Update on the Foodstore Site

The developer of 103 Beach Street is finalising his proposal for a four-level building comprising a café and supermarket on the ground floor, underground car park and 12 apartments.

The BCNA wants to see this site developed. The BCNA’s concerns have included the importance of maintaining parking spaces to the north of the building, two car park entrances, retaining a pedestrian entrance to the building from the car park, height, and safe pedestrian and cycle use to the east of the building.

The developer understands the community concerns that have been raised and has addressed these. Car park design and safe pedestrian and cycle use involve Council and Yarra Trams/PTV. They have provided an assurance that they will not exceed 1.6 metres above the existing approved height, do not plan to on-sell, and will ask Council to include reference to maximum height in the planning permit. They have also offered to hold a community meeting to explain final design and plans.

The BCNA is keen to see the proposed tram line duplication at the Beacon Cove stop occurring at the same time as redevelopment of the Foodstore site. To this end the BCNA will be contacting the Hon. Martin Foley MP to ensure funds are available to Yarra Trams/PTV for this work. This will minimise disruption from the two projects.

The developer hopes to start marketing and preselling later this year, with building starting around February 2020. The building phase is expected to take about 18 months.