Call for developers to clean up derelict "cheese-grater" site

Fitzroy residents have accused developers of the controversial “cheese-grater” development of letting the site become a dangerous disgrace. Report by Ben Schneiders in The Melbourne Times [19 May 2004].

By Ben Schneiders

FITZROY residents have accused the developers of the controversial "cheese-grater" development of letting the site become a dangerous disgrace.

Locals are complaining of an increased number of thefts and also say the site is now a haven for squatters, drug dealers and graffiti artists.

Local resident Rob Grant wants to see Yarra Council enforce the management of the site, or withdraw the planning permit.

"Surely the council should enforce the safe and professional management of the site, or better (still) withdraw the planning permit," he said.

The complaints come amid continued speculation that the developer Ashlyn Enterprises is struggling to sell apartments.

In February, developer Ivan Rijavec told TMT that he had sold only 44 of the 155 apartments, or 28 per cent.

Typically, a development needs 80 to 90 per cent of its sales pre-committed before it will start construction.

Mr Rijavec did not return calls before TMT went to press.

"A few months ago there was a flurry of activity," said Mr Grant. "The NKYA development site was boarded up and demolition commenced, then it all came to a grinding halt," he said.

The eight-storey development is known as NKYA as it is bound by Napier, Kerr, Young and Argyle streets. It is also known as the "cheese grater" because of its cylindrical towers.

Mr Grant says the site is no longer safe, with people able to walk onto it through Young Street where there is a gap in the fencing.

There have also been people scrounging around for building materials, he said.
The development was given the go-ahead in 2003 by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, despite massive local opposition and being rejected by Yarra Council.

The VCAT decision was the first major test of the State Government's Melbourne 2030 strategy.