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Major developments

Due to its industrial past, the City of Yarra has a number of disused factories and warehouses with great redevelopment potential. Of the 1400 planning permit applications lodged with Council annually, approximately 10-15 percent are for large-scale developments.

These major developments can take many years to come into fruition, and normally involve several rounds of community consultation. This page provides updates on these major developments.

Proposed Dimmeys Redevelopment

In March 2009, Yarra Council received an application for a planning permit to redevelop the Dimmeys site in Swan Street, Cremorne into a mixed use development.

The proposal from Richmond Icon Pty Ltd is to retain and refurbish the existing Swan Street façade and clocktower, and include seven retail tenancies.

On the southern half of the site, the proposal is for a 9-storey apartment building with 89 apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms. A total of 179 car spaces are provided within two basement levels, accessed from both Green and Byron Streets.

The site is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (see listing here: http://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/admin/file/content2/c7/Dimmeys.pdf ) therefore the developer must also apply for a permit from Heritage Victoria. Heritage Victoria advertised the application for community feedback in April 2009, and received more than 70 written objections and a petition with over 350 signatures.

Yarra Council also lodged a submission with Heritage Victoria, objecting to the redevelopment proposal.

Heritage Victoria was advised that Council considers the proposal will impact on the visibility of Dimmeys as a cultural landmark within the surrounding area.

Council was also critical of the design of the multi-unit tower, stating that its scale and proportions are unrelated to the heritage precinct and will form an inappropriate backdrop to the clocktower. Council advised Heritage Victoria that the proposal needs to be significantly reviewed.

Heritage Victoria has invited the applicant to provide a response to the objections raised. An Interested Parties Meeting will be held where there will be the opportunity for further community input. The date of this meeting is still be determined.

The application for the planning permit with Council is on hold. In late May 2009, the applicant requested a two month extension in which to provide further information sought by Council and to respond to preliminary concerns raised by Council. The applicant has until 30 July 2009 in which to respond.

For more information, please read our recent media release or contact Council’s Planning Department on 9205 5373.

Further information

Urban Planning Branch
Richmond Town Hall
333 Bridge Road Richmond
Telephone 9205 5373
Email info@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Links

Within this site
Council’s response to the Planning & Environment Act review

External sites (Yarra City Council accepts no responsibility for the information or opinions contained within external sites)
The CitySounds 2 Acoustic Design Resource is an interactive resource, which has been developed by the City of Melbourne and RMIT for residents, architects/designers and builders. Outlined are some of the acoustic issues facing residents who live in the inner city, some basics about building construction, and a number of techniques for reducing noise, its transmission through building elements and the impact it has on residents.
Landata - Each planning application requires a copy of title or a recent title search.
Department of Sustainability and Environment - Planning home , ResCode
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA)
Building Control Commission
Australian Association of Planning Consultants - Victorian division