A new public space to the west of a reinvigorated Palais Theatre, supported by a variety of indoor and outdoor entertainment and cultural venues envisaged in a new contemporary building.
(UDF p 40)
Q. Do we need another shopping plaza?
A. We have defined the word "plaza" as being more like a "piazza"—i.e. think open space and people walking and enjoying the sunshine and great views—definitely not wall to wall retail.
An open piazza must be an integral, non-negotiable element of the winning tender. A well-designed public space, woven into the commercial aspects of the Triangle Site, would serve as the perfect transition to the foreshore. It would be the perfect complement to the escalating activity of Acland and Fitzroy Streets, Luna Park, even The Palais itself.
The Esplanade Alliance is concerned that public space could be the first casualty when developers go for the area's profit maximising potential. Already we see attempts to subvert the Triangle Site vision. Since the publication of the St.Kilda's Edge UDF, the vision has been reworded and a commercial component has been added to the original cultural and public imperatives.
A reinvigorated public entertainment and cultural space including a reinvigorated Palais Theatre and a new neighbouring public plaza ("piazza"). Potential uses include a dance and music venue, cinema, galleries, a bar or nightclub, hotel, reception and conference facilities, cafes and some retail.
Culturally, in addition to a reinvigorated Palais Theatre, the Triangle should offer residents and visitors a variety of entertainment options in keeping with the site's traditional use. Commercially, the Triangle should create jobs, attract visitors and bring business to St.Kilda for years to come. Aesthetically, the Triangle's architecture should complement and enhance our unique foreshore, upper esplanade and heritage-listed Palais.
"Create jobs" ? "Bring business to St.Kilda" ? These are imperatives more suited to an industrial estate or commercial business park than a beach playground.
The Esplanade Alliance calls upon Council and the Victorian Government to be vigilant, to remain true to its promises and its principles, to remember its role as custodian of a precious public asset. Above all they must resist trading public space for private sector gain. Exactly how much of the 15,000 square metres of Crown land being given to developers is set aside for open, public space?
Promise 3: Keep retail to a minimum
This webpage is maintained by Cyndy Vogelsang on behalf of the Esplanade Alliance