Around 50 BCNA members attended the webinar organised by the developer on 1 December 2020. This was an opportunity to see and hear about their plans and to ask questions.
The proposal is for a 10-storey mixed use building comprising 122 residences. The Ground Floor will have a gym and wellness centre, art gallery, meeting rooms, providore, café, and public toilets. The plans can be accessed here.
Questions at the webinar included the lack of provision of car parking for visitors, the request to waive the provision of 17 car spaces for retail uses, overshadowing of the bike and pedestrian trails at the winter solstice, wind tunnel effects, car access from Beach Street, and the loading/unloading areas in the building. Once completed, the developers estimate that from 170 to 200 people will live in the building.
The BCNA welcomes the proposal. However, it should comply with all planning provisions of the City of Port Phillip Planning Scheme. Areas of concern are insufficient on-site parking for visitors and retail, overshadowing of the bike and pedestrian paths at the winter solstice, building setbacks and public access to commercial facilities. The BCNA has decided to lodge an objection on these issues.
The City of Port Phillip has asked the Government Architect for advice on the plans. This is expected soon. Council will also be organising a webinar for the community. The BCNA will provide details as soon as they are available.