August 2004

2004-08-09

Informal facilitated meeting convened by City of Yarra with Applicant and CAG representatives in attendance - held under enforced confidentiality provisions insisted by Council and Applicant. Heritage and conversation issues discussed in the context of the Smith Street Heritage Overlay, and the retention, conservation and/or reconstruction of buildings on the proposed development site. Specifically, the Smith Street Tunnel, Mac's Hotel, the Foy & Gibson building (behind Mountain Designs building) and Coles Store No 1. In attendance: CAG representatives; For the Applicant Rowena Barnes (Fulcrum Town Planners), Stuart McGurn (Fulcrum Town Planners), Mario Lo Guidice (Banco), Peter Lovell (Allom Lovell, heritage consultants), representative from Jan & Manton (architects); For City of Yarra, Jane Homewood (Manager Urban Planning), Mary Osman (planning officer) and external consultants Rob McGauran (urban design), Bryce Rayworth (heritage). Meeting facilitated by Bruce Turner on behalf of City of Yarra.

2004-08-12

Jane Homewood, Manager Urban Planning, City of Yarra, writes to CAG providing information on planning policies guiding Council's heritage decisions.

2004-08-13

CAG issues media release - 'Experts launch bunch of opinions on M2030'

2004-08-16

Independent panel of Melbourne planning experts release report Inner Urban Conservation and Development. CAG facilitates the launch by Rod Quantock and Mary Kenneally in Patersons Building on Smith Street. Story covered by 'The Age' and 'Financial Review'. Launch attended by local residents, businesses, panel members - including the editor Professor Miles Lewis from the University of Melbourne - and former federal MP Barry Jones. Report describes the Banco development proposal as so sizable and intrusive - with the power to set dangerous planning precedents - that it must be regarded as a 'test case' under Melbourne 2030, the State Government's metro planning blueprint. The report identifies a range of expert concerns about the development including matters relating to heritage, conservation, architecture, urban design, traffic, neighbourhood amenity etc.

2004-08-17

CAG issues media release - 'Public meeting called to fight Smith Street planning proposal'

2004-08-19

Informal meeting convened by City of Yarra with Applicant and CAG representatives in attendance - held under enforced confidentiality provisions insisted by Council and Applicant. Built form issues discussed, including the height of the Smith Street facade; overshadowing on Little Oxford Street; set backs. Unresolved issues included amenity, response to CAG's Interim Submission, lighting and public safety. In attendance: CAG representatives; For the Applicant Rowena Barnes (Fulcrum Town Planners), Stuart McGurn (Fulcrum Town Planners), Mario Lo Guidice (Banco), Peter Lovell (Allom Lovell, heritage consultants), representative from Jan & Manton (architects); For City of Yarra, Jane Homewood (Manager Urban Planning), Mary Osman (planning officer) and external consultants Rob McGauran (urban design), Bryce Rayworth (heritage).

2004-08-19

CAG holds a second public meeting in St Josephs Collingwood. Meeting opens with local identity, poet and playwright Barry Dickins, reciting his poem 'God Save Smith Street'; followed by addresses from Dr Paul Mees (University of Melbourne senior planning lecturer and lawyer) on the development proposal in the context of Melbourne 2030; Richard Wynne (State Member for Richmond) on State Government planning policies; Ted Bailleau (shadow planning spokesperson), on Melbourne 2030; Councillor Kay Meadows (Mayor, City of Yarra), on Council's approach to the planning application. David Hawkins (Managing Director, SOCOM), facilitates the meeting. Questions taken from the floor. CAG urges people to write to their local member Richard Wynne demanding he support the community.

2004-08-23

Informal meeting convened by City of Yarra with Applicant and CAG representatives in attendance - held under enforced confidentiality provisions insisted by Council and the Applicant. Built form and traffic issues discussed. Traffic discussions included car park size, layout, bicycle parking provisions, heavy vehicle access (time and size restrictions), pedestrian safety, new study to assess impact of increased traffic from 400+ car park. In attendance: CAG representatives; For the Applicant Rowena Barnes (Fulcrum Town Planners), Stuart McGurn (Fulcrum Town Planners), Mario Lo Guidice (Banco), Peter Lovell (Allom Lovell, heritage consultants), Jason Walsh (Grogan Richards); For City of Yarra, Jane Homewood (Manager Urban Planning), Mary Osman (planning officer) and external consultants Rob McGauran (urban design), Bryce Rayworth (heritage), Henry Turnbull (traffic).