Council approves $21m ‘homage’ to sports precinct
A glitzy $21m precinct inspired by Melbourne’s iconic sporting precinct will be built near the MCG after a two-year fight battle over the plans. But not everyone is thrilled about the design.
Victoria
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A seven-storey building modelled on Melbourne’s iconic sporting precinct will be built near the MCG after being approved by the City of Melbourne.
The former East Melbourne headquarters of Cricket Victoria will be demolished to make way for a $21m precinct designed to pay homage to its location.
Flight Centre founder Geoff Harris has won a two-year fight to build the mixed-use precinct with offices, a gym, cafe, three levels of carparking, a 130-seat auditorium and meeting space.
Residents opposed the proposal, taking their fight to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and the council initially rejected a nine-storey development.
But the council has now approved revamped plans for the site opposite the William Barak Bridge that will be home to Harris Capital, co-working spaces and other businesses.
The new building — which will also house the Cathy Freeman Foundation — has been designed with the Great Southern Stand, old MCC Members Pavillion and Federation Square’s Deakin Edge in mind.
“The innovative design is architecturally tied to the iconic sporting context as it imitates the composition of a stadium,’’ the pitch to council said. “This is achieved by replicating the layers of a grandstand with gradually recessing tiers of the upper levels.’’
Large glass panels will line the south, east and west walls of the building, with uninterrupted views of Yarra Park and surrounds.
“The form of a stadium allows future occupants to experience the view of the park without having a negative impact on nature,’’ it said.
But East Melbourne Group heritage and planning convener Greg Bisinella said residents were disappointed the 30m structure, with “minor overshadowing of Yarra Park” had been given the go ahead.
“It does nothing to add to the heritage overlay of the suburb, in fact we think it will detract from that,’’ he said.
“And it will detract from the experience of those walking from the MCG as well.’’
The development will be clearly visible along the popular pedestrian path from the city to the MCG. Two and three-storey office buildings will be bulldozed to make way for the development which will include a rooftop terrace, lobby and “community workshop” for the CFF.
The council received 43 objections to the proposal.