Yarra Council has resolved ‘in principle’ to invite the Minister for Planning to be the Responsible Authority for the Smith Street, Fitzroy North, former gasworks site, which has been earmarked for major redevelopment of state significance by the State Government’s Urban Renewal Authority, Places Victoria.

Mayor Roberto Colanzi said there is a fabulous opportunity for a six court indoor sports stadium to be considered as part of the proposed redevelopment which is planned to include residential and commercial elements, as well as the relocation of Council's Fitzroy depot operations which has been in operation on crown land next to the gasworks site for over 125 years.

 Of critical importance, the project would remediate the heavily contaminated former gasworks site.

“Council wants to see the best outcome for the community with this major strategic site,” Mayor Colanzi said.

 “We will be strongly advocating for the provision of open space, affordable housing, community facilities, improved public transport and environmentally sustainable design as well as requiring Places Victoria to undertake a heritage review of the site and an analysis of significant trees.”

 Read the Mayor’s previous statement on this project

Council’s resolution ‘in principle’ to invite the Minister for Planning to be the Responsible Authority for the site follows on from a request from Places Victoria outlining the significant state opportunity it presents and the complex nature of ownership, titling and management.

Places Victoria believes that a whole of government approach is required in order to facilitate urban revitalisation, soil remediation, and environmental and community well-being outcomes for this significant site.

Council’s ‘in principle support’ means it would agree to Places Victoria’s request but not make the request formal until two important conditions had been fulfilled.

The first condition is that a business case to fully fund a proposed six court indoor sports stadium and the relocation of Council’s Fitzroy depot at no cost to Council be developed and approved by the State Government.

The second condition is that Council is satisfied with the intent of the draft masterplan as reflecting the key principles of the Council’s adopted Urban Design Framework for the site and the adequacy of the heritage study and tree study.

Places Victoria is expected to draft the masterplan following the first stage of community consultation which begins late April.

The consultation will include community information sessions, the establishment of a community reference group and other opportunities for the community to provide input into the master planning process.

The decision was made in a confidential Council meeting in which Councillors resolved to make the resolution public.

Resolution from 5 April 2016

1. That Council:

(a)           note the officers further report in relation to 433 Smith Street, North Fitzroy;

(b)          note the request by Places Victoria for Council to invite the Minister for Planning to be the Responsible Authority for the re-development of this site on the basis of its potential regional community benefits and the complexity of the project;

(c)           note the options presented in the officer report regarding Responsible Authority status;

(d)          resolve in principle, to invite the Minister for Planning to be the Responsible Authority for the site subject to:

(i)            the development and approval of the business case by the Department of Treasury and Finance to fully fund both the relocation of the Fitzroy Depot and the construction of a six court indoor sports stadium; and

(ii)           Council being satisfied with:

-                 the intent of the draft masterplan as reflecting the key principles of the Council’s adopted Urban Design Framework for the site and the adequacy of the heritage study and tree study; and

(e)                    write to Places Victoria advising of the Council resolution; and

(f)            make the resolution and relevant supporting information from the officer report of this item public.

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