New Plans for 1-7 Waterfront Place

Following the consultation meeting in March the developer has lodged new plans (Application Number 490/2020, the revised plans are marked as S57A) with the City of Port Phillip (CoPP). The new plans incorporate design improvements following feedback from the community, the Office of the Victorian Government Architect and Heritage Victoria.

The BCNA welcomes the improvements in design. The improvements include an increase in the tower setback on the western edge, an increase in tower and podium setbacks on Waterfront Place, and an increase in basement car parking.

The BCNA remains keen to see a resolution as to use of the site. We have requested the CoPP to work collaboratively with all parties to find a resolution.

The BCNA’s primary concerns with the earlier plans were about insufficient parking within the building for residents, retail services and users of the gym; and overshadowing of the bike and pedestrian paths. The new plans are proposing a greater allocation of parking to residents. However, we would like to see more parking spaces allocated to users of the gym and retail services, so avoiding building users parking in nearby streets. Overshadowing of the bike and pedestrian paths along Waterfront Place remains a concern as the developer has not sought to minimise overshadowing at the Winter Solstice as required by the Port Phillip Planning Scheme. Most of the bike and pedestrian paths will remain in shadow. The BCNA has decided to object, primarily, about overshadowing of the bike and pedestrian paths at the Winter Solstice and has requested a greater allocation of parking spaces to users of the gym and retail services.  The BCNA submission can be found here.

The CoPP will now consider feedback from the community about the revised plans. The BCNA encourages members to look at the plans and respond directly to the council online.

BCNA Objects to Development at 81 Beacon Vista

There is a proposal (Application Number 902/2020) at 81 Beacon Vista to undertake a partial demolition, alterations and additions, and the construction of ground, first and second floor additions. The BCNA has decided to object to this development because it would substantially change the character of the area. The BCNA believes the proposal does not comply with the Neighbourhood Character Overlay of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme.

81 Beacon Vista is a residence with a distinct tower form on a corner block. The proposed extension to the tower is not in keeping with the surrounding area. The addition also imposes massing and visual bulk to the detriment of the surrounding area. Overall, the proposal is not in keeping with the policies for development in the Port Phillip Planning Scheme.  The BCNA submission can be found here. The BCNA encourages members to look at the plans and respond directly to the council online.

Draft Council Plan and Draft Budget 2021/22

The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) has released a draft Council Plan 2021-31 and a draft budget for 2021-22.

Proposed capital works for Port Melbourne are shown on pages 62-63 of Council’s draft Plan and includes funds for Station Pier Jetty and Boardwalk Renewal, and a toilet upgrade at Waterfront Place.

Councill’s draft budget for 2021/22 shows an expected surplus of $14 million. It assumes a rate increase of 1.5%. Details are shown on the City of Port Phillip’s website at www.portphillip.vic.gov.au. Comments on both documents will be received up until 23rd May 2021.