Burke Rd Glen Iris: Woolworths, Time and Place lodge VCAT appeal for $61m project

Their proposal was slammed by locals, but a supermarket giant and a developer are still forging ahead with their plans to transform Glen Iris.

Woolworths and Time and Place are appealing plans for their proposed supermarket and apartments complex at 173 Burke Rd, Glen Iris. Picture: Supplied.

A supermarket giant and a developer are refusing to back down on their $61m vision to transform Glen Iris, despite a huge backlash from residents and the local council.

Woolworths and developer Time and Place have lodged an appeal with VCAT for its five-storey project at 173 Burke Rd, which includes a state-of-the-art supermarket, 85 apartments and 300 underground parking spaces.

Stonnington Council rejected the project before public advertising finished last month, with officers swamped by more than 100 objections from angry locals.

Acting chief executive Rick Kwasek said the application was refused due to “unacceptable local traffic congestion and urban design issues”, while an online petition against the project has received more than 1700 signatures.

Time and Place’s principal of development, Edward Pearse, said it had not made any changes to the project despite the council’s decision.

The developer and Woolworths bought the 4305sq m site for an estimated $30 million earlier this year.

Mr Pearse said the site, which has been home to biscuit maker Arnott’s Victorian offices, was “underdeveloped” and the proposal addressed the suburb’s housing needs.

“There are a lot of homes through the area, but not a lot of apartment products which are accessible, and they are critical to the evolution of Glen Iris,” Mr Pearse said.

“We love the area and the location, and we feel mixed use projects within commercial strips are the way forward for communities.”

Mr Pearse said the developer felt the project had “always responded correctly to planning controls in the area” and had picked building materials to fit in with the area’s character.

He said the arrival of the supermarket would also provide a boost to nearby traders.

“We have met with locals and concerned individuals, and we will continue to engage with the community as we move through the process,” Mr Pearse said.

Leader understands the VCAT hearing is likely to take place sometime in March.

Mr Kwasek confirmed the council had been notified of the appeal but said it wasn’t in a position to confirm timelines or its next steps.