Media release from the Minister for Planning—
Wed 18 October 2006
Tooronga Village Development Potential Unlocked
A $450 million redevelopment planned for Tooronga Village is a step closer after the Minister for Planning, Rob Hulls, today approved the necessary planning scheme amendment.
Mr Hulls approved Amendment C70 in the Boroondara Planning Scheme substantially in accordance with recommendations by the independent planning panel that assessed the proposal.
The amendment clears the way for more detailed redevelopment plans for the Tooronga Village site on the south-east corner of Toorak and Tooronga Roads in Glen Iris.
"This site is under-utilised and an important location for future development," Mr Hulls said.
"There is broad community acceptance that this site is a major redevelopment opportunity just waiting to be acted on. Even the panel described the site as suffering from 'planning blight'.
"I am pleased to pave the way for this mixed-use development to go ahead and transform a notorious bombsite into an urban showpiece."
The proposed redevelopment includes offices, shops, homes, open spaces and a community facility.
"The approval process for this amendment has been thorough and inclusive. The Panel ran 16 days of public hearings and considered 406 submissions," Mr Hulls said.
During the panel process, the proponent scaled down the proposal to a maximum of 4000 square metres of office floor space and 8000 square metres of shop floor space, together with a maximum of 660 dwellings. The proponent has also included a community facility.
The panel has recommended building envelopes that set buildings back further from Gardiners Creek, Toorak and Tooronga Roads, and reduce the overall height of the development.
"The independent panel process has delivered some important refinements. This is testament to the value of the public submissions and rigorous assessment through this process," said Mr Hulls.
"I have considered the panel's recommendations, and it is now time to get on with implementing the proposal."
Under the amendment, the Minister for Planning will be the responsible authority to decide all future planning applications for the site.
"This site is strategically located and is significant in the context of State Government policy, so it is appropriate that decisions about its development are made in that context," Mr Hulls said.
"I have also accepted the panel's recommendations that the council's views be considered on future permit applications for this site. It is my view that council's ongoing input into decisions on this important site is a critical part of delivering a good planning outcome."
Mr Hulls said the redevelopment would ensure off-street parking for nearby Coles Myer staff was maintained.
This amendment will mean that the adjoining Coles Myer development will now be in full compliance with the parking requirements of the Boroondara Planning Scheme.
"Although we cannot dictate that car spaces must be provided over and above the requirements contained within the local scheme, Stockland and Coles Myer have agreed that Stockland will continue providing up to 500 car spaces for nearby workers for the next decade," Mr Hulls said.
"This is an excellent outcome that goes above and beyond the planning requirements.
"I applaud the way that the proponent, council and community have contributed to the assessment of this proposal.
"The redevelopment of this site is at the cutting edge of metropolitan development and is a potential showcase of what can be achieved with vision, foresight and commitment."