Working Group comprising representatives from Esplanade Alliance, City of Port Phillip and Becton Corporation is formed to break the impasse on the Esplanade Hotel site. Ideas are presented and debated on how the site should/could be developed. At the end of the process, the independent Chair prepares a report with suggestions for an amendment to the then current planning guidelines, which limited development to six-storeys.
As a result of the report, City of Port Phillip prepares an amendment to its Planning Scheme, taking into account not only height issues but also the survival and evolution of the Espy culture, the heritage value of other buildings on the site marked for demolition (Baymor Court) and the visual/social/amenity impact of another tower on the St Kilda foreshore.
The result - an amendment that allows an increase in height from the original six storeys to 10 storeys, on the condition that these other issues are recognised and met by any proposed development on the site - a ground breaking move, especially in its recognition of the importance of cultural use as a planning value.
As part of the process the amendment is considered by a panel, appointed by the Minister for Planning. It makes recommendations to Council, which are not binding.
Following a thorough examination and approval by State Government, the City of Port Phillip adopts the revised amendment.
This webpage is maintained by Cyndy
Vogelsang on behalf of the Esplanade Alliance