7 January 2008
"I make my living in commercial construction as a Project Manager working both in the CBD and suburban areas. In the CBD Precinct, where stacking the site to the maximum is tolerated and primarily only governed by council and planning laws there are very few Public objections. The established reality in that area IS to maximise the site.
All developers undertake this, whether suburban dual occupancies or commercial developments as it makes good commercial sense to maximise profits by developing cheaply and putting as much saleable real estate on a site as possible.The construction costs do not increase proportionally therefore we maximise the build on the site.
Governments; local, state and federal are not in place for the purpose of making money. Sure they need money to function, but they compromise their validity when the developers hat gets worn by a government body which has prime real estate it wishes to maximise in order to boost "community funds".
The Triangle site is a perfect site for development and it needs to be undertaken. I'm all for construction works as that's my bread and butter, and I must say it would be great to build, however it would be an absolute nightmare to look at; a real pain in the ... to negotiate around, both during construction and it would only get worse after it's completed even with every traffic management plan that could be thrown at it. With such grotesque infrastructure as currently proposed the thing would merely stand as a monument to capitalism... It offers nothing to St Kilda/ Elwood save for a few bucks for shop assistants.
My opinion is quite seriously..... scale it back and ensure there is more meritorius Architecture in the revised version. Including fair dinkum open space..... Put state funding into fixing the Palais up..as noted in the papers...it'll ease the need to milk the living daylights out of the site."
Steve Mercer, Elwood
"I support this wholeheartedly and although I just joined (new resident of St K), I reckon unchain st kilda WILL PULL THIS OFF! I was involved in disputing an abhorrent development in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, which although approved by local council, after much work, gnashing of teeth and huge community efforts - the local council's decision was overturned by State Premier Peter Beattie many months later. Lets not give up."
Anna Jeffries, St Kilda
6 January 2008
"Council is backing BBC's 'shopping mall' model, predicated on the notion of 'anchor' tenants to generate consumer traffic. BBC has said the supermarket is not negotiable.
There are already 2 "anchors" in Acland St aren't there?
I wonder who they think will shop there. If the aim is to generate consumer traffic, a supermarket is hardly a good choice. Who are they banking on shopping at this very large "anchor"? The locals will (or might) refuse to shop there I would think. I for one will never spend one cent there! I am thinking there would be others (locals) who would be of the same opinion. So if the locals don't shop there, will people visiting from other suburbs shop at the supermarket? NO. Because people shop locally for their grocery items....
And i like may others will keep on shopping at the 2 "anchors" in Acland St. (Perhaps one will relocate to Triangle Site, who knows...)"
Jacqui, St Kilda
4 January 2008
"My friendly Greens neighbour John Middleton (PPL, 01 Jan 08) along with some of the protesters in St Kilda are proposing a cop out when the say the St Kilda Triangle site development should be scaled down with less commercial development. The site is crown land and a development 1/3 the size, as suggested, is not on. This site should be developed into a Catani Gardens standard park by the government for use by the community and for temporary activity like the Sunday market and the circus or community festivals from time to time. O'Donnell Gardens and the small park near the Seabaths are distressed due to over use in summer and a new park would relieve the pressure. The NYE mess left on our beaches, perhaps by Justin Maddens "neighbours", is a taste of what while happen weekly, if this development for 6000 or 2000 (1/3 the size) extra violent drunks in residential streets, goes ahead."
Adrian Jackson, Middle Park
3 January 2008
"Congratulations to Anna and Rachel Griffiths for launching the campaign for
additional funds to restore the Palais. Surely this now opens the door for our council to re-approach state and federal government for financial support?"
Rachel Powning, East St Kilda
"The reason I love St Kilda is because there is no other place in Melbourne like it. It has a kooky, eclectic charm that will be stripped from it if another high rise commercial development is dumped there. It will totally wreck the area and make it mainstream... It will take all the charm and interest from the area!"
Amelia Little, St Kilda
"Dear Mayor and Councillors,
Hasn't the St Kilda Festival been a marvellous success? Every young binge-drinking party animal in greater Melbourne now thinks they have the perfect right to come to St Kilda to party and trash as they see fit.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day were shockers. Don't residents have any rights any more? Don't non-paying members of the public have rights any more?
We went to walk along the beach on New Year's Eve. But the paths and shoreline were blocked off by the party at the Stokehouse. Then the doof doof from this party annoyed us into the wee hours.
On New Year's Day we were subjected to HOURS more of doof doof music from a party at Riva. It started in the afternoon and went until 11pm. THERE WAS NO ESCAPING IT.
We went to have a swim at St Kilda beach on New Year's Day. Did you see it? It was disgusting. Those poor rubbish collectors. It was an impossible task.
In a few week' time we will have to endure the St Kilda Festival.
Can we now please have ten years of programs and initiatives designed as disincentives to this demographic?
We could begin by cancelling the St Kilda Festival. We could lobby the state government and other councils to abandon the ridiculous practice of establishing 'entertainment precincts' involving clusters of night clubs. We could force other municipalities to shoulder the burden of the 'needs' of their youth. We could target families, older people and those who want to visit our cafes, restaurants and beaches in a respectful and peaceful manner as our 'visitor market'.
I have lived in the St Kilda area for 20 years. It has never been so difficult to cope with the noise and influx of 'visitors'. It has never been as menacing on the streets. Oh for the days when it was seedy and shabby and there was a heroin problem.
ST KILDA IS BEING BATTERED and IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to bring an end to this."
Christine Banks, St Kilda
2 January 2008
"st kilda our art, our escape, our relaxation, our melbourne, our king of bohemia, and a quick beach bum get away , the gays the lesbians the straight the weird and wonderful. the place where imaginations and wonders can easily get away from us and run wild, where daydreaming is as easy as a ten second stare away.. and romance created by a simple sunset over the horizon of a clear blue sea oh the first kiss the first touch the first embrace, the captivation , the tears and the losing ur voice as ur favorite song of the night still ringing in ur ears as u lay one of them on ur pillow that night happiness and the unbelievable brought to us from our favorite artist at our favorite venues such as the palaise and the espy not forgetting the fallen sister thats right it was the place they held twister!.... IF IT AINT BROKE PEOPLE THEN DONT FIX IT dont let corporate australia take all this away from us by re developing a part of our lives talk about paving paradise to put up a parking lot we should be preserving st kilda for generations to come we dont need another multi million dollar shopping complex if u want to help st kilda take the money and drop into the street performers hat , sack, or acoustic guitar case, place some in the pockets of the homeless sleaping on park benches near luna park, then u can go buy a thing or two at the sunday markets, dont do to st kilda what the ABC did to ABC's 90s kids programmes just another thing we can tell our kids they missed out on cos when speaking bout st kilda i never want to have to use the phrase "ahhh those were the days " at the end of the sentence. UNCHAIN ST KILDA"
serkan ismail, epping
31 December 2007
"In about 1977 disgruntled fans ripped up the seats at the Palais when Elvis Costello refused to do an encore. Perhaps Elvis would like to purchase a row (at least!) as recompense and to commemorate all the fabulous receptions he has enjoyed in the Grand Old Dame of Aussie Rock ever since...?"
Jane Clifton, Flemington
"I cannot believe that anyone would want to turn St Kilda into an overcrowded, overdeveloped lair; devoid of the character that makes St Kilda what it is. Open space for festivals and markets is what makes St Kilda the town it is and I cannot oppose this plan strongly enough!"
Beau, Northcote
29 December 2007
"Please.... learn from mistakes made on the Gold Coast, Qld!! Don't kill the beach area. Good doesn't have to be high."
Kathie Elborne, Berwick
28 December 2007
"Greedy corporate development or a balanced, more sustainable solution? You make your choice. One way will line the pockets of a few selected individuals at the cost of destroying a Melbourne icon. The other is the workable, sustainable alternative proposed by the unChain St Kilda group. Duh! Come on people - Anyone who hasn't emailed their objections - Do so now!! Please!!"
Martin Huish, Elwood
25 December 2007
"We know that the Citta/Babcock & Brown development plans are seriously flawed and deeply unpopular with thousands of people in St Kilda, Melbourne and beyond. The only supporters of the plans appear to be the developers themselves, members of the Port Phillip Council and Planning Minister Madden.
As we live in a democracy, I challenge the City of Port Phillip to hold a plebiscite of Port Phillip voters on the proposed Development Plan. It is an important public issue with far-reaching and long-lasting consequences. As the Council seems to have difficulty in hearing the voices of its constituents, the solution is for the proposed Plans to be tested at the ballot box."
John Brudenall, St Kilda
24 December 2007
"a joke!"
Stephanie Williams, Carlton
"Don't do it!"
Anton Proppe, Somers
"I hope it is not too late to express my opinion about the proposed development of St. Kilda?! Firstly I want to congratulate everyone on their community spirit and determination to save a piece of natural beauty. I wish other citizens would be so positively fierce in their beliefs to preserve existing landscapes as you all are.
Let me give a short quote as to the meaning of the word Democracy. Democracy stems from the Greek and means "people Rule" or "Rule of The People". The term Politics comes from the Greek term "Polis" derived from "city" or "community".
I believe that when people are united in a common goal to better their life and the whole of society as a People, only then can Progress flourish on all levels be it Education, health, environment, societal prosperity then naturally leading to joy and harmonious Life/living as ONE Humanity of this Planet we call Earth. Also I am a firm believer that Women must be heard and they must gather those of us around them to support a new way of thinking that would clearly lead towards betterment of all involved. Women must be wise and logical and true leaders and strive for equal opportunities for all without their own pursuit after glory and greed for power. St. Kilda is different and I want it to stay that way without grandiose development that would increase population, pollution and invite unsavory characters, after all that's what it once was and gladly is no more. NO matter what kind of development this would naturally increase ocean water pollution and energy consumption and would look like every other developed area with its stark look and leave me feeling cold.
I would like the see the streets lit up with Solar Energy to help with Global Warming. In fact I would like to suggest that because of Global Warming we have the hot sun to power endless energy systems, IF only the true leaders would stand their ground and voice their real concerns. And YES it should be FREE, why should I have to pay for the sun rays to help the wealthy accumulate more greed and power? It simply makes NO SENSE to me. Natural resources are to be respected and used wisely for all people."
Bianca Recht, North Caulfield
23 December 2007
"Does anyone know what financial penalty, if any, Port Phillip Council will incur if it were to abort the current Triangle development process at this stage? To proceed and approve a seriously flawed development plan for the sake of even a million dollars would be pig-headed, short-sighted and a very bad decision by the Council.
We need the Triangle development process to go back several steps to allow the Council to define the planning parameters and guidelines much more clearly and precisely so that intending developers are in no doubt about the outcome desired by the Council and its community.
The Council is not yet locked into making a very bad collective decision. Therefore, let us hope that the Spirit of Christmas and the symbolism of a New Year can change the hearts and minds of our Councillors."
John Brudenall, St Kilda
"This article in The Age Dec 23 is exactly why the nightclub zone should be eliminated from the Triangle Site. Adding extra security on the Triangle Site will not combat the violence that will occur away from the Triangle Site on neighbouring residential streets around the area if the nightclub zone goes ahead as planned. People don't magically vanish into thin air once they disperse from the nightclubs...they have to go somewhere, and onto the streets of St Kilda they will go!
I am spelling out the obvious, but the developer seems to think that their idea of extra security will take care of the issue...they are trying to pull the wool over our eyes. One live music venue to replace the burnt down Palace...not six!"
Jacqueline Walker, St Kilda
21 December 2007
"The development needs to be scaled down to a point where it no longer encroaches on the natural beauty of the seaside. We as human beings are atuned to the natural environment. Being able to enjoy it alleviates stress and promotes a feeling of inner balance and well-being. Surely we have enough stress, road rage, traffic jams, parking problems and drunken violence in our society (which is most likely one of the factors contributing to the rise in mental illness - depression, OCD psychosis) without creating more."
Julia Rybicki, St Kilda
"I was an early speaker at the council committee meeting held on 13 Dec 07 but I was disappointed to note that comments of speakers from the gallery were not summarised. Not even those for or against (most) the triangle site development were recorded. Add to this that only a vague summary of the written submissions were an attachment to the minutes leads me to the conclusion the council wants to minimise the impact of the objectors. Note that at the 07 Nov 07 committee meeting, in a answer to a public question I asked, I was assured that from that date a summary of matters raised during agenda items from the gallery would be included in the minutes. So what went wrong on 13 Dec 07? Not a good start to your mayorality Cr Cribbes. I expect better from independent councillors that I would not expect from the lackies of the state government."
Adrian Jackson, Middle Park
19 December 2007
"I say yes to develop! But keep the green area on the hill on the other side of the road below the upper espi. And make the building some thing that people come to see like the sydney opera house, not just a thing which will date in ten years and turn into a slum shopping centre like forest hill chase or worse!!"
Andrew Dawson, St Kilda
"Way too big. It will destroy the character and balance of St Kilda."
Peter Carrodus, St Kilda
18 December 2007
"They said they'd fix the Palais
If we'd only do it right
And let them add a shopping mall
and 6000 drunks a night
We'd lose our Sunday market
And a few historic views
But there'd be some open spaces
Situated on the roofs
They said 'twill be like Venice,
With tourists everywhere
(Although they don't have traffic snarls
On a beach road thoroughfare)
Then I thought of lovely Venice
And renovations needed there
And wondered if they'd pay the cost
With a mall on San Marco Square
If their council and developers
Should dare suggest such plans
They'd be swimming in the Grand Canal
Wearing concrete underpants."
Brenda Richards, St Kilda
"Climate change is upon us & it is time to act. Nearly 70% of Australian household greenhouse emissions are due to the consumption of goods and services (Consumption Atlas ACF 2007). A shopping mall in a recreational precinct embraces and promotes shopping as recreation - it is a message from our Governments that it is ok for shopping to be the core recreational activity of our time - when it is this very activity that is the largest contributer to the most significant environmental disaster we have been faced with. Is this really ok? Where is the leadership to revision the way our modern society is consuming the planet. We have an opportunity to change the course of things, are we going to let that go? Where is the leadership to live a healthy lifestyle, consume less and protect our precious natural assets."
Caroline Packham, Northcote (live) St Kilda (work)
17 December 2007
"The Council keep trying to tell us that there was a community consultation process - the UDF. Sure, but what came out of that process was that the community wanted a recreational space, with open spaces and a MINIMAL amount of retail. "Some retail" was the term used. NO-ONE, I repeat, NO-ONE said they wanted a massive shopping mall which is practically ALL retail. Get a grip Council - this whole thing has a very nasty smell about it. You diddled the people you're supposed to represent."
Caroline Henry, St Kilda
"What amazes me about this development is that it is clear that the developers have modified the designs all along the way and have introduced new design elements - such as the billboard - knowing they are to be used as SACRIFICAL LAMBS, just in order to get this development through. These design changes are not even remotely in-line with the original development proposal's intent and CERTAINLY not in-line with Mr Catani's great vision for the St Kilda foreshore (I don't remember seeing any shopping malls and nighclubs in previous work....).
What is even more disturbing though, is that our local councillors are choosing to be associated with this kind of unconscionable behaviour. Whichever way you look at this development, the Port Phillip council has either been negligent in properly managing the process, or have deliberately chosen to do business with development partners who are, at best, dishonest."
John Brand, St Kilda
"My husband and I love the charm of St Kilda AS IT IS. This is NOT a proposal, but rather a dismissal of the true character of the area and wants of the residents. Why do we need ANOTHER colosseum of consumerism? Please think about the serious implications of this in the future rather than just concentrating on the money that will be made. Development is synonymous with profit in today's world and this is one venture that St Kilda can live without."
Teena Hartnett, St Kilda
16 December 2007
"Dear Mr Madden, You have always struck me as an intelligent, well balanced individual - both on the football field and in the parliamentary arena. However, I am staggered to read your comments that the proposed development on the St Kilda triangle site is "world class", or words to that effect.
This mixture of Chadstone and Darling Harbour by the sea is everything St Kilda isn't. Please do not allow the character and charm of St Kilda to be destroyed by over-development and crass commercialism. This is an opportunity to leave a legacy for generations to come, not a string of nondescript retail franchises, overcrowding prime real estate on one of the city's premier foreshore sites.
I urge you to reconsider your position and do everything you can to get your cabinet colleagues to agree to state government funding to assist the Palais Theatre restoration."
Michael da Costa-Alves, Elwood
"We are AGAINST the development as it stands. It should be cut by 3/4. We don't want the retail stores; we don't want the night clubs which will add to the violence and appalling behaviour with which we are already assailed. We don't want the TAFE or the supermarket or the cinemas. We want much more open space, green space without concrete as there has been used to develop the promenade along the st Kilda foreshore; it is dreadful and is already cracking. There is no thought given to global warming and the fact that concrete, brick and other such materials capture the heat. Just imagine what the foreshore promenade will be like in 40 degree heat this summer. We don't want all of the people from far-reaching suburbs. We want peaceful outdoor areas where people can gather and enjoy nature. We want to reclaim St Kilda. Over the 20 yrs we have lived here we have seen our amenities eroded little by little. We do not want this to be the playground of Victoria. Take it elsewhere. You are all doing a fantastic job! We join you in this."
Carol Nettlebeck, St Kilda
"This monstrous proposal must stop. Why is it not possible for someone with the sympathy and talent of Nonda Kastilidis to make this change not consortium who is driven by expediency and the retail dollar. I am sick of being abused by the councillors of the City of Port Phillip who seem to have no regard for the ratepayers and see us as a source of money only. It is an outrageous mistake and it will be an irreversible one."
Judith Hammond, Elwood
"Is there a way we can have a vote of 'no confidence' in these councillors - whose policies are to break the law on a range of issues, like breach of alcohol licenses, promoting graffitti - willful damage, not maintaining infrastructure, allowing knowingly for breaches of liquor permits, not listening to their constituents, making political judgements when not permitted - we need to do this + vote for new elections. How can we get rid of these inept, incapable morons and quickly?"
Jenny Webb, Elwood
15 December 2007
"I have a stall on the Esplanade Market. We have been told that the first 90 stalls of the market will be lost with this development. They are building right up to the edge of the market! The development will block up one third of all parking for up to 3 years! We will all be forced to either leave the market, or squash up the other end! There is barely enough parking and space now! Imagine what it will be like when Chadstone by the sea is finished!"
Mark Laricchia, Chelsea
"It was a telling remark made by councilor Mr. Gross, at Thursday's public meeting, as to why he missed the community information night held on the 15th of November. He expressed his regret for not going to the meeting, with words to the effect, I was home and had nothing to do but I did not get an invite.
Dick, it was a public meeting in your council electorate, you are a councillor, you don't need a personal invitation in order to attend. It is no defence.
This is testament to the level of commitment and rigor he is giving the most significant project that he will ever have the opportunity to decide on. And he only attends significant community meetings on the proviso that he gets an invite. This is a desperate state of affairs."
Luke Troja, St Kilda
"What brought me to set up home in St Kilda, was after many years visiting my daughter from Perth and finding it harder to leave. One of many reason i love St Kilda is the open space where one can walk to the beach with family and friends and enjoy the ocean view while having a picnic. I am so sad this could be gone because of greed and no concern for the community. Dont let this happen like it happened in FREMANTLE after the Americas cup! I lost that community and my friends and i cant bear to lose this magical, unique beauty that is no where else in australia. Please let me know what i can do to help to preserve what is ours and our childrens children. Thank you unChain St Kilda."
joesphine o'callaghan, balaclava
"I also attended the council meeting on Thursday. Prior to this meeting, I had gone to the information session at the Palais Theatre. I had gone with an open mind. I left shocked by what was being proposed, and very disappointed that not one councillor, elected representatives of the community, was present.
At the council meeting on Thursday, I was impressed by the calibre and the well-grounded arguments of all submissions presented by residents. I was appalled at the behaviours of councillors at that meeting. The difference in response by the councillors to the presentations by residents (bored and dismissive) and that given by the developer (attentive and encouraging) was palpable. It raises the alert that there could be collusion and corruption.
The arguments against the development proposal as such are numerous and wide-ranging. It is clear that this council is inadequate to deal with a project of this magnitude. They are not capable of adequately representing the residents of St Kilda.
At the end of proceedings on Thursday evening, the council was asked a question as to why it had just unanimously and so quickly agreed to a deferral of a final decision on this project of a mere 6 weeks (encompassing the holiday period). The council did not respond to this necessary question. Probably it couldn't. One more demonstration that it has lost its way. This ludicrous situation cannot continue.
The restoration of the Palais Theatre has to be funded separately and by other means. The Triangle site project on Crown land has to be scrapped and begun again. This time, for the residents of St Kilda, and with community consultation."
Graeme Tardy, St Kilda
"So where to from the farce? Another eight years of "dithering and incompetence" (The Age, letters 15/12), still to be left with a derelict wasteland at this precious site and different sick plan for an abomination to ruin St Kilda's soul? Or do we try something different, some real leadership which shows a little respect for one of Australia's most beautifully iconic suburbs?
It's time for the Brumby Government to show that leadership which we should expect from a Labor Government. It should start with taking responsibility for the Palais, which after all it does own, then setting aside a modest budget to immediatly landscape and beautify the triangle site from the disgrace it is now. There will then be time for plan which has some sympathy for our wonderful St Kilda."
George Finlay, Balaclava/East St Kilda
"Whatever happened to community participation in decision making? Were I able to have my say, I'd opt for a people's green reserve, based on environmentally sound principles with no buildings, no automobiles or carparks and no carbon emissions! Reintegrate the triangle with the foreshore surrounds and reinstate indigenous flora so we can escape the madness of hyper-development!"
Damon Anderson, St Kilda
14 December 2007
"What a disappointment last night's meeting was. Despite the passionate pleas of their community and the flat out rejection of the current proposal by the people they were elected to represent the council showed barely any indication of listening to us. Cr Gross sitting there smug through the whole process and picking his toes while resident spoke. SHAME ON YOU CR. GROSS. And the Mayor acting like a power hungry School Maam telling residents to stop talking and championing the developer's "right to speak" THE BIGGEST SHAME ON YOU MAYOR.
May I remind the councillors of this community that you work for us. Not for developers, not for the State, but for us and we don't want what you're giving us.
Keep fighting St Kilda. Write to everyone you can. Write to each Councillor individually maybe one of them has the guts to stand up for us and what we want. Everything we want. Not just preserved view lines but also no nightclubs and less shops.
Cr. Sait last night told us that she loves St Kilda. Ask her to prove it!"
Daniela Raulli, St Kilda
"The proposed development is an architectural abomination - a prime example of kitsch and over the top commercialism - threatening destruction of an historic 'seaside resort' and its beautiful bay vistas. Where is the 'environmental' conscience of Australian urban planning authorities and architects when global trends point to conserving historic sites, reducing urban clutter and avoiding new sources of emissions (air & ground pollution)? The success of St Kilda for its residents and local/ overseas visitors is its retained history, character of its early buildings/landscapes and local cultural/artistic heritage, not 'icons' to 21st Century commercialism and faddish architecture."
Kirsten Anderson, Prahran
"I too was at the coucil meeting last night. This council does not want to listen to the people of St Kilda. I fail to see why the council thinks they have our best interests in hand when there was at least 500 people clearly opposing the massive development. The council is stale and corrupt!"
Tim R, St Kilda
"I totally oppose the development - It will turn St Kilda's iconic foreshore area into a bayside Chadstone shopping centre monstrocity. Aweful."
Julian, St Kilda
"The benefit of this proposed development will only be to line the pockets of a few.It is not sympathetic to the character of this wonderful suburb and will not meet the needs of the local community.It is Greedy!!!"
Linda Riska, Murrumbeena/St Kilda
"What a meeting it was last night at the St Kilda town hall! Great to see and feel the passion of our local residents. We must win this battle. We will. Sanity must prevail. Residents of St Kilda rise up! Stop this monstrous anti-social, totally over the top development. Preserve and restore the Palais theatre we must, and there are ways of doing this with deserved state and federal government funds.The Council must pull the plug on the scheme and start again, and admit that mistakes were made and things got grossly out of hand."
Henk van Leeuwen, Elwood
"I attended the meeting of the Council's Statutory Planning Committee tonight, and was struck by the body language of some councillors who, whilst residents were presenting objections, chatted to each other or otherwise distracted themselves, yet when the developer made his presentation, sat bolt upright and attentive for the (long) duration."
Paul Morgan, St Kilda
"I attended the council meeting tonight until the end. I am furious! WHY is the timeline so short? WHY did the council not listen at all? Will the next meeting in January be a public meeting?"
Jane Kelson, St Kilda
"Tide turns on Triangle
At Thursday night's Council meeting the tide turned significantly on St Kilda's triangle developers' golden opportunity to use some of the most valuable public land in Australia for commercial gain.
Hopefully the developers will now be unable to get away with blocking sea views from St Kilda's beautiful Esplanade, swamping the site with crass commercialism (they want more shops for the triangle's public land than already exist on all the private land in Fitzroy and Acland streets) and massively increasing alcohol outlets.
By ignoring the wishes of its real owners and proposing a development which residents believe would destroy the soul and integrity of the triangle's public land and even their suburb, the developers should no longer have the trust of the community to proceed. The triangle should now be landscaped, beautified and cherished as public space."
George Finlay, Balaclava/East St Kilda
"Councillors of Port Philip be afraid...be very afraid. The people of St Kilda came out in force tonight to voice their objections to the travesty that has become the St Kilda Triangle development. We the people will make our votes count at the next local elections if you do not listen to our concerns. The council needs to understand that St Kilda is shabby, eccentric and a little frayed around the edges. That is the beauty of this place and the mere idea of putting a slick and shiny shopping mall on its sacred bohemian shore is just appalling. Go back to the drawing board and think about the community and not the economy."
Geraldine, St Kilda
13 December 2007
"An ice skating rink? The St Moritz was demolished for the the most inappropriate and unsightly Novatel Hotel. The St Kilda baths "development" was and is a fiasco. The historic St Kilda Station was "developed" into a menagerie of shops and failed businesses. The skate board park in Albert Park nobody wants. The community is denied use of the South Melbourne Town Hall. And now the Triangle fiasco. Hundreds of thousands of rate payers dollars wasted on these follies that the community does not need and does not want.
Something is not right at Port Phillip and the community knows."
Geoff Gowers, St Kilda
"How can our council think of wrecking our foreshore. When you can see what Nona Kastilidies can achieve with lateral thinking. No to Chadstone by the Bay for Gods sake!!!!! Keep up the good work"
Lisa Ellison, St Kilda
"I grew up in bayside Melb. I agree with your 'Good Outcome'. I am a regular visitor to St Kilda, stay at Novatel. Love the view and the walks along the beach and pier. Fear proposed plans a disaster for St Kilda."
Elsbeth Phillips, Redcliffs
"St Kilda is home to thousands of people and is a tight community. I find it inconceivable that anyone is considering such an unattractive unsound environmental development that they wouldn't want in their backyard! Preserve St Kilda at all costs, its shabby charm, ecclectic community is what is attractive..."
Kate McAree, Port Melbourne
"What about the Age today - it shows what could be done. Nona Kastides shows foresight. This is a once in a lifetime chance!!!"
Lynne Edwards, St Kilda West
"From the Age... "Speaking from China, Cr Gross said he was still undecided about his vote after years of negotiations, deliberations and legal wrangles. "This will be the most highly scrutinised decision I have ever been involved in. It's such a volatile situation and I'm getting phone calls and emails all the time so I'm constantly changing my mind."
What....? This guy has been at the front of the Council as it developed this plan. What is going on? Who have we elected? This is pathetic. Time for a new council. How do we get one NOW??"
Ann Ryan, St Kilda
"We must protect St Kilda from greed. We must raise our voices in protest to protect our local community."
Caro Flood, St Kilda East
"Too Big"
Martin Allen, South Melbourne
12 December 2007
"Developers always aim for 10 times more than they know will ever be approved, then scale it back as their supposed "compromise" expecting us to compromise with them...It's STILL too big!! I will be at the meeting Thursday night."
Jacqueline, St Kilda
"I live on the Esplanade. In the last two years St Kilda has felt like it's overwhelmed with the weight of pedestrian traffic and cars. The people are coming to visit, they don't need more shops to come here and we don't need a mall in our front yard and the loss of the beach. People are already flocking here in droves, I am happy to share my home suburb, but why are we adding more places to shop?"
Nicola Archer, St Kilda
"It is very upsetting already to see what St Kilda has already turned into; this is not the seaside bohemian suburb that I moved into 22 years ago. Personally, I don't want the triangle development, there's already enough architectural eyesores in this fastly becoming generic seaside town!"
Debra, St Kilda
"I have just done the 'fly around' on the St Kilda Triangle website. I was shocked by the generic 'artsy' look the developers are proposing. St Kilda has a style of its own. To impose this commercial conglomeration of Fred Flintstone-come-Disneyland, which will look like a slum in ten years time, is criminal."
Candy, South Melbourne
"Rather than introducing a temporary ice skating rink, the Triangle site should incorporate a permanent skatepark. A skatepark at the triangle would introduce a much needed element of public open space to the Development Plan, and fits comfortably within the Design guidelines:
- The St Kilda Edge project originally envisaged the foreshore as the logical location for a skatepark, along with the other rolling sports
- The St Kilda Foreshore Urban Design Framework, 2002, proposed that a skatepark facility be located in this vicinity, "with a design that responds to Luna Park as a backdrop" (P4.7)
- The inclusion of a skatepark would reduce the commerciality of the site, and provide a greater sense of St Kilda-ness.
As you are aware, the Council's current proposed location for a St Kilda skatepark, in Albert Park Reserve on Fitzroy Street, has met with considerable opposition. 368 objections were lodged, we took Council to VCAT and won against their attempt to restrict grounds of objection to heritage issues, and we have recently concluded 4 days of hearings at VCAT to appeal against the Council's notice of decision to approve a permit.
The objectors to the Fitzroy street site for the proposed skatepark include the St Kilda Park Primary School, the St Kilda Bowling Club, the St Kilda Cricket Club, the St Kilda Historical Society, Park Community Association, Port Phillip Ecocentre, Fitzroy Street Traders Association and local residents.
It's time Council and State Government realised that the level of objection against this site is such that it is irresponsible to proceed, and that an alternative site for the skatepark needs to be found.
By re-establishing the Triangle as the site for a skatepark Council and State Government would be going a long way to restoring residents' faith that we have a real say in St Kilda's future.
We note that the developer blames the State Government and Council for the high level of commercial development on the Triangle site: "while there may be some concern regarding the extent of the commercial development on the site it's only through the creation of these commercial spaces that we are able to undertake such significant public investment and accept the risk profile by the State and the Council" (Stephen McMillan, Citta Property Group, 10 December 2007)
Given the level of public objection to the over-commerciality of the Triangle site, and the totally inappropriate proposal to build a concrete skatepark and urban plaza on green, open pace public parkland in Albert Park Reserve, surely it is up to Council and State Government to take decisive action which can help fix both problems."
Jonathan Raymond, St Kilda
11 December 2007
"The Council, once again, with only 2 days before an important public meeting to consider the development, has posted hundreds of pages of new material on its web site. Whilst most of the material is self serving rubbish, it is worth a look.
The scaling back of parts of the development are window dressing and show the stupidity of Council by letting such a ridiculous proposal be exhibited in the first place.
Some gems:
- para 2.3 of the CEO's report clearly states that THE basis for pursuing this development is the "positive economic and employment contribution to the local and metropolitan economy." In other words, the entire game is economic. (BTW the economic analysis is wafer thin, relying on a report prepared in 2004, when the economic benefit of this development was impossible to calculate as it had not even been conceived.)
- currently 836,000 interstate and intrastate (ie non local) visitors are estimated to visit the St Kilda foreshore annually. This proposal is expected to add 551,333!!!
- a planner engaged by Council, Matrix Planning, levels many criticisms of the development including in relation to excessive commercial and retail use, lack of compliance with the UDF, loss of iconic landmarks, loss of views etc. Importantly Matrix states that it has not been asked to analyse whether there is a "net community benefit" from the proposal. This is something that any large development should require but Council have ignored.
This lunacy has got to be stopped!"
John Bennetts, St Kilda
"As a long time St Kilda worker I am very concerned at the proposed development of The Triangle site in St Kilda. It seems particularly ill-conceived to massively over-develop public land in order to raise 22 million dollars to preserve The Palais Theatre and yet that seems the only justification the City of Port Phillip has for their support of the plan. At the same time the Council has been regularly approving large scale developments throughout the municipality that regularly violate their own guidelines for the provision of car parking and "good design". The recent high rises along Carlisle & Grey Streets, and the proposed redevelopments along Barkly Street, are signs of a Council seriously out of touch with its electorate and the nature of the suburb they are destroying.
Even if we accept that the overall design of the Triangle suits any meaure of "good design" or urban values, the plans do not provide sufficient on site car parking and there is no sign of discussions with tram and/or bus services to improve access to the site. Access to the underground car park will further degrade Beaconsfield Parade as a useful feeder road by blocking through traffic (lights control the car park) and by having the car park entrance on this major road rather than a side street near Luna Park. There is no provision for the "thousands of people" the site hopes to attract to access the beach or cross Beaconsfield Parade except by road crossing & pedestrian lights. You only have to drive down King Street when the nightclubs are in full swing to see how dangerous this will be.
I am not opposed to the shopping centre going ahead except that it is too large & will effect both Fitzroy Street and Acland Street badly - the destruction of these strips (by increasing vacant shops) will destroy precincts that are included in every State Government tourist campaign. I urgently ask you to reconsider your support for the project and over-rule the Council until a sensible plan can be approved."
Robert K Taylor, Spotswood
"Agree with other comments - my issue is the contradictory actions of Council, and there is a long list, but parking and road traffic come to mind - environmental sustainablility is a catch cry for Council in some instances but now its roll on into our suburb with your cars and choke up the access for residents yet again !!! - feels like a casino development to me, who has tried to walk from Sth melbourne to the city past the Casino - its hellish at any time of day - I imagine my 5 minute skip down to the beach will now be a 15 minute nightmare of traffic congestion. As a resident of 15 years i am willing and have succumbed to all manner of tourist invasions for festivals and one off events BUT THIS IS A 24 HOUR INVASION.
What are the dividends for the residents of this mangerialist initiative - can't see one for this family. If I wanted shops I'd live somewhere where there are malls etc. Like the Sea Baths (the retail and restaurant component which is dead there) council is talking up the project and has not learnt from the experience that what intrinsically attracts people to St Kilda is the landscape, the live performance culture, and the lack of attempts at slick retailing and barn-like resturants and bars."
Margaret O'Loughlin, St Kilda
"I have been resident of St Kilda since birth, with an intermittent 10 or so years spent in Europe, and remain here in St Kilda for now. All the talk about the triangle development tearing out the heart of St Kilda is folly. The heart and soul of St Kilda has been gradually torn since the early to mid nineties. Anybody who still perceives soul among the herd, say in Acland/Fitzroy/Barkly streets on any given evening, might well be in possession of an all-mighty gift. Soul has moved on from St Kilda, to places like Brighton in the UK, Castlemaine, and heaven forbid, Yarraville - and surprise, surprise, the rising cost of property or Rent in Port Phillip didn't necessarily play a part in the diaspora.
Recollecting the initial announcement of Citta being awarded this development, I recall the Honourable Justin Madden prophesising to the media that the triangle development will elevate St Kilda to one of the primary seaside resorts in the world. I am having trouble being convinced that the average person, or even the well-heeled, in Moscow, Helsinki or Monaco will care any more for St Kilda once this ghastly monstrosity has been erected, with or without Pearl restaurant. Something tells me though, that I happened to bear witness to a very public hand-washing exercise.
It pays to remember that the sphere of influence of Mr Madden's world stretches from Mildura to Berwick and a little beyond. It would be frightening to think that somebody in Mr Madden's position had not grasped that St Kilda IS the primary seaside resort for the people of that world. Does it need to be any more primary? The triangle development, without any shadow of a doubt, will be the final kick up the backside out of the traveling wagon in which this place has been violated for years on end, at the mercy of its elected town planners.
A measly 20 million gold coins will buy the lousiest piece of fashion ever to embrace this seaside town. The upside to purchasing a lousy piece of fashion is that St Kilda will in its own time, in 5, 20 or 30 years, become unfashionable again. The clubs, chain stores, cigar bars and the associated phalanx of crud with its fake Ray-Bans will move to some place like the Docklands or Williamstown.
Irrespective of whether it is given the go-ahead or not, irrespective of what shape that go-ahead might arrive in, the eventual failure of the triangle development is a certainty before it has begun... but in the meantime there is money to be made. "
Thorsten Richter, St Kilda
10 December 2007
"The proposed development is far too big for the area and is totally inappropriate. I object to the development in the strongest terms."
Claudia Hofmeister, Albert Park
"I used to live in St Kilda and now come up to visit often. This development looks hideous, is much too large and will destroy the beautifull seaside feel of St Kilda."
Sarah Durkin, Geelong West
"Of course objectors to the triangle development don't think a burnt out night club and a car park represent St Kilda's soul as Byron Scaf implies ( The Age 10/12). Icons like the Palais, St Klda pier and wide views of the sea from a beautiful esplanade do, along with the buzz at the already plentiful shops, bars, cafes and supermarkets in Acland and Fitzroy streets.
Crown land should not be stolen to build crass shopping centres which will dwarf those icons and block views. Leave commercial developments to the private land they already occupy in abundance. Save scarce crown land for open space. The choice is not to leave it derelict or swamp it with commercialism. Care for it, landscape it and beautify it. That's soul."
George Finlay, Balaclava/East St Kilda
9 December 2007
"The Council of Port Phillip is not doing a good job for the citizens of St Kilda - if they let this development go through they will hang their head in shame for all time - I have just moved out of Melbourne because of its over-development (after 30 years) - the city needs to keep its iconic spaces (don't get me started on Federation Square) -Please think of our real needs, not just as consumers to be enticed to spend,spend,spend in retail outlets and nightclubs - my heart goes out especially to those living near the proposed development - life will be unbearable for you, St Kilda will lose its heart and Melbourne its special appeal as a liveable city."
Rod Aarons, Geelong
"i don't want to be a sardine"
mark, st kilda
"I live in the UK and come to St Kilda once or twice every year. I only learnt of this proposal recently from a resident who I met on the number 75 tram.
I am absolutely horrified to learn of what has been planned. Only recently in the UK have we realised what obscuring our history with modern buildings, shopping malls, nightclubs and crowds of people can do to the spirit of a town. We've actually started pulling down newer buildings in favour of restoring older ones. I can only hope that the council for St K see sense and do the same.
When I'm in St Kilda I am merely there as a tourist; however, even I can feel how much of a community, a history, and a soul this town has. I go there to get away from the city, to get away from the cars and the malls and the pubs, and to enjoy the peace on the beach and the pier during the day, and the restaurants in the evening.
St Kilda feels special exactly because it is special; it stands out against the modern day constructs and the *unwanted* busy-ness of life...and instead brings people together in the warm, bustling, soulful and caring town that it is. I cannot believe that anyone would approve of destroying this through the building of such a horrifically large development.
I may be 17,000 miles away, but I shall be writing to each of the email addresses on this page to make my opinion heard as a tourist who loves this place, and as a potential future resident. Keep up the good work, guys. :) "
Miriam, Brighton - the UK one
"Nothing 'new', exciting, or distinctive is offered in the current proposed plan. An oppurtunity squandered! Crazy that the 'triple bottom line' (of economic, social, and environmental factors) is being so obviously overlooked - in the 21st century!
Amongst others examples the pedestrian crossing across to the beach (rather than a wide foot bridge) highlights the purely commercial nature of the project over any real 'community' or user considerations. The Triangle is an oppurtunity, not only for commercial gain, but IN PARTICULAR to create a site to showcase the offerings of a world class city with envious artistic and cultural characteristics - in a world famous vibrant and vital destination and residential zone (they made a highly successful TV series about Saint Kilda's 'lifestyle'!). The Lady of St Kilda will not be wrecked on these beaches AGAIN!"
Joss, The world's most liveable city
"I remember that old lady the Palais as a place of grandeur that transported me in my imagination most Saturday afternoons. I remember the St.Kilda foreshore as a place for pleasurable strolling.
Now the Palais is in need of restoration and some politicians and councillors are taking the grubby way out of funding this by desecrating the remainder of the triangle site.
Where are the statesmen and women? Surely even the most glad handing representative can see that the proposals are an abomination. Surely even the most aethetically blind can see that here is an opportunity to build on Carlo Catani's dream for the people.
The beautiful Catani Gardens could be linked to the O'Donnell gardens by an appropriate garden landscaping development of the site and the Lower Esplanade.
Instead, a priceless opportunity to bring cultural sophistication to this part of St.Kilda is being traded for a crass commercialisation. I don't want to take my grandchildren (when and if they ever get here) to a multistoried glitzatoria, I want to be able to show them something that can be the equal of the grand promenades of the world.
Please, statesmen and stateswomen, don't let your name be linked to this. Take the effort to honour your oaths of office and stand for the people. Justin Madden, stop it, review the options, remember Labor governs for the people."
Bryan Finlay, Nyora
"David Elsum's letter on the St Kilda triangle development (The Age, 8/12) is misleading on three counts. Likening the development with Federation Square is absurd. Whatever you think of Fed Square it is iconic, it has soul, it does not dumb down an area with commercial Chadstone-like crass. Saying that community opinion is divided implies strong support for both sides. 7000 objections show that the division is actually between the community and a handful of developers and their supporters on Council and the State Government. The weight of objections, and an outcome that will destroy St Kilda's soul, show that the consultation process was a farce."
George Finlay, Balaclava/East St Kilda
8 December 2007
""I have not, in my nine years as a resident of St Kilda, seen anything as jaw-droppingly ludicrous and completely inappropriate as the proposal for the Triangle site by the Sydney-based Citta Group. What I believe the residents of St Kilda were told was that the development would be a fantastic public space, with unimpeded views of the bay from the Esplanade, sloping lawn areas, a few nightclubs and some retail.
In reality though, this vision has been allowed to mutate into the now planned 181 tenant shopping centre with supermarket, hotel, gym and nightclubs catering for more than 6000 revellers. The plans make this centre almost the same size as THE GLEN, AIRPORT WEST or NORTHLAND, albeit with about 3000 LESS parking spaces.
The development, if approved will cause;
- traffic gridlock for EVERY street from Punt Road / Nepean Highway to the beach.
- a parking nightmare for ALL local residents.
- noise pollution for ALL local residents
- pollution of ALL our beaches from increased refuse
- a council-sanctioned sabotage of the business of ALL our cherished local traders
- MORE anti-social behaviour
- MORE vandalism
- LESS tolerance to all our residents
- AND A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE TO THE VERY SOUL OF ST KILDA.
I predict that within two years of opening, the entire development will become a white elephant, with countless empty tenancies and prospective future tenants scared off by it's failure to fire. We've all seen how both the St Kilda Sea Baths and Metropol projects have struggled to attract business and they're tiny by comparison. The hotelier, on seeing plans for the development, has already pulled out of the project while local business heavyweights like Lindsay Fox have also slammed it as being entirely inappropriate for the area.
Make no mistake, this development, if approved, will fundamentally change the entire landscape and cosmopolitan feel of St.Kilda - and not just for the near future - for the next 99 YEARS!!
I ask everyone to really think about the extraordinary impact that, if approved, this gigantic development will have on not just traffic, parking, the community and the environment, but on our existing retailers, on our neighbouring councils and their residents, on your own rate payers and indeed our quality of life in the future in Melbourne's playground, our fine city St Kilda."
Damian Nicholas, St Kilda
"I would like to express my objections to the St Kilda Triangle Development Plan. I have lived in St Kilda for over 7 years and now consider it my home. Whilst the Triangle Site as it currently stands could definitely be improved I have grave concerns over the extent and nature of the modifications proposed.
Furthermore I am disappointed at the lack of full disclosure regarding the nature of the plans. I viewed the plans for the site in the St Kilda Library a few weeks ago and was dismayed to find no clear indication of what was proposed. I saw a large, glossy publication that came across more like (the developer's) propaganda.
Briefly, here are some of my objections (and some proposed solutions).
I believe it the task of our local government to provide for the needs of our local community. Hotels, pubs, cinemas, bowling alleys, high end restaurants and so forth are not the needs of said community. It seems our council is more concerned with the interests of interstate and overseas visitors - people who may visit St Kilda briefly - rather than those of us who actually LIVE here.
It is a well known fact that our culture of capitalism is harming our society in a myriad of ways. A healthy society is built on connectivity - on creating spaces that allow people to meet and interact - not simply to tranquilise themselves through shopping, entertainment and alcohol. Such healthy spaces are disappearing. The Triangle Site presents an opportunity to create a unique and interesting St Kilda landmark.
Instead, it seems we're hellbent on creating yet another bland, homogenised shopping precinct, such as exist all over the planet. Visitors and locals alike will not thank a council for creating yet another mindless "mall". An imaginative council / developer might propose open parkland (see the popularity of the St Kilda Botanic Gardens on a public holiday) with spaces for healthy and active pursuits, community facilities, sport, artworks and sculptures. Think of the most renowned places on the planet; such as The Eiffel Tower, Great Wall or even our own Sydney Opera House. Would not something equally unique do far more for the suburb we know and love?
I'm sure our imaginative and vibrant community could come up with some brilliant ideas. It's not too late. Why not truly consult the community? Run a competition to see who can come up with the most interesting, exciting, healthy ideas for St Kilda's Triangle. If our council does so, the time spent planning so far won't have been wasted. As it stands, the plan will go down as just another mediocre decision, driven by the greed of developers and a lack of foresight by our community and council.
I won't repeat the sentiments already expressed by the Unchain St Kilda Alliance, except to say that I generally agree with most of them too."
Matthew Young, St Kilda
"I was born and bred in St Kilda. In that time I have seen many changes, many good some bad. The proposed development on the lower esplanade next to the heritage building The Palais theatre can only be seen as the latter. Continue with Catani's heritage, leave this as open space. We are at a pivotal point with this development. There is a time and place for development, this is neither. Listen to ratepayers and people in general. Don't make this the devils triangle!"
john finlay, st kilda east
"The current proposal is a disgrace. I moved from the outer suburbs to get away from Chadstone like development and to a place with a rich and diverse history. If I wanted to shop at another 60 stores, I would move back to Glen Waverley."
Aislinn Martin, St Kilda
"I have recently moved back to my home in Melbourne after spending five years on the Gold Coast. One of my major reasons for the relocation was to protect my two teenage sons from the nightly alcohol fueled violence that occurs in the entertainment precint of Surfers Paradise. My wife Sally was the media spokesperson for Schoolies there and has witnessed first hand the tragic results of an area such as the one proposed in St Kilda. And let me be very clear that these assaults occur all year round... not just during the two weeks of Schoolies. My two sons and their friends have been the victims of random vicious attacks.
I suggest that police, council, developers and emergency services look to the Gold Coast to view a working model of this not so progressive development. St Kilda is by comparison a reasonably safe neigbourhood. However the long term effects of an entertainment eyesore such as the one currently proposed will be found in the ER, palliative care units."
James Freud, St Kilda
"Why do we need more shops? Consumption gone mad has already been found to be unsustainable, AND, do people visit St Kilda to shop? I call on Council and developers to make this development a shrine to sustainability and environmental excellence. More green open space, a cheaper model of refurbishment of the Palais, more art spaces. Coming generations will thank us."
Lena Mazza, East Brunswick
"There is something special about St Kilda. It belongs to all Melbourne, with more familiar icons and memories of our history than perhaps any suburb. Don't let developers destroy its spirit with a massive commercial foreshore development, out of all balance with its environment.
I say this as a member of a family which has lived a short walk from the triangle development for over 110 years. My father was born in St Kilda in 1907 and saw the first Canary Island palm plantings in the area. My parents met at the Palais De Danse in the 1930's. My grandfather was married while living in St Kilda in 1897.
I have a stake and a responsibility to protest, but so do all Melbournians. St Kilda is such a part of our history. Melbourne, please stop the desecration. Once perpetrated it will be irreversible."
George Finlay, St Kilda
7 December 2007
"Here's the opportunity to create an open meeting place, reminescent of bygone days, where members of the village could meet for purposes other than filling the purses of the landlords. Imagine the farmers' market on a beautiful grassed area instead of tucked behind the northern goals of the Peanut Farm oval. Imagine the night market spread out instead of being cramped into the O'Donnell Gardens. Imagine a natural amphitheatre with a stage where locals could watch a movie or showcase their talents every weekend, instead of having half of Melbourne's population trooping through once a year during the St Kilda festival. Use some imagination, listen to the locals instead of succumbing to crass commercialisation. We have a great opportunity, let's not waste it."
Bryan Fraser, St Kilda
"St Kilda is a unique and diverse community, thats why residents choose to live here. If we wanted shopping malls we would have moved to chadstone. It's hard enough for residents who have to put up with the flood of tourists on weekends, when you can't even park your own car in your street. ridiculous."
Michelle, East St Kilda
"we are not listened to and the consultation process is and always has been a joke. Make no mistake... this development will go ahead even if 100,000 people march on Camberra. It is a joke. Developpers get rich and we get screwed. This is a horrible, negligent, grossly oversized and savagely unproductive development. l am in shock. But l know that the worst is yet to come and residents and visitors to st kilda will suffer unbearably for the next 99 years. Go to hell councillors. And take the bloody money grubbing developers with you. May you all rot in hell along with your development"
Karl Rapp, St Kilda
"We cannot believe our elected representatives have let this thing get to the stage it has. St Kilda has been hanging on to its 'cultural' heritage, to its quirky nature by a thread over recent years. Acland Street is filling up with 'brand' stores, and old businesses forced out - but it's nothing compared to what is proposed here. St Kilda as a cultural icon will be lost. A cultural centre, open space, passive recreation, art, live music yes, chic cafes (as if we need more of these) and useful, creative vendors maybe, but ugliness and 181 retail outlets is an outrageous use of public land! If we value heritage, then the taxpayer should be happy to foot the bill to renovate the Palais."
Walker, Elwood
6 December 2007
"This complex will change the whole of what St Kilda's about! If I want chain stores and nighclubs I'll go to Chapel St. I dont fancy the vibe on chapel st and would be so sad to see St Kilda turn into yet another mainstream money making st. Furthermore I love living by the bay and seeing the water; this building will block views to the bay!"
Hayley Robinson, St Kilda
"Babcock Brown Citta is obviously counting on all the existing suburban visitors, who flood into St Kilda on weekends, being the main market for their development. But BBC, these people come to see the cake shops etc because it's DIFFERENT to what they have at home. They already HAVE chain stores and shopping malls where they live - they won't visit St Kilda for those. Locals won't go there either - they all hate chain stores and homogeneity. You'll have NO customers. The only people who WILL use the space are packs of young, alcohol drinking bogans, who will spill out past your security cameras into surrounding streets, vomiting in gutters, shouting, yelling and terrorising the rest of us - just as they do currently."
Eliza, St Kilda
"Again my thanks to the workers at Unchain St Kilda for an exemplary campaign. Acceptable outcomes include:
1. Confine development to the actual triangle site, the triangular land surrounding the Palais. It should not include the grassy terraces.
2. For the people. Conceive development as non-commercial, for community (City of Port Phillip has adequate revenue and revenue growth from other sources) State gov't to finance the renovation of the Palais: like so much of St Kilda, its mainly used by visitors from outside St Kilda. Apart from the budget surplus, there is apparently a little-known fund which collects interest on real estate deposits before settlement called something like the Victoria Property Fund, held by State gov't which has over $100m.
3. Significant underground carpark would be useful, to serve Palais and replacement Palace, alongside public transport and bike strategy.
4. An outdoor 'square'/forecourt area, designed and landscaped so people really use it, and use it APPROPRIATELY. (eg associated cafe/food outlet, community venues, eg artists in residences studios, intimate exhibition spaces, visual and performing artists).
5. All proposed development to meet a set of health promotion/community well-being criteria.
Finally, I support a residents' rates strike unless we are satisfied with the outcome of this fight and with a return of local democracy through structural and process reform of the City of Port Phillip. It has become an unaccountable corporation. "
Susan Humphries, St Kilda
"The proposal is a disgrace, an outrage and a farce and completely ignores the needs of local residents, local businesses and 'real' visitors (not prowling drunken hoons as per King St and Fitzroy St). It's a hideous example of greed over both style and suitability to the area. Monstrous in every respect!! Makes you suspect that somebody is taking backhanders to push the whole thing through... The alternative plan put forward on your site is much more sensible and suitable. We love St Kilda as she is - and more of the same charm, character, diversity, architectural elegance, European cosiness and chutzpah would be welcome."
Kathy Hope, Sth Yarra
"For the past three years I've worked in St Kilda and have come to love it like a second home. It's a beautiful place with a great community, I don't want to see over-development in the triangle drive that community away. St Kilda already has more hubs of activity than most suburbs and I'm fond of the calmer stretch running between Fitzroy and Acland streets. I think to create something so huge such as this proposal will draw away from what makes St Kilda what it is, and the character of the place will completely change. Subtle development is good. Please don't mess around too much with the great place we already have!"
Felicity Young, Hawthorn East
"Destroying cultural icons to build a commercial empire. Is this what you want your grandkids to remember you for? Or will you preserve it and have future generations recall your wisdom?"
Chris, Templestowe
"I never visit Cran Kilda anymore. There is nothing there for the locals anymore."
melanie beynon, prahran
"Walking along the Upper Esplanade tonight and I was deeply saddened and outraged at what may be there in a few years time. Build appropriately on the Palace site and car park... but can't we leave the rest as it is. I adore it the way it is. Breaks my heart. Leave the cliche shopping malls to the suburbs with their awful food courts and multiplex cinemas that have no place on crown land in St Kilda which is much loved by all Victorians. Port Philip Council. Stop being so greedy!!! there is more to life than $$$$ and shopping, getting drunk and wandering aimlessly around a shopping centre. People do not go to the foreshore for that reason!! no one wants this. Please preserve the open space, grassy slopes and palm trees and views we have now. Preserve the 100 year old vision of Carlo Catani PLEASE! I agree whole heartedly with all the comments I have read here and I will be at the December 13 meeting to voice my anger. Well done Unchain Sr Kilda!!!"
Jacqueline Walker, St Kilda
5 December 2007
"Crown Casino by the Bay. Chadstone by the Bay. Docklands by the Bay....Most people aren't against development as such but please build something "beautiful", which stands the test of time. Who's to blame? I could ramble on about property developers & uninspiring architects but, it's a free market....So responsibility comes down to groups like this (well done organisers) and....Justin Madden. His website explains how he's committed to well-designed neighbourhoods, that he's an architect and how he's passionate about urban planning and design. You can't lose, Justin. Approve something that is in-sync with Catani Gardens, unobtrusive to the Upper Esplanade, predominantly public space and NOT like the Casino/Docklands. Get the Van Handels involved somehow. (I don't have any link at all to them but have eaten and drank in their places and know that they offer excellent quailty and design) You're an architect. Show some vision!!"
Luke M, St Kilda East
4 December 2007
"I voted for a council member whose election promise was "I oppose inappropriate development", now she is a champion of this eyesore that will create havoc for local residents, with countless long-term negative social implications.
Local residents do not want this development, so who will it be servicing? There are already enough wonderful restaurants and bars in St. Kilda. So who thinks we need more?? DEVELOPERS, NOT RESIDENTS!
I live on Robe St. One hundred metres from the beach. I walk across the tram tracks, then down a grassy slope, across another road and I am at the sea. I don't want to have to navigate a Crown Casino type development to do something I have done for many years in peace.
I am not sure whether Council has considered what time the employees of these 'shops and bars' will start and finish work? what time will the garbage be collected? What time will deliveries to restock them take place? It certainly wont be during business hours when people are awake. It will undoubtedly be when residents are trying to sleep and trucks will be reversing and bottle-bins being emptied, etc, etc....
Council could create something really interesting and innovative like an Aboriginal Cultural Centre. This would create a buzz and a feeling of worthiness for this Crown Land, educate this nation, draw tourists in an appropriate fashion, and promote a sense of promise and healing for indigenous Australians.
Every meeting I have ever attended by Council pays lip service to original indigenous population. Put your conscience where your mouth is. The whole development is very sad and I feel that the council by amending laws and rushing through plans has proven how financially driven the City of Port Phillip Council, have become.
Use the land to create something for our community, not destroy it."
Jonathan Messer JP, St Kilda
"I am concerned at the speed with which Councillors are proceeding with this development. Europeans that live in old cities believe they are mere custodians of a place. They take the view that they are just passing through and that they have a responsibilty to future generations. As this is Crown Land the City of Port Phillip has a greater responsibilty to balance community, cultural, safety and heritage concerns"
Julie Shiels, St Kilda
"As a boy who grew up in St Kilda in the 60`s I am outraged by what is being proposed. As always, greed and profit come before people! This monstrous development would totally destroy the essence of what St Kilda is about. I find it difficult to comprehend the chaos that this type of development would create; the amount of people, the number of retail outlets, the number of licenced venues and the sheer volume of extra traffic! It is just plain stupidity!"
Peter Lightfoot, Glen Iris
3 December 2007
"I am absolutely horrified at the proposed development. To me it is the ANTITHESIS of everything that has, over decades, made St Kilda an interesting, dynamic, diverse, progressive and unique community and suburb.
I can't bear to think of losing the panoramic views of the bay & foreshore, or of the Palais (it's not just the facade that's appealing). I can't bear to think of the increased sense of menace, violence, vandalism etc all those late night venues would cause. And I pray we will be spared the banality and soulessness & of a retail shopping mall. Neither St Kilda's environment or the global environment needs another one.
Heartfelt gratitude to unChain St Kilda. I have put in a submission, written to Councillors, written to pollies and will be at the meetings. "
Christine Banks, St Kilda
"Definitely overkill to proceed with a development of this magnitude. The fall out from this type of planning in a residential area will be disastrous."
Jennifer Lyster, North Fitzroy
"Don't fix something that ain't broke. Leave it alone for our children and theirs to enjoy. We do not need a Chadstone by the sea."
Sally Fether, Brighton
"I think it is a monstrosity and a real crime that will alter St kilda's charm for ever, we don't need any more shops or nightclubs that will bring more unwanted people to the area."
Maria Angelica Olea, St Kilda
"I'm not against a development or a building on the triangle site. A large proportion of what gives St Kilda its feel and distinction is its buildings. The Palais Theatre, St Kilda public library, Marion Terrace, The George Hotel to name a few and not to mention the dozens of Art Deco, Victorian and Beaux Arts style apartments scattered throughout the back streets. Even some of the 70s strata flats have a certain charm. St Kilda's buildings are rich with character and are as divers as the people who occupy them.
This development dose not celebrate the diversity of St Kilda, it's a celebration of consumerism and corporate grandeur. There is nothing of the St Kilda community or to reflect the St Kilda community in this project. The fact this group, that includes a lot of locals, exists, as a forum for us to express the community's lack of input is testament to that fact.
The current development, as I have seen and read, is typical of a corporate shake and bake style cultural precinct. With a few light hearted historical references scattered around like a quasi-cultural garnish on a soulless Mc Donald's Hamburger. Trying to appeal to everyone but connecting with no one. An attitude similar to that which bore the Mc Mansions of the branded residential estates we see advertised on TV.
Whenever I read about this development, and what it includes, all I get is stats. Quantifiable bullet points, how many cars spaces, how many shopfronts, how many clubs and how many people it can turn over per day, a developers dream. What about the unquantifiable.
I want to know its story, who and why, not what and how many. Where is its character, its identity, and its inspiration, how does it fit in to the bigger picture of St Kilda? Why should we love this new building?"
Luke Troja, St Kilda
"The only development of that site that I consider acceptable, from a st kilda residents point of view is to turn the area into a public park that will provide a 'small' slice of sanctuary in an area rapidly turning into the next 'King Street' precinct."
Andrew Englisch, St Kilda
"I am primarily concerende at the scale of the develoopment and the impact of traffic patterns around the area. It is already soooo congested, the size of this development will cripple the vitality of the St Kilda area - not enhance it."
Max Goonan, St Kilda
"Please, please spare us more and more horrible crass shopping centres and "entertainment" precincts. We don't need them and we don't want them. We don't want to spend our lives, our evenings, our Sundays wandering tragically around shopping malls as if that is the only thing to do in life. We don't want to buy more junk, crappy clothes and knick knacks that just end up in landfill hell. We don't want to eat in hideous plastic food courts watching drunk and drugged people lurching out of night clubs at 10 o'clock in the morning. We want some nature in our city... to see the beautiful vista, the wide blue horizon the green grass, the palm trees. We want to stroll along or have a picnic and not be confronted by signs and rubbish bins and ugly buildings. We want visitors to see how lucky we are to live on a beautiful untouched bay... to feel like they are in an old movie when they go to the Palais or Luna Park. We have precious few romantic old buildings and gracious spaces in Melbourne. Please let's not cut off our nose to spite our face."
Jane Turner, Elwood
"I visit St Kilda at least once a week to spend time with my grandchild and we walk to the proposed site often. My son and his family live in Spenser St so will be greatly affected by the proposal if it goes ahead. It's WAY TOO BIG. Keep St Kilda iconic, arty and friendly."
mim kocher, healesville
2 December 2007
"Listening to the local people of st kilda on fitzroy st earlier this
year speaking to the mayor of st kilda,the local people were stating to her that there was nowhere for them to go. The people of st kilda, including the present traders in acland st, do not want more concrete structures in st kilda. What we want is what the mayor was told that evening on fitzroy st by the locals, that is a place for us to go. Somewhere to take our family and friends. A place for all to gather and share, no more economic development without human development. We are tired of
these lovers of money planting big concrete jungles in our back yard with no concern for the consequences. Create a nature resort in st kilda that will attract people from all over the world. A place where people from all over australia can come and gather, a meeting place where we
australians can teach the world about sustainable living. A peaceful and harmonious place that will help minimise the crime in st kilda. A place to take our children, a place to be proud of, a place to meet. Human development is what we are crying out for in this country, a place to go."
michael john terry, St Kilda
"Who decided that we needed any kind of "Developement"? Why can't we persuade the State Government to fulfill their responsibilities and refurbish the Palais? Next to the Palais could be the Linden Gallery - not the building they have designed but a beautiful modern building as striking as the Palais was in her day. This gallery could incorporate a school for the arts for the children of st Kilda. The child friendly theme could extend throughout the gardens with wonderful instalations where children could play. The gardens could be in keeping with the existing gardens along the foreshore. We could pay for all this by building a huge underground carpark under st Kilda Cricket ground. Free buses could run from the carpark to the St. Kilda Foreshore. Visitors to St Kilda could leave their cars here. The bus could have an interchange with other transport under the triangle site. This plan would cut down on traffic, provide a Community Friendly Space and generate funds to support it."
Joan Campbell, St Kilda
"The proposed development is a sickening indication of our culture's obsession with material frippery and hedonism.It is only about money and I , for one, am happy to stand in front of the dozers!"
Gabrielle Bullard, Elwood
"The proposed development is a monument to greed and commercial vandalism. It smothers public open space which should be the dominant theme of this special and historic St Kilda site."
Phillip Kemp & Gillian Kemp, Middle Park
1 December 2007
"who said clear views from / to the beach was so bad that you had to fill it up just to collect rates & parking fines together with noise & bogun polution?"
Tony Millman, St Kilda
30 November 2007
"Looks as tacky as the Gold Coast. Just horrifying. My full support to unchain St Kilda. Will attend the meetings."
Sandra Powell, St Kilda
"This just does not make sense. If the aim is to restore the Palais at an estimated cost of $20 mill, a much smaller development with large and genuine public spaces should be able to achieve this outcome. As well as badly affecting local residents and traders, ruining important views and disrespecting the heritage of the Palais, this development appears to represent an extraordinary transfer of public assets and value to private interests....without appropriate pay back.
This proposal must be independently assessed by a qualified development consultant to ensure that the owners of the land receive full value. This is not a task that can be done by councillors or council officers alone. Taking off my commercial hat, it is clear that places like St Kilda are so unique because they have evolved over time, are rich in history and gain authenticity as a result. Creating large new places can change ambience and culture and authenticity can be lost. This is not to say that development is not desirable. In fact the opposite is true. St Kilda is what it is because it has embraced change so willingly and often. However, evolutionary changes are quite different from large revolutionary ones. It is all about the type and scale of change and the ability of the area to absorb it."
John Bennetts, St Kilda
"I think it would be a travesty to disturb the beauty and uniqueness of St Kilda and turn it into just another mall. Please NO. St Kilda is a very special place in Australia (not just Victoria) and needs to be preserved."
Julie McGregor, Winmalee
"dont do it! We love st kilda the way it is! it will ruin the street! it will become too busy and drive the locals out! DONT DO IT!! PLEASE DONT DO IT!"
Elle, Prahran
"It's disgusting - hasn't the cultural diversity and beauty of St Kilda been ruined enough over the past ten year??"
Ally, Elwood
29 November 2007
"I grew up & lived in St kilda for a time and although I do not visit very often, the first icons which always spring to mind & take me back are Luna Park & the Palais. That intersection is quintessential St kilda - the heart & soul of the area. To lose the Palais will be to take another artery from the heart of this historic place."
Tony Tiganis, North Melbourne
"Why do we have a Council? Why do we elect Councillors? Why is there an appeal stage in the planning process throughout Victoria. Why are we putting up with this hugely undemocratic situation.
Port Phillip Council will tell us that the they must let the developer of the Triangle site "commercialise" the site to the extent they have proposed to pay for the refurbishment of the Palais Theatre. Why? Because the State Government won't chip in a single dollar to bringing back the "old girl" to her former glory. Well, it's not good enough. State Government have managed to avoid the spotlight here. I wonder who really benefits from this position being held.
Let's stop playing the Council game and taking about how big this development should be. Let's just say "NO" to this bullshit.
We hear talk of $15-20m being needed to refurbish the Palais. The Council has just spent $18m (overspent now to over $20 I hear), giving itself much needed new offices. Well, how about we, the ratepayers who have elected the Councillors to represent our views, tell the Council to put $5m in to the scheme - it's our money, it should be our call. Then we tell State to put $10m in and we raise a few million in the community to show our commitment. Forget the "Chadstone-by-the-Sea".
Or is this whole development really about something else than the redevelopment of the Palais.
Go to the Town Hall on December 13th and ask to have your say!!!"
David Carruthers, St Kilda/Elwood
"This development is appalling. St Kilda's character lives on through its architecture and landmark buildings which must be respected. Although the residents have changed, the character of St Kilda has been maintained through its buildings and environment. This cannot be compromised by buildings that are incongruous with existing architecture and poor design that ignores its surroundings. St Kilda is already extremely popular and does not need a shopping centre for added attraction. It already has all the attractions it needs so any money put into the area should support and relate to existing buildings, natural features and activities."
Mairead, North Melbourne
"This council does not listen to residents or local business - who are they listening to? The triangle development is not needed by local residents or businesses and I definitely don't need more traffic and more people visiting my neighbourhood."
Leif Ericson, St Kilda
"Putting such a monstrosity in St Kilda will kill the atmosphere that it offers to all of us wonderful and colourful people that live there."
Wendy Leach, St Kilda
"Please don't ruin by developing such a large complex. Keep it unique, local and interesting, and leave the big stuff to the outer suburbs."
Pam Kerslake, Thornbury
"Chadstone in St kilda!! This building proposal will kill everything that the St Kilda Village represents. It is an imposing feature that will ruin the landscape of the foreshore. it must be stopped! if it is to go ahead it must be redesigned. The amount of people that this complex could lure to St Kilda will basically outnumber the locals, as well as the hooligans that the nightclubs will attract - are you serious, 6000 patrons? It is too big. Our local community must be saved."
Kate Regan, Elwood
"The development is far to big for the footprint it will occupy. Can we please have some open spaces. It is not necessary to build on every available inch of St Kilda. As a past resident of the Upper Esplanade it was a pleasure to be able to look out onto the bay and be able to walk down to the beach without have to look at and go through / around a vast retail precinct. It was bad enough when the Sea baths was redeveloped - what was meant to be a small renovation suddenly turned out to be chadstone by the bay. Amazing how the copper domes at each end suddenly disappeared and when replaced were so much larger than before. This will be the same. We do not need to have 181 retail shops and bars in this area - what about the current retailers and bars in Acland Street and Fitzroy Street? It is hard enough to make a dollar these days and they certainly do not need such a large conglomeration of retail spaces to compete with. Keep St Kilda as it is with open spaces and let us enjoy and support the retailers and restaurants/ bars we have already."
Trish Meldrum, Elwood
"I condemm the idea for the project. It will change the profile of St Kilda, will change it into shopping centre."
Vera Wasowski, Byron Bay
"please don't sydney-ise this wonderful part of the world."
Ditch Davey, Seddon
"I pass this site every day on the way to work and find the congestion bad enough now, let alone the mess it will be whilst building is going on. The whole complex looks ugly and I can just imagine, with all those extra clubs, the 'types' it is going to bring into the area - not very nice. May as well move St Kilda into King Street ! Fancy messing up an icon St Kilda little village with a carbon copy of that revolting place The Gold Coast. A place I now have no desire to ever vist. Poor residents living on upper esplanade losing their view."
robyn walker, mentone
"I strongly oppose these developments. Less shops, promote the community not RETAIL outlets blocking nature."
Becky James, Thornbury
"Horrific, St Kilda will lose its charm and character!"
Ana Urban, St Kilda
"Look at the infrastructure of St Kilda, not the money...Common sense. If you have to develop keep it balanced."
Daniela Schillaci, Elwood
"As an ex resident of St Kilda I am abhorred by the latest development proposed. It is most unsightly and will turn St Kilda not only into a shopping centre but will resemble the gold coast during schoolies week.
It will be impossible to drive through or to St Kilda and parking will be a nightmare. It will be unsafe with drunk kids everywhere.
As Nick Cave said "I used to live in St Kilda when St Kilda was St Kilda" - this is true for me. Please leave what is left of St Kilda as it is. St Kilda does not need to be like the Gold Coast during schoolies week. Please leave it alone.
Please listen to what the public desires, not what development companies require to improve their bottom line. "
Judy Chandley, Yarraville
"I think the commercial development of the site is a gross, greedy and short sighted money making scheme. What could be a beautiful, cultural hub for artists,performers and everyone to enjoy will become a souless shopping mall"
Simone, suburb unknown
" Melbourne / St Kilda , we dont want the Gold coast ( QLD ) look alike "
John Depetro, Burnside
"public land..???
losing postcard picture of water from road??
not st kilda, not melbourne, not what i stand for!
don't need any more shops or niteclubs
heartbreaking....
really against development..."
Belinda Barrett, Elwood
"Melbourne / St Kilda , we dont want the Gold coast ( QLD ) look alike"
John Depetro, Burnside
"I OBJECT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANY LARGE CONSTRUCTION TO TAKE PLACE IN SUCH A VIBRANT AREA. IT IS WAY TOO BIG AND WILL RUIN THE INNER CITY VIBE."
Kelly Brigham, Essendon
"As a former resident of 8 years I'm disappointed that the City of Port Phillip has approved this unsightly blight for the St Kilda triangle site. How can St Kilda support the additional 6,000 patrons? Where will they park? What of the existing amenity that makes St Kilda what it is? The council tries desperately to promote its sustainability credentials, yet approves a plan that flies in the face of everything council says it believes in. It will be an unsightly reminder of short-sighted councillors making short-term decisions for the future of an iconic Melbourne suburb. We will regret this decision in years to come."
Tim Snell, Prahran East
"too big, too commercial, not enough cultural content. WHAT ABOUT WHEN SEA LEVELS RISE AND FLOOD THE UNDERGROUND CAR PARK (AS WE ARE TOLD THEY WILL). It will ruin st kilda's vibe."
Arthur Cottom, Brunswick
28 November 2007
"The Palais Theatre is one of St Kilda's main icon - when I think of St Kilda I think of this beautiful, historical building. To build a commercial complex (a monstrosity) on land of historical significance is disgusting. I'm not very good at posing my opinion about these sorts of things but I try! All I know is that Australia's history and areas of historical significance is getting less and less respected and appreciated and it is great to see organisations like Unchain St Kilda taking a stand. I was shocked to see the apartments go up behind The Espy and now this. It just goes to show that money makes the world go round. I just hope that the Community Garden behind Coles on Acland Street is safe! I would hate to see that be the next to go too."
Amanda Norton, suburb unknown
"Now that Acland Street has been totally ruined and turned into a vulgar tourist precinct with very little relevance to its local community, we now see yet another example of what the PP Council has in store for the St Kilda foreshore. Too big, too ugly and totally out of touch with the history and architectural fabric of the community."
Donald Williams, South Melbourne
26 November 2007
"an enormous overdevelopment of site. Needs to be considerably scaled down!!!!!!!"
Marina Davies, Toorak
"This development is unsuitable for this site. if this massive commercial development goes ahead in its current form, St Kilda's public foreshore will be changed forever. We need much more green space, building heights capped at 2 storeys, & mimimum retail & bars. The scale and garishness of this development are appalling. If Port Phillip Council approve this it would make a mockery of any claims to environmental consciousness or sustainable urban development the council has ever made."
Kay Libson, Caulfield South
"Remove the hideous consruction from the aesthetic design featuring sea views from the Esplanade as layed out for Melbourne by visionary architects 150 years ago. Thoughtful design is desperately needed to maintain the feel and style of the real St Kilda. This is not good enough! The people of St Kilda and the rest of Melbourne need a say! Look what thoughtless design was doing to Beaconsfield before it was stopped."
Catherine Woon, St Kilda
25 November 2007
"You people are trying to stop the best thing happening in St Kilda for a long time. What would you rather have - the dump that is currently there....very dissapointing....the design is excellent, it will do wonders for St Kilda economically..."
Adam Clark, St Kilda
How exactly would 100 major chain stores benefit St Kilda economically? I mean, we'll hardly be seeing the profits in the local community, and many local businesses will suffer. No one's advocating the current carpark stay there. One third the size would be plenty - one third of the shops, clubs, pubs and restaurants and, in particular, one third of the buildings and their heights, would turn the foreshore bitumen car park into a vibrant, yet not overwhelming, area for residents and visitors. It would also allow more public open space to be retained on the site. ~ web site editor
"The proposed development on the St Kilda Triangle site will be disastrous, ruining the enjoyment and beauty of the area. Please leave this beautiful historical place alone. We do not need more shops, bars or nightclubs - there are too many now in Melbourne, it's pure greed!"
Jill Clegg, Glen Iris
"Our local federal MP Michael Danby is now in government and before the election he said he opposed the Triangle development. Using his influence with the council, state government and the cross border powers of the Commonwealth Government, let's now see him stop the development by the Sydney based developers. Pigs might fly too!!!!"
Ari Jackstein, Port Phillip
"This development flies in the face of what makes St Kilda the jewel in Melbourne's inner city precinct - both for residents and visitors. How very shortsighted of the council to approve such a monstrous proposal, guess they are blinded by $ signs. We can't allow this to happen."
Dorthe Kronborg, St Kilda
"NO WAY! LEAVE ST KILDA ALONE!"
Anna, Glenquarry, NSW
24 November 2007
"My first marital home was in St Kilda, my first childs home was in St Kilda. But my comments have nothing to do with nostalgia or NIMBY, as I've been away from the area as a resident for some decades, merely flitting through from time to time enroute or the occasional stop to shop or play. But so often I have toyed with the idea of moving back, drawn by the unique culture and spirit of St Kilda.
Sure, as with any 'old' city, St Kilda has many areas that are tired and in dire need of a make-over, if not a fresh start. But I do not believe that the Foreshore precinct, and especially the Triangle, should fall into Dick Gross's 'Go Go' redevelopment philosophy.
Not everything has to be flash and slick. And St Kilda has an ambience that would be destroyed by such - or is this gentrification the whole idea?
How long until The Nolan, an ugly block that will no doubt be adorned with advertising going by one image put up by the developer, and it's night clubs - always fadish, become another inner city white elephant. How long until we get the dark side of night club patronage pushing people away from the foreshore area. I understand one group would like to have an over 28 night club - great...that is well and truly my age group, but it's so easy for them to become yet another meat market for the sad and lonely if the precinct becomes unattractive.
It's bulk and 'modern' design detract from the Palais Theatre, and conflict with the open design of the rest of the Triangle redevelopment. I'm sure there wont be any Good Design awards going its way.
It's construction will also lead to eyes coveting the Lunar Park site - that's how redevelopment works. It's a domino effect. No doubt an argument will be put up that key components of Lunar Park can be placed within the new development. Just because a theme park works inside West Edmonton Mall in Canada, doesn't mean that our Lunar Park will survive.
Any re-development in such a sensitive area as the forshore, or close to heritage buildings, should be 'Slow-Go' (another of Mr Gross's terms). Ramming a proposal through, with major concessions made due to commercial requirements, as appears to happening here, is fraught with danger. There is no going back come the time history finds a major error has been made. Look at the traffic snarls created by the Bulk Goods Zone created at the end of the Frankston Freeway. It's no wonder some Frankston councillors wanted a rethink on the project.
There will be an increase in traffic flows - already heavy. There will be an increase in inappropriate behavior with a cluster of night clubs - you only have to travel half an hour to see it in other areas. There will be a loss of the open character of St Kilda by such a bulky & blocky structure as the Nolan.
I don't think St Kilda deserves to be treated with such a lack of forethought."
Steve Boyce, Frankston North
"The scale and garishness of this development are appalling. If Port Phillip Council approve this it would make a mockery of any claims to environmental consciousness or sustainable urban development the council has ever made."
Noel Turnbull, Port Melbourne
"This development is unsuitable for this site. Crown land should be developed responsibly for the enjoyment of the people, not to pander to greedy developers. Much more green space, building heights capped at 2 storeys, & mimimum retail & bars. It will all be flooded in 20 years anyway!"
Heather Cooke, Port Melbourne
"As a 20+ year resident of St Kilda who has sadly had to move away in July due to the present rental situation in the area and a key member of the Esplanade Alliance I was dismayed to see the most disturbing aspects (over)development plan for the St Kilda Triangle site have not been moderated, indeed, it appears that a few buildings have suddenly become taller by two stories, thus overwhelming everything that presently exists on the St Kilda Esplanade.
Since my move to NSW I have seen what retail development has done to Bondi Junction and Bondi itself and it depresses me that my beloved St.Kilda seems to be forced into a similar direction only to be destroyed by short sighted greed.
The plan, such as it is, does not reflect the way I interpreted the UDF guidelines; yes, St Kilda has been a carousing district since the days of the Gold Rush,the vibrant night life has been a defining characteristic, and I would love that tradition to continue; but corporate style clubs have always failed miserably in St Kilda and even with the changing demographic, I can't see that changing.
The Palais Theatre is in desperate need for restoration; she deserves both restoration and protection but the development plan for the site will destroy her stature without really providing more than minimal funds for restoration and modernisation, certainly not quite enough to guarantee her future as a grand 3000 seat venue into the 22nd century as she rightly deserves. I firmly believe The Palais Theatre is a building of State, if not National significance and for that reason I think her fate is too important simply to leave to market forces; The City of Port Phillip need to push the State and Federal governments harder to sponsor a restoration plan so a more complementary use of the rest of the site may be realised on, what we must not forget, is Crown Land.
When a visionary civil engineer, Carlo Catani, and the Foreshore Committee formulated a plan 101 years ago for an entertainment and recreation precinct on the St Kilda Foreshore I don't believe they had a shopping mall in mind, it is one compromise too many for St Kilda and for that reason I believe the CoPP needs to listen to public opinion and either reject the BBC consortium proposal; or force them back to the drawing board."
Cyndy Vogelsang, Goulburn NSW (exiled from St Kilda)
"Face it - the prolific development of Retail Complexes & Megaplexes that dot our Urban Centres and suburban thoroughfares is simply NOT suited to the St Kilda precinct. What is needed is original thinking - research, discussion, the vigorous and passionate debate that our forefathers and founders envisioned for the area..... Where is the thinking that captures the 'feel' of the St Kilda of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.... Let's not allow a land of beige...."
Adam Mortimer, no location provided
22 November 2007
"I took a walk from the end of Acland Street up to the Espy as the sun was coming down on Saturday. It saddens me to think that they can consider building such a monstrosity in this location. This thing needs to be stopped, or at the very least cut down in size considerably."
Dave, Elwood
21 November 2007
"The main problem with the entire proposal is the complete lack of MEANINGFUL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION in the design process. City of Port Phillip should require any developers of urban design projects to undertake workshops which engage all levels of the public in a meaningful dialogue.
A tried-and-tested methodology has been published by a group in Canada - for details see
http://www.co-designgroup.com/group.html "
Gerald Lock, Architect, St Kilda
"The development should be mixed use but with a substantial amount of private sector affordable housing. It should be a demonstration project, because of its prominence, of high quality environmentally sustainable design (similar to the Raleigh St project). The project should be limited to 25m in height, being higher will make the surrounding areas unpleasant but less will not permit sufficient residential accommodation. This project should demonstrate the value of living in a mixed use high density environment as an example to the rest of Melbourne. "
David Rayson, Albert Park
"it is outrageous that they want to put this development site here in our very community orientated suburb. Have they at all given a thought about the local businesses that will go under because they are going to put this down there, and not only that all the customers that will be flocking the streets and the traffic that will come with the shopping, where will they park their cars, it is outrageous and they won't see at all in their shops. Go st kilda the way it is right now. Why do single minded idiots have to come here and stuff everything up for us local people just because they want to make extra money????"
allan murray, Elwood
"that development is a disgrace and should not be passed by council. We need to think of the future of the area."
rachel visser, Elwood