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SmithStreet.org « CAG « Media Releases « INFORMATION RELEASE: MINISTER HULLS - YES TO BANCO ON SMITH STREET!

Planning Minister Rob Hulls' go-ahead for Banco's monster development set to 'Chapel-Streetize' Smith Street.

Planning Minister Rob Hulls gave the go-ahead for the monster Banco development which will ruin Smith Street's neighbourhood character and feel and destroy its heritage. Despite more than 1500 objections, Yarra's refusal of Banco's original plans, and a sustained community campaign, the Minister approved a tweaked version of the revised design. Although CAG and other resident groups have succeeded in scaling the development down from 9 storeys, the apartment block and shopping mall complex will 'Chapel-Streetize' Collingwood and Fitzroy.

The Minister essentially rubber-stamped the recommendations of the Priority Development Panel he set up last year to advise on the future of Banco's plans and Yarra's Smith Street Interim Structure Plan. Residents criticised the Panel for its pro-development stance and support for Banco's plans subject to only a 'tweaking'.

'The Collingwood Action Group has always said this site needed redevelopment', spokesperson Louise Grace said today. 'The question was "what kind"? We wanted a 5 storey maximum with proper setbacks, heritage conserved, a design in keeping with neighbourhood character, and residential amenity respected. We've ended up with 3 high-rise towers of 7, 7 and 5 storeys, 161 apartments, 411 car spaces and traffic chaos for residents and businesses caused by the projected 2,500 new car movements a day down Little Oxford Street, a narrow one-way street.'

It also appears the Minister's office issued a misleading media release. It says the tower next to the Old Post Office will be 'reduced in height by three storeys', but this is contradicted by the Minister's written decision stating overall one level has been removed from the tallest tower, and 6 apartments removed from two towers. 'Let's not forget Banco's original and revised plans were always an ambit claim. Of course we welcome any improvements in design and reductions in the design's bulk with additional setbacks, and while the Minister's decision is a step in the right direction it is an inadequate response to community and expert concerns', said Ms Grace.

CAG believes Hulls' decision to approve a modified Banco development, and failure to approve Yarra's Smith Street Interim Structure Plan, are a blow to both genuine community involvement in Melbourne planning, and the possibility of good design in Smith Street. Experts already predict the Minister's decision sets a precedent for future development on Smith Street and threatens other historic shopping strips.

Collingwood Action Group, unions, and other resident group supporters will hold a street rally, 1:00 pm on Saturday 4th March outside Banco's site at 154 Smith Street.

FOR MEDIA COMMENT
Collingwood Action Group, Spokesperson, Louise Grace 0410 686 971
Yarra Council, Cllr Steve Jolly 0437 856 713
Save our Suburbs, President Ian Quick 0422 479 540