Melbourne property tycoon Tim Gurner has been given the green light for two 25-storey apartment towers in Footscray.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne has granted approval for the twin towers at 1 Warde Street, containing 302 one and two-bedroom apartments.
Maribyrnong council had criticised the $45 million development – marketed as Romeo and Juliet – for a range of issues relating to height, land use, overshadowing, internal amenity and car parking.
But a spokeswoman for Mr Wynne said an amended proposal helped address these concerns.
“The minister approved 1 Warde Street because its height and density were well suited to the growing Footscray area, would provide additional housing options for residents and had a real focus on activating the streetscape for the local community,” she said.
“Footscray’s location near the CBD means it will continue to grow. The Andrews government is committed to ensuring this growth is sustainable and creates a liveable, healthy and vibrant community.”
Maribyrnong mayor Nam Quach said although the development was technically consistent with the preferred heights recommended in the Activity Centre Zone, it remained “ambitious”.
“I’d prefer something that wasn’t maxing out the height ceiling,” he said.
