Twelve-storey complex set to go up behind Barkly Theatre in Footscray
A TWELVE-STOREY building has been approved for Footscray despite privacy concerns from neighbours.
North West
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HIGH-RISE development continues to inundate Maribyrnong with a new 12-storey, mixed-use building set to tower above the Barkly Theatre in Footscray.
Maribyrnong councillors approved a planning permit for the construction of the $25 million development on 72 Paisley St last week, despite 16 objections being raised.
Two residents who live in the theatre apartments told councillors at the city development meeting that their privacy would be compromised if the complex was built directly behind the popular theatre.
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Couple Ben Russo and Joanna Simmons were concerned their home would turn into a fishbowl as the windows in three rooms faced the new complex.
Ms Simmons said she was expecting her first baby in coming weeks and needed privacy.
“The proposed balconies and windows that concerned us originally continue to look straight into our living room and our baby’s bedroom,” Ms Simmons said. “I cannot see how without more screening details and extensive design revisions that our right to live in our home privately can be guaranteed.”
The building exceeds the 10-storey height limit for developments within the activity centre zone.
Plans for a $80 million, 12-storey complex on White St, within the same zone, were also given the green light in March.
Maribyrnong Council urban planning manager Steven Lionakis said the council would approve the planning permit based on the condition that screens would be implemented on either the windows or balconies.
Other issues included overshadowing of the theatre and light aspect.
But developer Contour Consultants’ spokesman Robert Kelderman said the extra two storeys would not create loss of light or overshadowing.
“It’s going to be one of the best buildings, if not the best building, in Footscray,” he said.
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