FROM THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING

DATE: Wednesday, February 15, 2006

MINISTER APPROVES SCALED BACK BANCO PROJECT IN SMITH STREET

The Minister for Planning, Rob Hulls, today said he had accepted the advice of the independent Priority Development Panel to allow the redevelopment of the ‘Banco’ site in Smith Street Collingwood, subject to a further reduction in its height and bulk.

The Minister called in the project at the request of the Yarra City Council and community groups concerned about the multi-storey retail, office and residential complex’s impact on Smith Street. He referred the project to the Panel for independent assessment and advice.

The Panel’s recommendations address local concerns about maintaining Smith Street’s character, in particular its diversity of building styles, design, heritage landmarks and ‘ragged skyline’.

In particular the Minister’s decision includes:

• Reducing the height of the three buildings along the Smith Street frontage from up to 8 storeys to between 5, 6 and 7 storeys. Importantly, the building closest to the historically significant Collingwood Post Office has been reduced in height by three storeys, and set further back from the street. This will ensure that the Post Office spire remains a prominent feature in Smith Street.
• Setting back the upper level of the southern building from Smith Street by around 18 metres, significantly reducing its visibility from Smith Street.
• Reconstruction of the historic façade of the former Coles Variety Store building and the former Foy and Gibson building.
• Creation of a new verandah similar in scale to the former verandah of the Foy and Gibsons Store that once extended across this site. This verandah will be used as a ‘canvas’ to display civic art works that reflect the cultural significance of the site and Smith Street.
• Limiting the height of the building along little Oxford street to four storeys, with the upper levels set back to protect the amenity of residents living in Little Oxford Street.

The proposal originally submitted to Council included apartments, a supermarket, restaurants/cafes, offices and speciality shops.

The number of apartments has been reduced from 245 to 161 in the approved development.

"The Panel found that with some modifications, the proposed redevelopment responds to the historic and built form context of Smith Street. They also found that the substantial redevelopment of a site within a major activity centre that is well serviced by public transport is consistent with the planning policies at both the state and local level,” Mr Hulls said.

“I am satisfied that this redevelopment, subject to some design improvements, will transform this key inner-city site while maintaining the streetscape’s special inner-urban character and appeal.

“The concept of revitalising this site with a mixed-use project reflecting the highest standards of detailing and construction is entirely consistent with the strategic intent of Melbourne 2030 and the local policy frameworks.”

“As many submitters have noted, Smith Street is characterised by buildings with a high degree of craftsmanship and civic adornment. It is important that the ultimate redevelopment of this important site reflects a high standard of detailing, materials and construction.

“In order to ensure that a very high level of architectural craftsmanship is achieved, I intend to ask the newly appointed State Architect, Mr John Denton, to review the final design specifications for this development, including the choice and application of materials,” Mr Hulls said.

The City of Yarra remains the responsible authority for the site, and will be required to ensure that all conditions placed on the planning permit are satisfied.

The Minister has also accepted the advice of the Panel that a Design and Development Overlay (DDO) is an appropriate interim measure pending completion of a final structure plan for Smith Street.

However, the Panel also concluded that the interim height controls proposed by the Council require further refinement.

"I have asked my Department to consult with Yarra City Council in the redrafting of the proposed interim controls for the Smith Street Precinct. I expect that a final decision will be made on these interim controls in the next month or so,” Mr Hulls said.