

http://www.equiset.com.au/assets/projects/fusion/hi_res06.jpg

http://www.equiset.com.au/assets/projects/fusion/hi_res07.jpg

http://www.equiset.com.au/assets/projects/fusion/hi_res08.jpg

http://www.equiset.com.au/assets/projects/fusion/hi_res09.jpg

^^ they are rebuilding Coles in the basement as part of this redevelopment aren't they??

looks good and love the integration of 3 residential towers into the area as it is so close to transport/the uni/retail etc.

meanwhile the existing car park just east of this new development is an example of how to make a nice looking carpark. (left hand side of 6th picture in above post)

and while we're talking about Caulfield one of the recent developments that has pissed me off more than any around Melbourne is the new Dan Murpheys store in Caulfield. It would be literally first thing outside the pic at the top left of the aerial photo above and is a single storey Dan Murpheys store with 100 space at grade car park. It is less than 500 metres walk to Caulfield Station and Monash Uni and they couldn't even make a basement carpark and a few levels of office above groudn floor dan murpheys. GRRRRR!!!

^^^ And that's what I was talking about on the Docklands thread.. Smaller footprints, and separated parking. Looks great.

Dan Murpheys store in Caulfield. It would be literally first thing outside the pic at the top left of the aerial photo above and is a single storey Dan Murpheys store with 100 space at grade car park. It is less than 500 metres walk to Caulfield Station and Monash Uni and they couldn't even make a basement carpark and a few levels of office above groudn floor dan murpheys. GRRRRR!!!

Whats worse is that they tore down a great ye olde english style building for this one. The old building had a bar which they were allowed to operate on race days. Ah well.


As for the uni, it's all good. There's still a bit of room for further highrises in the future, mainly building B and A over on the right of those ariel photos just north east of the roundabout. But probably not for quite a few years yet.

I read in some glen eira newsletter the other week that the VRC and council are looking at a landswap. The VRC wants a triangle of land right near the station to develop, it's currently crown land but they'd turn over some of their own land to the council of the same area.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/our-oldest-house-demolishers-delight-20090422-afdl.html

From The Age

Our oldest house? Demolisher's delight
Goya Bennett and Geoff Strong
April 23, 2009

http://images.theage.com.au/2009/04/22/486587/N_WILLIAMSTOWN-420x0.jpg
Going, going gone? The 150-year-old Williamstown dwelling. Photo: Wayne Taylor

A RAMSHACKLE mess in Williamstown is the centre of a bitter conservation row because it is thought to date from 1842, making it possibly Melbourne's oldest house. It is also on a prime development site and has an owner who needs to sell to prop up his dwindling superannuation.

The weatherboard house, which has been unoccupied since at least the early 1960s, was listed in 2007 by Heritage Victoria on its heritage register after considerable debate.

This makes it technically one of the state's most significant buildings. But the owner, Hoppers Crossing man Gary Page, said he had been told as little as $10,000 would be available as a grant from the State Government to restore it, despite an estimate that proper repairs would cost $200,000.

The 839-square-metre block has been estimated by the real estate agents who want to sell it to be worth about $1 million.

The property has been in the Page family since 1964, when Mr Page's father bought it as a storage site for his oil drum recycling business. Mr Page, who has owned it since 1981, has applied to Heritage Victoria to demolish the structure before the land is sold at auction, but he said yesterday he was happy to donate the house to anyone who wanted to take it away for restoration.

There have also been suggestions the house could be moved to parkland and restored as a museum, but there has been little enthusiasm from Hobsons Bay Council and no offer of money.

Patsy Toop, president of the community group Preserve Old Williamstown, says the house should be preserved on its current site as a national monument.
"This cottage represents the first settlement in Melbourne. Before it was built, more than likely there would have been tents. In America, Europe or England, remnants of first settlement are made national monuments."

But while Victoria's National Trust believes owners of such buildings should be given much more financial assistance to preserve them, its senior historian, Celestina Sagazio, said there was not enough evidence that this was Melbourne's oldest house. She said there had been considerable debate in Heritage Victoria before the building was finally listed on its register.

"What we do know is that the block was first gazetted in 1837. Its first owner was a James Cain who bought it in 1841 and then sold it to William Pope in 1842," she said.

"The first reference to a house on the site was the first local council rate book of 1856, which said there was a four-room timber dwelling occupied by Clara Pope, the widow of William Pope."

Mr Page said he did not want to see history destroyed. "Someone suggested it should just catch fire, but I don't want that to happen. I have been approached by someone who wants to restore the building, and if I get a demolition permit I will let him take it."

He said he was retired and living on superannuation. The imperative to sell had resulted from the decline in his super due to the economic downturn.

"I offered it to the council to rent it as parkland, but they rejected the idea, so here I am getting no rent and having to pay big rates on it each year."

"Its our heritage! We must not let our heritage be destroyed by evil developers and young people", said the nimby.

Knock it down.

Our oldest house is Latrobe's cottage from 1839.

An extract from the Sunshine Business Association minutes. If my memory serves me right, the 3 x 10 storey buildings will be resi (reported in local paper about 6 months ago). Anyone know where Albion square is?

Meeting Discussions:

1. Introduction by Brimbank City Council, Deputy Mayor Tran Siu.
Informing of the proposed developments for the Sunshine business precinct and how businesses can potentially work together and raise the profile of Sunshine and create more business activity.
• The new works to take place on developing a brand new train station in Sunshine.
• The new electrified regional and freight train lines will make Sunshine the new North Melbourne station.
• By the end of the year Sunshine will see cranes with the development of 3 new 10 storey buildings in the Albion square.
• VU doubling its expansion and seeing new student lodges and accommodation on the Sunshine Activity precinct.
• How current businesses now can capitalise on all the new development by being more organised such as many other successful business groups from around Melbourne.

"Its our heritage! We must not let our heritage be destroyed by evil developers and young people", said the nimby.

Knock it down.

I would really like to see this kept actaully. No need to kill a building that is THAT old.

mate.....its a pile of rotten wood that hasn't been lived in since the 60's. Old? Yes. Worth keeping instead of a building that a human being(s) could actually inhabit? No.

That's a house? :nuts:

Looks more like a pile of rotting wood with some tin (roof). Could you even remove it from the site without the thing collapsing? Guess that it is an example of what happens when there is 40yrs without maintenance.

Get rid of it.

said the nimby

Do you actually know what NIMBY stands for? It has no relation to this issue, which to me seems like it is mostly regarding whether it is feasible (or necessary) to restore and preserve the house.

To me, it looks like it's in such a bad state that restoring it would either result in inadvertently destroying the whole thing, or ending up with a structure that is pretty much brand new. If a significant amount of materials have to be replaced, I can't see how there could be much heritage value because the architecture itself doesn't appear to be of much significance.

It was a joke, I said it because the article mentioned the "house" being protected by heritage victoria. I thought it was funny that such a waste of space should be protected, hence the cynical ""Its our heritage!"

not in my back yard. Ie not at all. I realize that the phrase taken literally means not next to my house, but if you think about it nimbys, at least from what I've seen in victoria, are assertive about stopping development far beyond their back yards, to the degree that they'll say any development anywhere is bad. Typically old, bored and aimless people who have no real authority but take pleasure in keeping their house prices up at the cost of civic progress.

Sorry, your reasoning about NIMBYs is fallacious. It's a common trend in these forums to simply blame everything on NIMBYs or greenies when usually the objector is neither of those and often has legitimate concerns. By using generalisations like these, you are only harming your own argument.

Calling them names and accusing them of being opposed to progress does not help make things better and indeed it could be why people in favour of increased development are viewed in a negative light.

Can you prove that these people are opposed to all development, or could they be genuinely interested in protecting our heritage? Would you have supported the demolition of Flinders St station in the 1970s and putting an office building in its place, keeping in mind the station was in a terrible condition at the time?

I'm really not looking for a debate. I should say that the definition I gave of nimbys in my last post is an extreme one. Obviously there's a middle ground and everyone has their own view on a case by case basis. No I wouldn't have wanted flinders st station replaced with an office tower. But then thats the transport hub of the state...I was talking about a pile of rotten wood that nobody lives in. I agree blaming nimbys doesn't necessarily achieve anything, but I think pointing out the flawed logic of anti development groups is helpful in getting development to go ahead. Without generalizations language and syntax would not work so forgive me for not quantifying every word I said. No hard feelings.

An extract from the Sunshine Business Association minutes. If my memory serves me right, the 3 x 10 storey buildings will be resi (reported in local paper about 6 months ago). Anyone know where Albion square is?

Meeting Discussions:

1. Introduction by Brimbank City Council, Deputy Mayor Tran Siu.
Informing of the proposed developments for the Sunshine business precinct and how businesses can potentially work together and raise the profile of Sunshine and create more business activity.
• The new works to take place on developing a brand new train station in Sunshine.
• The new electrified regional and freight train lines will make Sunshine the new North Melbourne station.
• By the end of the year Sunshine will see cranes with the development of 3 new 10 storey buildings in the Albion square.
• VU doubling its expansion and seeing new student lodges and accommodation on the Sunshine Activity precinct.
• How current businesses now can capitalise on all the new development by being more organised such as many other successful business groups from around Melbourne.

could this be the harvester complex development in sunshine that had 2-3 towers of a similar size?

something like this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/jarf-kun/plandev/3ddedf68.jpg

http://www.theage.com.au/national/our-oldest-house-demolishers-delight-20090422-afdl.html

From The Age

Our oldest house? Demolisher's delight
Goya Bennett and Geoff Strong
April 23, 2009

http://images.theage.com.au/2009/04/22/486587/N_WILLIAMSTOWN-420x0.jpg
Going, going gone? The 150-year-old Williamstown dwelling. Photo: Wayne Taylor



encase it in glass.... a la docklands goods sheds.....







that was a joke btw, knock it down, leave the fireplace.

Move it and rebuild it in a park, like they did with La Trobe's Cottage.
It's not much, but it is part of our heritage damn it!

http://images.theage.com.au/2009/04/22/486587/N_WILLIAMSTOWN-420x0.jpg
The 150-year-old Williamstown dwelling. Photo: Wayne Taylor

Is no one interested in our history, our country, what made us?

It's the layers of our built environment that makes things interesting at street level and yes, even in a park, a historic building like this can be very educational/interesting for school groups etc...more than just having grass or not having it at all anywhere.

Collector, well said.

^^ If they can move it they should, but I don't think this poor guy should be lumped with losing any value his property has because of this.

put your money where your mouth is Heritage Victoria and buy him out.

Move it and rebuild it in a park, like they did with La Trobe's Cottage.
It's not much, but it is part of our heritage damn it!



Dude... LOOK AT IT!

How on earth are you going to move and rebuild this?

:lol:

If they put this in a park I sure as hell wouldn't want my kids crawling all over it!

;)

Unfortunately I think this one is too far gone to save. And I generally would err on the side of protecting a historic building.

^^ Sigh... Pull it apart bit by bit, replace all bits that need replacing (easily done) and then rebuild it as I said like they did with La Trobes Cottage.

I'm all for preserving remnants of our heritage (even if the building in question is not to my taste), but i think the community at large is better served with its relocation and preservation elsewhere.

A RAMSHACKLE mess in Williamstown is the centre of a bitter conservation row because it is thought to date from 1842, making it possibly Melbourne's oldest house. It is also on a prime development site and has an owner who needs to sell to prop up his dwindling superannuation.



As much as I like the idea of preserving historic buildings, I think this should be taken down. It's just rust and wood, a refurbishment is just going to make it a mere replica of the former house.

^^ If they can move it they should, but I don't think this poor guy should be lumped with losing any value his property has because of this.

put your money where your mouth is Heritage Victoria and buy him out.

I assume that the lack of development at the site is less to do with the old house than the legacy of it's last reported use - recycling oil drums. God knows what contamination is one the site and if the current owner knows, he is maybe trying to avoid the responsibility for cleaning it up.

http://hobsons-bay-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/fight-on-williamstown-high-rise-plans/

From Hobsons Bay Leader

Fight on Williamstown high-rise plans
28 Apr 09 @ 01:00pm by James Twining

http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2009/04/28/8415b5d84e8df57cdf781ba2d3956749_resized.JPG
An architect's impression of the proposed development.

EXCLUSIVE: WILLIAMSTOWN residents fear the face of their suburb could change forever if a 369-apartment development, including a 46.5m tower, is built in the heart of its maritime precinct.

Developer Nelson Place Village Pty Ltd has applied to rezone land on Nelson Place, near Williamstown’s naval dockyards, which would allow it to build four apartment towers ranging from six to 12 storeys.

Plans submitted to Hobsons Bay Council show the towers would be surrounded by 79 three-storey apartments. The plans also include 667 parking spaces, mostly underground.

Presently, the site of the proposed development - the former Port Phillip Mill at 31 Nelson Place - and adjoining blocks are subject to a height restriction of three storeys.

The application proposes to rezone the land from a special-use zone (marine engineering area) to a residential zone. This would include the removal of the three-storey height restriction.

The towers would have sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay and the city.

Preserve Old Williamstown president Patsy Toop said residents would “vehemently” fight the proposal.

“The community would be of the view that it is in fact greedy developers coming in and destroying our village, just for the sake of profit,” Ms Toop said.

“They leave with their spoils and leave the scar for us to deal with. I’d call for the developers to put their expressions of interest to the public, so the public can be informed to what’s going on and we can react accordingly.”

Drawings of the development were available online until they were removed this week.

When questioned by the Hobsons Bay Leader, architect Kesha Chakhvorostov said he had been asked to remove the plans from his website by his former employer - whose identity he would not reveal - and to reject media requests for comment.

The Leader sourced its drawings from plans submitted to Hobsons Bay Council, now a public document.

Hobsons Bay deputy mayor Angela Altair said: ``The council is currently considering the amendment request and will consult with the community at the appropriate time as part of the normal planning scheme amendment process’’.

Nelson Place Village Pty Ltd was yet to return calls.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/pentridge-tower-gets-nod-20090428-am2l.html

Pentridge tower gets nod

* Kate Lahey
* April 29, 2009

DEVELOPERS of the former Pentridge Prison have been given the go-ahead to build a 16-storey residential tower on the site, despite the National Trust's concerns.

Heritage Victoria yesterday announced its decision to grant a permit for the work in B division, saying it would help fund conservation work to the exterior of the cell block and its annexe.

Trust architectural historian Rohan Storey said the tower would seriously detract from the heritage value of the site and would dominate views of the jail.

But Heritage Victoria's executive director, Ray Tonkin, said the permit would help preserve the former jail, which closed in 1997. "The best way to secure the future of heritage places is to allow them to be effectively reused while retaining and conserving the most important heritage features," he said.

The permit also allows developer Valad Property Group to convert the B division kitchen into residential units and open parts of the bluestone walls. Valad head of property Kurt Wilkinson welcomed the decision.

Heritage Victoria has also issued a permit for work by developer Pentridge Village for a two and three-level mixed-use building on vacant land.

Earlier this month, Planning Minister Justin Madden took control of the Pentridge redevelopment, saying he needed to intervene to speed up construction and secure jobs. The work still required Heritage Victoria approval.

...residents fear the face of their suburb could change forever if a 369-apartment development, including a 46.5m tower, is built in the heart of its maritime precinct.

...“The community would be of the view that it is in fact greedy developers coming in and destroying our village, just for the sake of profit,” Ms Toop said.

...“They leave with their spoils and leave the scar for us to deal with.

These types of comments really make my blood boil. Of course the suburb will change. Cities change, the world changes, people change. Life is all about change!

Greedy developers? Because of course there is nothing selfish or greedy about preventing any development in established areas and forcing young singles and families to move out to new suburbs in the sticks because it's the only affordable area. Isn't allowing the city to continue to expand and destroy the environment greedy?

What scar? A high number of desirable residents? A more vibrant suburb?

I know it's all typical NIMBY stuff but :bash:

Hi all,

Can someone point me in the right direction to the Royal Melbourne Children Hospital development please? Thanks

Cheers

It's on Flemington Rd ;-)

Having said that if you search through this thread you should find what you're looking for. RCH doesn't have a dedicated thread.

These types of comments really make my blood boil. Of course the suburb will change. Cities change, the world changes, people change. Life is all about change!

Greedy developers? Because of course there is nothing selfish or greedy about preventing any development in established areas and forcing young singles and families to move out to new suburbs in the sticks because it's the only affordable area. Isn't allowing the city to continue to expand and destroy the environment greedy?

What scar? A high number of desirable residents? A more vibrant suburb?

I know it's all typical NIMBY stuff but :bash:


Well said........:)

It's on Flemington Rd ;-)

Having said that if you search through this thread you should find what you're looking for. RCH doesn't have a dedicated thread.

^^

kichigai :okay:

This'll be pretty big.

New cancer centre 'one of world's best'
Nick Miller
May 7, 2009 - 12:57PM
MELBOURNE'S long-awaited Comprehensive Cancer Centre was this morning given the green light. It will improve treatment of Victorians with cancer, and foster research for a cure.

The $1 billion project will be funded by a grant of $426 million from the Federal Government's Health and Hospitals Fund, matched by the state.

The rest of the money will be paid by research organisations, including $25 million from the University of Melbourne, and philanthropic donations.

The announcement was made this morning, jointly by federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon, Premier John Brumby and state Health Minister Daniel Andrews.

Ms Roxon said it was the biggest down payment yet from the health infrastructure fund. The centre would accelerate the development of new cancer treatments, she said.

"Our aim is for this centre to be one of the top 10 cancer centres of the world," Mr Brumby said.

It is the centrepiece of the State Government's cancer action plan, announced in last year's budget and detailed at the end of last year.

On the day he became Premier in 2007, John Brumby nominated the fight against cancer as one of his Government's top priorities.

He hopes the new centre will come to be seen as one of the legacies of his time in office.

The centre will be built on the triangular site in Parkville where a disused dental hospital now stands across the road from the Royal Melbourne and Royal Women's hospitals.

It will incorporate an expanded Peter MacCallum moved from its East Melbourne site.

The new Peter Mac will have 194 in-patient beds, 110 same-day treatment places and eight `medi-hotel' beds. It will also include six radiation therapy bunkers.

All three hospitals will collaborate to treat Victorian cancer patients, research new treatments and cures, and train future cancer clinicians, scientists and researchers.

The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research will be housed in the new building, alongside a new University of Melbourne cancer research and education centre. The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is also a key partner.

The centre will include 30,000 square metres of research space capable of accommodating up to 1400 researchers and a clinical trials facility with 24 treatment places.

One researcher said it would improve the quality and quantity of cancer research in Victoria, as well as improve care for patients. As is already the case with the Royal Women's and Royal Melbourne in areas such as breast cancer, top specialists would be able to share their expertise between the hospitals.

Patients would also get better access to clinical trials of experimental cancer drugs..

However, the project has not come without some controversy. The Age understands negotiations were delicate over how the three hospitals would share services..

The centre was a mysterious omission from Tuesday's state budget. The official explanation was that, when the budget was framed, there was not yet approval for the federal funds - so the cost to the state could not be confirmed.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/new-cancer-centre-one-of-worlds-best-20090507-aw3d.html?page=-1

^^ why announce it today one day after the state budget was announced. (see bottom line of article)

does that mean funding won't be available from the state portion till next year? stupid.

^^ why announce it today one day after the state budget was announced. (see bottom line of article)

does that mean funding won't be available from the state portion till next year? stupid.

Relax Max. They have to demolish the old dental hospital first. That money was made available in last years budget. This project will take several years to complete so they don't need all the money right now.

I get sick of opening this thread titled "Greater Melbourne" to see developments in places like Parkville and East Melbourne.

yes inner melbourne thread thanks

There is no such animal... "inner city" looked wrong to me... Move it if you wish. Perhaps there should be an inner suburbs thread if it irks you so much. I'd be annoyed reading about parkville in a "city" thread personally ...

I'm a resident in Hobsons Bay, hope that proposal for Williamstown doesn't go ahead! IT SUCKS! :bash:

^^ NIMBY

I'm a resident in Hobsons Bay, hope that proposal for Williamstown doesn't go ahead! IT SUCKS! :bash:

Explaine why it ''SUCKS''.??
Hobsons Bay is a big place, how far away from the ship yards are you.?

Im sure anything proposed here is going to ster up the nimbys into a hysterical lather, no concept of whats on offer from the developer, just a wastfull bunch of idiots screaming and ranting saying shit like ''our air is being sold for greed by hungry developers'',''stop this madness'' and ''who is thinking of the children ??''.......:bash:

I get sick of opening this thread titled "Greater Melbourne" to see developments in places like Parkville and East Melbourne.
Didn't you hear, there's no civilisation beyond the tram termini.