Lord Mayor Nick Reece takes swipe at planning scheme approval for Marvel Stadium precinct redevelopment

Lord Mayor Nick Reece has accused the government of ignoring local concerns by forging ahead with a mega-redevelopment, with a vision for the site dubbed the “Great Wall of Docklands”.

Trio of towers on the waterfront side of Docklands’ AFL Marvel Stadium precinct.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece has taken a swipe at the state government for forging ahead with a mega-redevelopment in Docklands, with a vision for the site described as “one of the most embarrassing applications” the City of Melbourne has seen.

Plans for a major Marvel Stadium precinct redevelopment were given the green light by the government last week, with Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny quietly approving a planning scheme amendment.

The exact details about what will be built remain unclear, but the multi-tower proposal – which was strongly opposed by the City of Melbourne – will see part of Marvel Stadium land, AFL House and Channel 7’s broadcast centre rezoned for development.

Renders from Grimshaw Architects, commissioned by the government, show a possible new look including high-rise towers and a new waterfront facade, with the proposal dubbed the “Great Wall of Docklands” by locals.

Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has approved a planning scheme amendment for the development.

Mr Reece on Tuesday – standing beside Ms Kilkenny – said he was “disappointed” in the state government’s decision and accused a senior minister of ignoring local concerns.

“It doesn’t align with what we thought would be the best outcome,” he said.

“But we also acknowledge that it’s a project which will deliver economic activity for our city, and has many positive aspects to it as well.”

He later told the Herald Sun the proposed vision for the site was “too high, it’s too bulky, it’s too long” and that it was “going to obstruct the connection of the central city to the waterfront”.

“That’s why council posted a long list of recommendations about improvements that could be made to the design of the building,” he said.

“If those changes were agreed to (we would be) getting into the realm of something which we could go forward with,” he said.

“Unfortunately, that was taken up.”

Lord Mayor Nick Reece has taken a swipe at the government. Picture: Aaron Francis

The Herald Sun in May revealed concerns from councillors about the government considering fast-tracking three buildings – 129m, 113m and 90m high – at 140-160 Harbour Esplanade on the precinct’s western fringe.

It would see two high-rise towers and a new waterfront facade for the AFL-owned stadium built in a move that would add offices, a function centre, shops and likely a hotel, making the venue virtually unseen from the water.

Cr Jamal Hakim labelled it “one of the most embarrassing applications we’ve ever seen” when councillors unanimously voted against the plans in May.

On Tuesday, Ms Kilkenny said the project was a “terrific opportunity to really invigorate that area”.

Ms Kilkenny said she expected there would be a “huge demand” for homes in the Docklands, calling the area a “really exciting place”.

“The vibe is fantastic,” she said.

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In a statement, the government and AFL said they had “taken the next step towards transforming the Docklands waterfront into a hub for housing and jobs”.

Future designs for new buildings at the sites are subject to further planning approvals before any construction can begin.

Development Minister Colin Brooks said the move would see thousands of new homes built at Docklands, including build-to-rent apartments.

“Future redevelopment of these sites and their integration with Marvel Stadium, will allow us to deliver more homes, jobs, shops, restaurants and entertainment to the Docklands waterfront,” he said.

Cr Hakim, who is running to become Melbourne Lord Mayor said, the “towers of shame” would mean “Melbourne’s much embattled Docklands continues to be used as a dumping ground by state government for development that lack vision or foresight”.

“This proposal provides no information and promises to deliver the most monstrous overwhelming building in the city,” he said.

Councillors raised concerns about potential overshadowing, wind, flooding impacts and landscaping.

Town planners, who supported the “broad design vision”, said the plans did “not provide sufficient strategic justification particularly with regard to how it responds to Central Pier and the waterfront”.

And residents who dubbed the plans the “Great Wall of Docklands” had issues with loss of trees, lack of information and doubts of public benefit with the proposal encroaching on public space.

But AFL infrastructure general manager Matthew Chun said the redevelopment would bolster a recently completed major revamp of Marvel Stadium.

“The opportunity any future development to these sites will only amplify Marvel Stadium and surrounding precinct as the destination sports and entertainment complex,” he said.

“We look forward to continuing next steps in development.”