Alan Findlater loves living in the CBD

Alan Findlater loves living in the CBD

The big Scotsman has tried the ‘burbs – Blackrock and Elwood – but they don’t come close to what the centre of town offers.

As a former resident of Edinburgh, he appreciates the notion of a compact, pedestrian-based city.

“I’ve always liked the idea of walking and avoiding commuting,” he said.

“Living here you can put the car away and walk to any number of attractions.”

He says CBD property is better value for people who aren’t looking for proximity to schools or beaches.

“It’s under-priced because it’s not for everyone,” he said.

“People ask me, ‘don’t you miss having a garden?’

I say ‘we’ve got the Botanical Gardens’ a short stroll or tram ride away.

What could be better?”

“I might stretch to living in the country one day which, for me, would be North Melbourne,” he joked.

The 52-year-old walks to work from his Flinders Lane apartment via the Block and Royal Arcades to his office at the GPO where he works as a project manager.

He and his partner Diana shop at the Victoria Market and dine locally at every opportunity.

Community for Mr Findlater is knowing the local cafe owners and florists on a first-name basis.

And he says he has better relationships with his immediate neighbours than he ever had in the suburbs.

The residents on his floor get together for barbecues and Christmas drinks.

But the real benefit of living in the middle of the action is proximity to so many venues – whether it be rugby at AAMI Park, jazz at Bennett’s Lane, music at the Recital Centre and Hamer Hall, the list is almost endless.

“There is so much going on around us, especially on week nights,” he said.

“And it’s so good not having to worry about how you are going to get home – finding a cab or making the last train,” he said.    

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

March 20th, 2024 - Evan Mulholland
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