Residential plan for car sales site scrapped for new commercial development

It was once the home of the state’s biggest Ford dealer — now it could be the home to a modern commercial development on the CBD fringe.

The ultimate plan for the Elizabeth St site.

A planned residential redevelopment of a landmark site on the CBD’s northern fringe has been scaled back.

Developer PDG has revealed new plans for its $80 million Elizabeth North scheme on the site of Melbourne City Toyota at the corner of Elizabeth and Queensberry streets.

Housing precinct approved

The proposal is for two buildings, up to 10 storeys, with the prospect for a third, 21-storey building on the northern end of the street.

The building was constructed in 1928 and remodelled eight years later for Melford Motors, the state’s biggest Ford dealer for many years.

Melford Motors on Elizabeth St in 1955.

Inside the original Melford showroom.

The original Melford Motors showroom.

It is expected that the curved, modern facade of the heritage-listed building will be retained in the latest plans, created by Gray Puksand and Cox Architecture.

The mixed-use commercial development project aims to capitalise on its proximity to the health, academic and research precincts in nearby Parkville.

The original Lefta Corporation project received ministerial approval in July last year for a four-tower, 1008-home project, worth about $208 million.

The revised plans are now under consideration.

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@IanRoyall