A little ray of sunshine

A little ray of sunshine

People who enjoy sitting in the sun in the small Little Collins St plaza opposite McKillop St will be disappointed to learn they are to lose about 90 percent of the unshaded space.

Under a plan that went to the City of Melbourne’s Future Melbourne Committee on April 21, the plaza is to be redeveloped and will include retail on three sides.

The current plaza has 1000 sqm of sunlit space but this will be reduced to just 111 sqm under the proposal.

But it could have been worse. 

The report to the committee reveals that the owner of the land has a valid 2011 permit to take away all of the public unshaded space.

The report says Dexus Wholesale Pty Ltd won’t be proceeding with its earlier plan because the major tenant of 360 Collins St, Westpac, is relocating.

In a more modest application, Dexus proposes reducing the existing amount of office space by 3000 sqm but add an extra 1473 sqm of retail.

Under it’s 2011 proposal, it was to add nearly 20,000 sqm of office accommodation.

Public open space on the privately-owned property will be halved to 631 sqm. 

Of this, 160 sqm will be landscaped (but shaded), 360 sqm of shaded pubic space and 111 sqm of unshaded public space.

The report to councillors said: “Whilst the proposal will result in the reduction in the accessible open space, it is supported given the plaza is located on private land.”

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

March 20th, 2024 - Evan Mulholland
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