Chapel St: Seven-storey tower for South Yarra ‘huts’ market site, near Temperance Hotel
A longstanding market site is set to be demolished in Melbourne’s inner east with a $55 million, seven-storey development to take its place despite heritage and height concerns.
Inner East
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A South Yarra laneway market will be wiped out with plans approved for a seven-storey tower on Chapel St.
And the development will also rise above one of the famous strip’s longstanding pubs.
VCAT approved an amended permit for a mixed-used development at 430-438 Chapel St on July 31.
The site, also known by locals as ‘the huts’, is home to the Chapel Lane market and sits behind the Temperance Hotel.
It was bought by developer Paul Franze and project partner Nick Sampeiri in late 2017 for $11 million.
They initially planned a $55 million development containing apartments, retail and a pocket park off nearby Bray St.
Their most recent plans involve putting new retail spots in the laneway facing Chapel St, a double-storey building in the middle, and a seven storey tower with office space at the rear.
Stonnington Council received 43 objections but didn’t make a decision on a permit in time, leading to an appeal and a three-day VCAT Hearing in June.
The council indicated it was likely to have refused the proposal, as it had concerns over excessive height, its impact on the area’s heritage and character, and not enough bike or waste facilities.
In their ruling, VCAT members Joel Templar and Stephen Axford felt the proposed building’s height was acceptable for the context of the site, despite it being two storeys over the council’s preferred limit.
The duo also supported demolition of the huts, saying the site “does not identify such features as being important parts of contributory fabric.”
Mr Templar and Mr Axford also felt the seven-storey tower at the rear would not detract from the Temperance Hotel and its heritage elements.
“It is not uncommon in higher density metropolitan settings, that significant heritage buildings are retained with a backdrop of significant built form,” they said.
The tribunal also dismissed concerns from respondent David Geoghegan over the laneway link and “community meeting place” element not being replaced.
“We agree these could be desirable options, however the planning scheme does not identify this location for either function,” the members said.
The tribunal granted a permit provided the development included water sensitive urban design initiatives, sufficient bins and access for waste collection vehicles, and “end of trip” facilities for bike riders including showers and changerooms.
The tribunal ordered construction to start within two years and be finished by 2024.
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