A $280 million multi-tower development could soar 24 storeys above the former Le Mans Toyota site in Footscray if given the nod by state Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
An unadvertised Places Victoria planning application for the Hopkins Street site presented last night to the city development special committee of Maribyrnong council seeks approval for a masterplan for eight mixed-use buildings ranging from six to 24 storeys.
The development proposes 795 dwellings and more than 4000 square metres of commercial space including shops, restaurants and cafes.
A report to the meeting by senior urban planner Jeff Owen recommended rejecting support for the proposal on a number of grounds including overshadowing of public space.
“It is considered that the proposal meets the overall intent and objectives of urban consolidation within activity centres and the proposal is generally well conceived. However, the proposal does not adequately respond to the preferred heights provided for [planning scheme] Amendment C125.”
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The report found insufficient information was provided to allow the application to be carefully assessed.
“The heights, setbacks, provision of open space, mix of uses, subdivision and staging boundaries have not been adequately resolved, and as such it is premature to approve any development on the site.”
The master planning process was found to lack certainty and the proposal, just 100 metres from the Maribyrnong River, “fails to provide an appropriate land use mix, in particular, employment generating uses”.
The report found existing infrastructure is poor and needs a significant upgrade.
“The developer should be undertaking these works as part of the development.”
The site was bought in 2011 for $21 million but Places Victoria has been reportedly considering selling the block for close to $18 million. The final planning decision rests with the minister.
