The Palais Triangle Site

The St.Kilda Triangle site is a public asset that should be improved and maintained for future generations to enjoy.
(UDF p. 40)

The Triangle Site is bound by Jacka Boulevard, Cavell Street and the Esplanade. The total area of the Triangle Site comprises approximately 15,000 square metres it is Crown land on which stands the Palais Theatre, Palace Nightclub and a car park.

The development of the Triangle site is an opportunity to shape one of this city's most significant public spaces; it demands a cultural and architectural response that respects and enhances its unique cultural heritage. This site (as well as the broader St.Kilda foreshore) requires:

• City planners and decision makers with the vision, skills and patience to oversee the creation of a special public place
• Developers with the passion, understanding and integrity to deliver a project that is unique and inspirational, and with a business model that envisages a reasonable financial return
• A State government willing to step in to protect its public asset against mediocrity, greed and piecemeal compromise
• A public that is constantly on watch
• A process that is transparent.

The principles guiding the design and development of the Triangle Site are embodied in the City of Port Phillip's St.Kilda's Edge Urban Design Framework (UDF).

The Esplanade Alliance challenges Council to ensure that development proposals for this site interpret and implement the UDF principles wisely and in the spirit intended for this public foreshore location. A once in a generation opportunity like this must not be lost to self-interest and short-term considerations. At a minimum, Council must ensure the new commercial developments deliver on these four key promises made to the community in the UDF:

Promise 1: Re-invigorate the Palais Theatre
Promise 2: Create public space
Promise 3: Keep retail to a minimum
Promise 4: Retain/protect views

References:

St.Kilda's Edge UDF Pages p 40 and 41

St.Kilda's Edge: Triangle Site Kit (City of Port Phillip, 2004)

Guarding the Heart and Soul of St.Kilda

This webpage is maintained by Cyndy Vogelsang on behalf of the Esplanade Alliance