Banco's view of Smith Street

Looks like a nice deveopment that will add appeal to the precinct.

Pictures only say so much.

the proposed project site is pretty run down right now. Any development would be better than letting the site remain in its delapidated state. it is a big development, but i suspect if this is not agreed to, either the site will remain run dwon or the developer in a decade will dream up something bigger.

Looks like a CHEAP and NASTY development that will make the developers rich whilst destroying the character of a great Melbourne street.

The public should not accept anything less than excellence.

I lived in Smith Street back in the '70s, my father ran a cafe there. Times were hard then, the people were different too, but it was a vibrant place with life, and the hardest thing you'd find there was strong spirits or a punch in the head. It is the nature and the culture of places like Smith Street that beckons to people who eschew all that smacks of globalism, multiplex developments, and superficial progress that is only designed to add to the coffers of so-called developers. Any development in Smith Street has to be small scale and on a case by case basis that respects the heritage and the history of the area. Doing that adds to the beauty and character of the area and attracts people to come and eat and enjoy, just look at Brunswick Street and Gertrude Street. I hear it all the time from my elders, Melbourne used to be more beautiful and liveable than it is now, all because of so-called development. Get rid of pre-fab concrete and bring back the mason!

I grew up in Collingwood, and I to agree with Alex. I believe that any development should be small scale and kept in line with the era of the buildings. Its sad to say but Australians are hell bent on distroying the pieces of history we have left. I know we are a young country, but I have travelled the world. Europeans pride themselves on their countries history. I know Smith St at present appears run down, however Don't forget Brunswick St was the same. It was the people that made it alive again (NOT THE DEVELOPERS) So my stance is NO to ugly high rise architecture, and yes to restoring the historical buildings that already exist. People of Australia, developers only think about their own pocket. You look at the constructions these days, they are just money pits that may look good to begin with, but within 6mths they become an eyesore. Come on Aussies lets protect our Heritage.

What a great proposal. The redevelopment of this bit of Smith Street will again add life to an area that is run-down and in need of activity. A new supermarket, retail stores, restored facades and new apartments will just add tot he already exciting mix of people, spaces and life of Fitzroy/Collingwood.

I hope the Minister approves this development, or something very similar to it. :D

I think this proposal looks incredibly ugly. Like Sydney Road, the huge supermarket developments there have ruined a great old part of the city's North. It would be nice to have a more culturally sensitive development this time, in keeping with the surrounding area. Ask New Zealanders about this kind of development, which they are only too familiar with. How they pine for the older type of buildings and facades we so enjoy in this city. Develop by all means, but don't turn Smith St into a strip mall..

i see go-lo is closing - is this the beginning of the end? where will we buy our 'quality' homewares now ;)

yes to restoration - no to yet more identikit apartment blocks and pointless boutiques

go-lo it seems is just the beginning of the delete action on smith st.

Guys, what everyone fails to see is that the new development will bring in new opportunities. I live in Collingwood, and see the disgrace that is this section of Smith St. Something has to be done to move it from slums to something worth visiting. I'm all for it. Maybe everyone should look at this sensibly for a change.