Shadowy meetings likely result if student tower goes ahead

By ALISON DEAN

State Government approval of an 11-storey student accommodation tower in Carlton will cast Melbourne University's proposed outdoor meeting place in darkness for half the day, an urban-design expert has warned.

A Melbourne University Associate Professor, Kim Dovey, told TMT the university's plan for a new civic centre was under threat if it was deprived of morning sunshine because of the looming residential tower.

"It would be a very successful part of urban design that will work better if it has sunshine," Dr Dovey said. "This 11-storey building will put it into peak hour shadow."

In the late 90s, Melbourne University entered a deal with the development company Becton to construct student accommodation complexes on the site bounded by Swanston, Faraday, Cardigan and Elgin streets. The latest Becton plan includes a collection of buildings from three to 11-storeys to house more than 800 students.

At the same time Melbourne University's Masterplan highlights the development of a civic space, which will also become the "ceremonial entrance" for the university.

Designed by leading architect Darryl Jackson, the large outdoor area would spread across Swanston Street between the Asia Centre and the Ian Potter Museum. The plan requires the demolition of a building on the site and would include some retail buildings.

"It is a wonderful idea," Dr Dovey said. "This is one of the busiest pedestrian areas in the city. Hordes of people get off the trams and they can meet before lectures."
Melbourne City Council has also earmarked the site for the civic space.

"It was originally a Melbourne City Council and University proposal where the plaza was conceived as a large outdoor room," Dr Dovey said.

"That is why it is such a surprise to me that some in Melbourne City Council and some officers at the Melbourne University were colluding ... by supporting the Becton proposal."

But Melbourne City Council last week stopped short of supporting Becton's latest plans.

The council's planning committee chairwoman, Catherine Ng, said Becton's new plans for the residential complex failed to address major concerns about height, bulk and heritage.

The plans are with the Minister for Planning Mary Delahunty who has the power to approve the development.