Port Phillip Council draws ire over St Kilda Marina development plans
A plan to turn St Kilda Marina into a mini Docklands, including restaurants and high-rise buildings, has been slammed as “like putting a Chadstone on the foreshore”.
Inner South
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner South . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A dramatic redevelopment floated for St Kilda Marina has been slammed by some locals who fear tall buildings will block their sea views and ruin the area.
Port Phillip Council plans to transform the functioning anchorage into a “modern marina” and a “food and beverage destination”.
But the proposal, which includes hemming the site in with commercial buildings up to four storeys high, has drawn ire from nearby residents who say their top dollar views will be lost.
Arty Damigos, who bought his Marine Pde home nearly five years ago, said his “whole goal in life” had been to buy property with a view of the beach.
“I worked hard to buy a house here, which I’m still paying off, and I won’t be able to see the marina if this goes ahead.
Mr Damigos said he also feared the public would be shut-out of the site if the council’s vision went ahead.
“It’ll just be a developer’s paradise,” he said.
“Unless you’ve got a business there, you won’t be welcome.
“It’s a joke — it’ll be like a Chadstone on the foreshore, or a mini Docklands. The council is seeing this as a cash opportunity … it is crown land and it belongs to the people and (it’s) for the people to use.”
Rebecca Stoios, who bought a home in Marine Pde about two years ago, said careful consideration needed to be given to the type of commercial businesses allowed to operate at the site.
“I’d hate to see a McDonald’s pop up at the marina,” she said.
But Port Phillip Mayor Bernadene Voss assured residents planning safeguards would be in place to prevent overdevelopment.
“The expiry of the 50-year lease is an opportunity to create a fantastic place for residents and visitors to enjoy while retaining a working marina,” she said.
“We have already ruled out a hotel and a McDonald’s-type restaurant does not meet the intent for this site.”
She said future developers would be subject to “rigorous controls”, including height, floor area constraints and the protection of key views.
MORE:
Port Phillip Council to trial recycling food and garden, glass waste
Port Phillip Greens councillors face probe into alleged conflict of interest
Colonial Brewing Co expands production capacity at Port Melbourne factory
Under the proposed changes, developers would have to include up to 3600sq m of commercial and retail floor area, a meeting space for up to 100 people and an upgraded facility for the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard.
Restaurants, takeaway outlets, boat sale, water sports activity retailers and convenience stores would be allowed at the site, while the council has ruled out bottle shops, dry cleaners, accommodation, brothels, gambling premises and funeral parlours as potential tenants.
The council will hear public submission on the proposal at a meeting tonight.