The Esplanade Alliance

The Espy campaign 2003

Getting Becton to play ball

Port Phillip Planning Scheme allows for the possibility of a residential tower to be built behind the Espy, as long as Becton addresses concerns over the pubs viability as a live music venue, heritage, and sensitive design. Unfortunately Bectons proposed development refuses to do so.

Becton's proposal for a 10-storey residential block and cafe/shops was unanimously rejected by Council because it failed to meet many of the conditions set out in Amendment C25, namely:-

• the proximity of the new building to the Espy will radically reduce access for bands and deliveries; limit space for storage, plant and equipment and, in effect, strangle the pubs operations.
• lack of adequate sound proofing in the residential units in the tower creates the potential for conflict with new residents (the recently formed Fair Go 4 Live Music campaign has focused on this issue across urban Melbourne, where live music venues are being held to ransom by complaints from new residents).
• the development ignores the protected heritage status of the Baymor Court and proposes to demolish it for modern townhouses (an issue of concern also to National Trust).
• the glass tower fails to respond to the challenge of innovative and sympathetic co-existence with its neighbourhood.

Becton has appealed against Councils refusal to VCAT - where it claims such complex issues are best resolved.

We disagree. The issues are not that complex. Can you understand them?

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Guarding the Heart and Soul of St.Kilda

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