The developer planning to build a 28-storey high-rise tower on the banks of the Maribyrnong River has praised the project’s design, despite a growing backlash.
Martin Toogood, of Devcorp (Vic), said he has been working with the council and state government for 14 years after acquiring the
2 Hopkins Street, Footscray, site in 2000.
“I think it will bring a great result,” he said. “We spent a lot of time with the architects, a lot of time with the council in the beginning.
“I think the design is impressive visually; a lot of people would enjoy the design, enjoy driving down Dynon Road and seeing it.”
Last week, Star Weekly reported Planning Minister Matthew Guy had used his powers to approve the $200 million riverside development of 751 apartments in four towers ranging from 16 to 28 storeys.
The approval came despite a design review panel of the Office of the Victorian Government Architect finding significant shortcomings and holding “fundamental concerns that the current proposal compromises the public amenity of the Maribyrnong riverside corridor and does not adequately contribute to the realisation of an integrated and successful urban precinct in Footscray”.
The panel expressed the “firm view that the civic amenity is negatively affected by this proposal”.
Maribyrnong mayor Grant Miles said council had specific concerns about the height of the buildings.
“The development is located within the riverside precinct and will have a significant detrimental effect on liveability of local streets,” he said.
Cr Catherine Cumming said the project was too tall and failed to live up to the minister’s promise to protect the river from overdevelopment.
“With this development, it would seem they are abusing the minister’s powers and pushing for much higher, much larger developments,” she said.
Mr Toogood said the plans were upfront about shadows falling on adjoining properties and the river, and the minister would have had this information in making his decision.
“It has been a long process,” he said.
“I would be very hopeful this could get started very quickly – it will be a great thing for Footscray.”
