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20 November 2007

"Last Sundays Herald Sun said St Kilda beach was the FILTHIEST of hundreds of beaches in Victoria while Middle Park beach was in the top ten of CLEANEST beaches. This begs the question why is the Port Phillip Council and State government spending our rates on a $7 million "Atlantic Wall" promenade near the Seabaths, that only Field Marshall Rommel would have approved of, and overdeveloping the Triangle Site at the same time as they are demolishing useful kiosks, lifesaving clubs and public shower/change rooms at Middle Park beach.

Council is obsessed with catering for booze, prostitution and drug venues. The Triangle development will mix booze venues with kiddies and teenagers cinemas. We will have "schoolies" week all year round with the "toolies" descending on the young girls in droves."
Adrian Jackson, Middle Park

"I wonder if the developers have considered the regular closing of Jacka blvd for triathlons, marathons and festivals etc when putting together the proposal."
Grant Weitering, St Kilda

"What I find most astonishing is that we are having to deal with this at all.

What mentality, what conscience, do you have to possess to be involved in the long term destruction of the very social fabric of not just St. Kilda but of Melbourne itself by allowing such a "development" to take place.

Cast your mind back to a time when Australia was a simpler place, a friendlier place, where rampant development was unwelcome and we appreciated the natural beauty and the old world charm of somewhere like St Kilda.

Nice memory isn't it? I wonder what our children will look back on in the future; Malls, franchises and other lifeless commercial ventures.

Every person knows that this is wrong, including the council and the developers, it's that simple, its just plain wrong.

Please save St. Kilda. "
Daniel Tippett, no suburb given

"Stop this madness"
Daithi, St Kilda

"I'm not familiar with the whole process that this development has gone through to get where it is, but I understand the public has been severely gagged by our council & I wonder whether anyone has explored our legal options to halt this project & restore our basic right to free speech & comment on this & any other local issue that directly affects us! Is there a lawyer in the house?"
Bobby Valentine, South Melbourne

"I drive past the site every day & have noticed:
1. The palm trees in the car park have been removed;
2. Council & Commercial work vehicles doing survey work, drilling holes & "prep" work for major buildings

What price consultation when clearly the Council plans to go ahead? I'm told 32 leases have already been signed including the major commercial sites. What would the cost be to break these leases if the Council seriously wanted to back out? And this is our green council!"
Robert K. Taylor, Spotswood

"I'm not familiar with the whole process that this development has gone through to get where it is, but I understand the public has been severely gagged by our council & I wonder whether anyone has explored our legal options to halt this project & restore our basic right to free speech & comment on this & any other local issue that directly affects us! Is there a lawyer in the house?"
Bobby Valentine, South Melbourne

"I have just returned to Melbourne and St Kilda after over a decade living away, and I am stunned beyond belief at what's happened to St Kilda in that time (and Swanston St for that matter).

Development is one thing - but the ugly, soul-less, concrete ridden, tacky, acultural revamp that the once unique St Kilda has fallen victim too is just too much of a tragic loss.

It looks like every other public space rapidly being concretised and dehumanised in every other urban centre of the world.

Where was the council in all this? And where is the council now? It's a miracle the Espy hotel has survived the fray. A beating heart remains...but only just.

Development CAN mean bookshops, cultural venues, trees, small shops rather then tacky chains selling cheap chinese import clothing. It can mean wine-bars, performance spaces, community garden type spaces, op shops, childcare, park benches. ALL the evidence suggests that these are the things that make for healthy communities. Crime goes down, mental wellbeing goes up.

PEOPLE FLOCK to these places when they're available - they become unique drawcards for people desperately in search of "authenticity" and human-scale experiences.

The council recently had a consultation "booth" set up along Fitzroy Street to discuss what locals and visitors felt about the place and what they thought could change. It is GUARANTEED that the proposed plans for the triangle site will end up looking much the way Fitzroy has become - filthy shells of shops with expensive rents selling American-style pizza to a population who have come to drink, party and then get out fast. A static, soul-less stretch so uncharacteristic of much of Melbourne (it looks like something Sydney would dish up).

Let's not stand by and see St Kilda's last coastal plot trashed by enterprises after a fast buck without care or attention for much else. This an opportunity to create a community space for all to enjoy, including visitors..."
N. Mitchell, St Kilda

19 November 2007

"Even if is end ups smaller, the proposed design is awful. I looked at the official site and all I saw was yet another cheap looking pile of geometric building blocks. I love Melbourne, especially St Kilda, for its unique blend of architecture, and I'd like to see some attempt to expand on this make the most of this opportunity to create an architectual icon that also blends into the St Kilda landscape. I've suggested more design options, does anyone else feel the same way?"
Wayne Bryant, St Kilda

"I was very disturbed to hear about this development from a vendor at the sunday market and that it could possibly close down the market completely. i have always enjoyed going to the market, visiting St Kilda and taking visitors to see the area. It would be a travesty for this area to be ruined by this development."
Selena Firth, Kensington

"I urge the Council to consider their residents in this proposed development. And I urge residents and visitors to take action and lodge an objection if they see fit.

The state of living near the already existing 'drinking-holes' around Acland and Fitzroy Streets is already at an intolerable and distrubing level. Just this past weekend, I was kept awake from 10:30 pm through to after 6:30am (beyond the Sun starting to rise) by ongoing, aggressive and disturbing behaviour from passers by, who appeared to be intoxicated. And this happened on more than one night. In fact, it's an ongoing problem.

It seems like the Council cannot get this terrible issue under control as it is - how would it possibly be able to maintain a safe and quiet environment for its residents with the addition of a large, concentrated place where people can come and continue to abuse the beauty of St Kilda at nights and then leave, for its residents to pick up the broken, glass bottles in the mornings?

I am a young person and enjoy a drink with friends but I am appalled by the behaviour exhibited on Fitzroy Street at night. It's filthy and it's unacceptable. Trying to walk along the footpath (if it isn't blocked by large, aggressive and drunk groups of people) is simply dangerous and highly disrespectful. Why would our suburb need to encourage more of this?"
Michelle Baginski, St Kilda

"My son has a part time job in St Kilda to support his studies. Whilst we are only a five minute walk away from the venue he works at, he now finds it necessary to drive due to the threats and approaches made to him by drug affected and drunk groups of people. All he wants to do is walk peacably home in his own neighbourhood. If that is an impossibility now, God help us all with this new development."
Janet Groves, St Kilda

"This would never happen on BondiBeach (westfield is in bondi jctn), nor Venice Beach as tourism would become extinct. Another St Kilda white elephant. Windsor is happening though. This current council should be sacked and replaced by the likes of Ronnie Di Stasio (in the absence of Donlevy Fitzpatrick, a true visionary). Talk of a skate park, but we used to have an ice-skating rink. I would love Krystyna Kynst to be Mayor of our town, what a great ambassador. I would also love Chopper Reed to come back as Town Planner."
Jules Butterworth, St Kilda

18 November 2007

"I have lived in St Kilda for over 25 years in 4 locations. I have also operated retail businesses in the area for over 20 years. I am very fearful that this development will end up not just a huge blight on the landscape but like the Coles Acland st site and the seabaths before it - a retail white elephant. There needs to be other considerations than soley commercial retail /nightclub uses. All residents and visitors do not come to St Kilda to consume.

This area of St Kilda already goes into gridlock on any warm weekend. Where are the staff of these 180+ shops/bars/restaurants going to park? Oh sorry I forgot - they will of course use public transport! Commercial considerations are of course necessary but not at the expense of the community and visitors alike that will have to live with this long after the current councillors have gone. The proposed development should be put on hold until proper, transparent effects studies (by an independent body) can be done. "Hope" that problems relating to traffic, parking, security will be dealt with is not an adequate answer to the many problems that a development of this size will create."
Judi Kenneally, St Kilda

"Having lived in St Kilda on and off for over 24 years I am greatly concerned about this enormous development. After attending the meeting at the Palais last week I can see that the Palais and Linden Gallery have a lot to gain from the investment BBC will put into them as part of the development. I can see however that this is $25 million worth of community investment out of a $330 million development.

I propose that the community benefit should be equal to the benefit offered to BBC. Given that the development is monstrous in proportion to the surrounding area I also suggest reduction in size.

Perhaps the solution is that if BBC spend the $20 million refurbishing the Palais and (approx) $5 million on a new Linden Gallery they can propose to council and the community a plan for a $25 million development of shops/restaurants that does not include any buildings that obsruct any views from the Esplanade and that fit into the ecletic beach side flavour of St Kilda.

As a resident of Acland St I particularly opposed to a nightclub holding 4,800 people. This area is not suitable for that amount of pedestrian and vehicle traffic and with the addition of alcohol it is a recipe for increased vandalism, increased crime, increased hooning and decreased safety for local residents."
Alison Manton, Acland Street, St Kilda

"Something needs to be done with the Triangle site, and I was previously under the impression that the council was intending to use this valuable piece of PUBLIC LAND for the benefit of the local community - something in keeping with the spirit and atmosphere of St Kilda.

I attended the information session on Nov 15th and was TRULY SHOCKED by what I saw and heard.

Not only is the proposed development far, far bigger and more overwhelming than I had imagined, but its design appears to be a totally inappropriate combination of Southland Shopping Centre and King Street night clubs (with a couple of token arts facilities thrown in).

By day, I do NOT want to see thousands of people coming to our beloved beachfront to shop for plasma TVs, jeans, shoes and all the other consumer items to be sold in the national chain stores in this shopping centre - no matter how 'convenient' the retail economists might think it might be to have these outlets on my doorstep. Still less do I want to see fast food wrappers and drink cans littering the foreshore and the streets where we live.

I also do not want to see the ADDITIONAL 800 CARS PER HOUR on Jacka Boulevard which the developer's own traffic adviser is predicting.

By night, I am fearful of the effect on the neighbourhood of nightclubs and mega-bars catering for nearly 6000 customers. As was pointed out by an industry expert, client turnover during the evening will result in an greater number of people visiting and leaving these establishments: 8,000-10,000 on a Saturday night in summer, perhaps?

This will result in HUNDREDS of intoxicated people being discharged into the local streets, with the absolute certainty of disorder, intimidation, hooliganism and violence.

This situation will be exacerbated by the lack of public transport out of the area in the early hours of the morning.

When these issues were raised with Stephen McMillan of Citta Property Group (a Sydney resident), he looked distinctly uncomfortable and could provide no answers other than to say that an 'operational plan' would be prepared and that there would be 'discussions' with the local police.

Well, that just isn't good enough.

There is huge potential in this site for the benefit of the community (while catering to reasonable commercial interests), but this monstrous megaplex is NOT the answer.

It was made clear to us at the meeting that there is STILL TIME to stop this madness - but not much.

I urge everyone reading this who cares about the character of St Kilda and the quality of life here to immediately TAKE ACTION and protest to the Council and the State Government to get the plans scaled back to something far more reasonable and in keeping with this special place.

As well as emailing or writing to the relevant officials, you can also make your comments on this website for others to read - or just enter your name and email address in order to be kept informed on this very troubling situation."
Paul Hutcheson, St Kilda Beach

"Why not make this family entertainment like bowling, pictures, indoor roller skating/ blading and some more cafes. Do we really want a surfers paradise here?? No. Arent there enough drinking alcohol places in st kilda already, why more? why not enhance the beauty of st kilda, not make it once again a no go zone like in the past years ago."
Beth McLeod, Caulfield South

17 November 2007

"Well done unChain St Kilda for the BBQ last Thursday (15 Nov 07) before the developers briefing in the Palais. I was amused when they said their market research showed that the area from Brighton to Port Melbourne out to Caulfield was the projects target area. If this is so why then is the much smaller Seabaths struggling most days and many shops in St Kilda are empty or changing tenants constantly. Council has demolished many useful kiosks on the foreshore I assume to force visitors into the more expensive shops. Many visitors and locals do not want to spend all the time but just walk on the beach and piers, play in Catani garden and eat a ice cream or consume a soft drink. Daimaru in the CBD had a plan too and it closed recently due to poor trade figures. This council is fast becoming the most hated in the 27 years I have lived in South Melbourne/Port Phillip City Council areas. To use the Infantry Role at the next council election in Nov 2008 (politically speaking only) "Seek out an close with the enemy, kill and capture him, seize and hold ground, repel attack by day and night regardless of season weather or terrain". No councillor prisoners next election."
Adrian Jackson, Middle Park

"Whilst I am all for redevlopment of the area I am very concerned about the basis upon which the current proposal has been approved. Where has the need for transparent and in depth community consultation disappeared to in our modern form of elected governance?

If development of public land is supposed to be in the best interests and needs of the community then how does a development of such commercial focus best serve the people and the community? In times of such economic wealth this may all appear like a good idea for those seeking to capitalise on its natural generation of prosperity for business and taxation. My question is what will this hive of wealth generation become when our current state of boom goes into decline as history tells us will occur? Will people with little spare cash just sit around the cafes bars and clubs not spending? Will owners be able to maintain the area or even survive, or will it become little more than a hideous empty expanse with no purpose and no soul? A public space such as this should have a focus that will endure times both good and bad and for all manner of people and wealth. Look at the enduring public spaces such as parks, gardens and places for people to share and connect such as the current beachfront and local area. I would even suggest that Fed Square is a better example of space that seems to be working than this proposal. It would be a shame if this actually happens as the StKilda area has been my home for over 15 years now and its attraction and charm come from the fact that it's not Southbank, the city, Richmond, Docklands etc., its focus is the beach and surrounding streets which is exactly why most people live here and visit here, not to come to mega clubs and foodcourts. I can see no compelling reason to have so much commercial focus right on the beach except for very shortsightedness and the gain of a few.

I must say that i don't blame the developers as they are just doing what they naturally feel is best commercially, I put the responsibility squarely at the feet of our elected representatives and the mandate that we give them to do what's best for us.

Lets hope we are not too late and that people can still really influence government on local issues and a future that we actually want not what they tell us we want. "
Scott Farrow, Elwood

"I am outraged at the monstrosity being proposed for a piece of public land so close to the beach. I feel totally betrayed by the council. How on earth can we possibly have reached such a stage!! How come we are talking about moving the hotel from one side to another. That is not the issue.

The issue is that, what is being proposed is totally out of touch with the character of the area, and the needs of the community that lives in St Kilda, the community that calls St Kilda home and loves St Kilda and its soul. The proposed development is far far too big. I don't want St Kilda to become a holiday/entertaiment/shopping precinct!! I don't know anybody who lives in St Kilda who wants that. The presentation at the Palais by the Market research company was unbelievably condescending. These people seem to come from a different planet, they have no idea about the soul of the area. They even had the gall to talk about putting St Kilda on the map!! Hello!!

Folks, people of St Kilda, we cannot afford to allow this to happen in its current form. We would lose what we love, to allow somebody to make a few bucks or end up with a huge white elephant. I shudder at the idea of what the security will be like in the area at night. I want to feel safe and comfortable and at home in my neighbourhood, not be protected by security guards. Council, wake up!! This is a major stuff up. This is not what we elected you for. We chose you and gave you our trust to enhance our beloved city and take care of it, not give it away. Please, please wake up!! This is a message from the heart, not a slick powerpoint presentation!!!"
Daniel Rouqueirol, St Kilda

"At the Palais Theatre meeting on Thursday 15 November it appeared that a key issue is the lack of funds to meet the cost of refurbishing the Palais. Obviously, BBC Triangle Investments are only too pleased to take on these costs in exchange for a 50/99 year lease on the triangle site from which they can make huge profits.

Perhaps Unchain St Kilda could put up an alternative proposal which would be to raise the funds via community activities to gradually restore the Palais? This would demonstrate the strength of our feeling! The government and Port Phillip Council may then be prepared to match this on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Some Melbourne residents may like to make a donation towards a particular aspect of refurbishment, such as to pay for the cost of a new seat in the Palais. Also he old seats could be auctioned off. There could be fund-raising concerts in advance by local artists - many people have not been inside for many years where the need for restoration is apparent.

The Acland Street and Fitzroy Street traders and others who must be very worried about the impact of the BBC proposed shopping and night club precinct would also support such a move.

What is needed is fund raising skills, imagination and commitment from the community. Once the Council agree, the whole question of how to develop the Triangle takes on a new meaning. Hopefully this will be for protection and enhancement of the existing St Kilda foreshore character in keeping with community needs while respecting the integrity of existing vistas and historical buildings."
John and Sue Brudenall, St Kilda

16 November 2007

"I sat in the St Kilda Triangle Information Session last night, alarmed, horrified and proud. Alarmed and horrified at the proposed GIANT structures proposed for our beautiful, unique St Kilda. And proud of the prepared and articulate way resident after resident stood up and presented their case. We obviously completely upstaged anybody who had come to present "at" us and showed an intelligent, clear, convincing, concerned and passionate "community". I would like to think the Council don't stand a chance of bulldozing such an articulate and prepared group of people (albeit short notice).

There is something else at stake here. Given that Victoria has been voted more than once, "the most livable city in the world" wouldn't that put St Kilda (AS IT IS) would be one of the most livable suburbs in the world?"
Carol Uden, St Kilda

"I came away from the St Kilda Triangle information session with grave concerns about the ability of council to manage the development of prime foreshore crown land in the best interests of the people who elected them.

With the exception of one passive observer, Councillors were not at the meeting to ensure residents receive adequate and accurate information about the development.

The developer presentations were scant on detail. When pressed, they couldn't remember, did not know, couldn't reveal or were still investigating.

Stephen McMillan, director of Citta Property Group, the company which is risking $300 million of investor funds on this proposal, was unable to recall the patron capacity of the nightclub component and the pub/tavern component nor the average daily people flow needed through the centre to make the 25,000 square metre retail component viable."
Krystyna Kynst, St Kilda

"I attended the presentation by the developers last night 15/11/07 and I felt like crying. Today I'm angry. I could not believe what an abomination the development is and was deeply saddened at the thought of the devastation it could cause to St Kilda as a suburb and as an iconic precinct. I also could not believe the lack of understanding by the developer and the architect to the sensitivity of the location in its aesthetic, historic and iconic context. It is baffling to contemplate that 2 presumably slightly intelligent men could lack so much insight. Presumably it is the dollars signs in their eyes that are blinding them. The end result if this goes ahead is that we will loose our suburb while they merely loose reputations. I will be personally lobbying all the relevant powers but I would also like to door knock my local area."
Jan, St Kilda

"I attended the meeting last night along with seven friends, all of us live or have lived in "The Block", 22A where 'The Secret Life of Us' was filmed. We currently occupy three of the flats and the roof and have an incredible home life over looking the bay. I was shocked that so few people went along and appalled at the bullshit they tried to tell us with their panel of experts!!

It is a modern monster of consumer madness and revolting to look at even at plan level. I am only beginning to understand the impact it will have on us if it is successful and the sadness we will feel when we are forced to move.

We would all like to do more but don't know what to do?? Please contact me if you need numbers or if their will be a big rally or protest. Can we set up shop in on Acland St to show people what it will actually look like and get some emotion going??"
Lani Jensen, St Kilda

"I've lived in st kilda or the adjoining suburbs since 1979 and so feel well qualified to comment on the development. The developers have traded on their 'st kildaness' yet none of them live or have lived here, and their brutal architecture ignores the beauty of the beach and the sea. Other than the sublime relief it gives for residents of a metropolis, we are all attracted to the bay because it's a free pleasure. There's no spend involved. Yet this project is created to attract as many people it can from outer suburbs and once here it will extract as much money from these people as possible, all so a far away Sydney based partnership makes money. How pathetic. How lazy. How easy, especially in a booming economy. This suburb, our home, demands better.

Where's the vision from all parties, especially the council who must owe the residents a duty of care and seem to have final say? There must be development but why is the shopping centre presented so crushingly disappointing. "
Tony Hardy, Albert Park

"We really need to get rid a few of the alarming elements of the proposed development.

1) The massive advertising billboard that faces south
2) The top floor of the Linden II gallery. It is too high
3) The Pearl restaurant building. It is a big yellow building that sits three stories high above the Esplanade street level and is an ugly eyesore.
4) The giant breast shaped building with the nipple on the top. If we want to look at breasts, we'll visit the hookers on Grey Street.
5) We need to reduce the capacity of the entertainment venues. 4600 person capacity for the nightclubs, 1500 person capacity for the Tavern and 1800 people for the restaurants is far too many for 1200 commercial parking spaces. I struggle to find a parking space near my house in Robe Street as it is. Imagine what it will be like when I'm competing with staff and patrons in two years time.....

Help us Port Philip Council"
Jonathan Dugdale, St Kilda

"I oppose the BBC development because it crams 180 new businesses into the site, overdeveloping it very intensively."
Paul Morgan, St Kilda

"The aim of the development was to keep clear views of the horizon and beach. I live at the Mandalay apartments and having a big UGLY pearl standing taller than the esplanade palm trees is a disaster. Put it in front of the Novotel, in fact just scrap the bulding. What happened to parkland? 180 retail shops and up to 10000.00 people turning over in the nightclubs is disgusting, there is already enough flotsam & jetsam that crawls along the esplanade at three in the morning without adding the extra thousanads.....Who is going to look out for our property and / or safety????"
Ben Carrucan, St Kilda

"Yet another example of the COPP not being able to plan anything properly. Who really is on the Council? People who live in the area or people just here for the buck? Building something that is so unsympathetic and so characterless will transform an iconic and unique part of Melbourne into just another lump of suburbia albeit by the beach. The astonishing lack of judgment by the COPP Planning Department, and whoever else makes these decisions, never ceases to amaze me. The dictatorial attitude of telling people what they want without consultation of the people who live and breathe St Kilda, who hold the community life dear and who support the local traders and businesses is insulting and truly soul destroying. If you build it, they WON'T come!"
Sabina Reynolds, St Kilda

"Even the developers meeting last night, 15 Nov 2007, has shown us new changes the "Chadstone on King st" proposal. Now it's the time to inform the rest of Port Phillip, Melbourne, Australia and the worlds tourist travellers.
I noted that the fly through views of the project have been taken at helicopter level not street level. At street level the views are missing.

Everyone needs to contact Minister Justin Madden at justin.madden@parliament.vic.gov.au so that he is pressured to call in the project, make a decision, ignore and override the local Council.

Thanks to the sole councillor who came to the meeting. What a disgrace that rest of our elected councillors did not come and hear the passion and concerns of residents. How can they represent local residents. How many council staff officers were in attendance?? Tell your neighbours and friends "
Trevor White, St Kilda

15 November 2007

"I had the privilege of meeting Mr Jack Mundy in Sydney a couple of years ago. We had a brief chat about the saving of Victoria Street in Potts Point. I later went on to read more about how they saved this lovely street and thus preserved some well loved terrace houses and preserved an area of low rise buildings that are not only unique in their place, but are now iconic.

The true economic value of open space is yet to be discovered, especially in relatively high density areas. The amount of public space quoted by the developers is 15000 square metres, yet over 20,000 metres can be found for retail space? We asked for open space - we got retail space?

From looking closely at the drawings presented, which it was acknowledged by the gentleman representing BBC, that they were all not to scale. It looks like the development is almost 5 storeys high. I need to look at this more closely to make sure I am correct on this matter. I also, from past experience with developments and development plans, know that these can change significantly from their first proposal, to when the actual building takes place - that is the size and dimensions of buildings can suddenly expand beyond the plans given to the public.

I also wonder about the William Angliss site. A training school for hospitality? Someone recently showed me a document given to them by a very prestigious local icon in the hospitality industry, that actually stated that they waved their right to the gaps between signing an AWA and the date their agreement was signed. I was stunned by this. In Victoria? In St Kilda? By such a large employer? Is St Kilda to become a replacement for Mr Kennett's Victoria? Trainee wages for all?

I dont see what the benefit of such high density development on the foreshore is. It is a lovely idea to have terraced garden architecture. But is it desireable in such a location?

Last year during the St Kilda festival when tens of thousands of people descended on St Kilda, the land beneath us shook from the stress of such a crowd. Two beautiful eucalypts fell that day in our Street. I believe that is was directly due to the geopathic stress caused by too many people in the area. More infrastructure? More people? Can the St Kilda foreshore actually cope?

Retail space. Developments like Malvern Central and Bondi Junction were quoted. Both these developments are quite different in style and market. Neither cater to local or individual shops. The majority are chain stores. Upmarket in Bondi Junction. I like Bondi Junction and I like the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay. St Kilda is neither of these places.

I note here too, that Circular Quay has very little parking and is a service junction for a variety of public transport. And I believe the hotels, shopping and restaurants are spread over a greater distance with the more available open space surrounding. The domain on one side and a quite large prominade that wanders around the rocks area.

I dont understand the need to squeeze so much into such a small place. Is it Federation Square and Melbourne Central in one?

I love the arts and theatre. I dearly love the Palais and the Esplanade. I think both could do with some work and the Linden Space is a great showcase area. But why retail space? I don't understand why, with community consultation from the start, that the current retail space in Acland Street couldn't be upgraded and the burden of over development eased. The spread of space for tourists to shop, eat and be entertained could be fantastic and less of an impact on the central focal point of St Kilda.

A gym can go anywhere. A carpark to the rear of Acland Street shops could help both upgrade and renovate some of the current supermarkets and shopping facilities. Redirect traffic away from the Esplanade and Jacka Boulevard, yet be easily accessed by tram. This would create a great space for shopping, old and new and leave some space for genuine open space. Maybe we should think some more before committing St Kilda to such a high density project?

Have real community consultation. Now, that would be good wouldnt it?
Joanne Kimber, St Kilda

"Aside from all the inappropriate + overdevelopment of the site, and particularly when there are vacant shops in Acland St, Fitzroy St, Sea Baths, there is no way that St Kilda can manage 'any' extra traffic and refuse."
Jenny, Elwood

13 November 2007

"If ever we needed a reason to veto the plans for this site, I saw it early Sunday morning when I arrived in Fitzroy St at 3 am after a gig I played. It is an absolute Zoo. It resembled King St. at its worst. The tension & malice in the air was palpable & I couldn't wait to get out. This proved to be nearly impossible as Taxis refuse to stop - so much for promised extra taxi infrastructure & of course public transport at that hour is non-existent (was that another promise).

The irony is that with all these planned new clubs & the existing ones applying for later licences, none seem to actually be letting anyone in as they're mostly too drunk & out of line. Not a police car in sight & 1000 + people looking for 'fun' on the street. I'd be interested to know how many were locals!

The only people who will benefit will be the developers & the council rate coffers. I'd recommend the people responsible stay up real late one night & visit Fitzroy St. St.Kilda to see first-hand the effects of what they're proposing to foist on us. That is if we can get them up from Brighton. I'm not a wowser, I've been in entertainment in this area for 25 years. I saw King St & Chapel St at their best & have watched them degenerate into the sort of mayhem I witnessed in Fitzroy St last weekend.

Our suburbs are being invaded & this is being encouraged by developers & profiteers with no regard for the people who live here (& have done for a long time) or the longer term consequences. The Government is instigating inquiries into the violence on the street whilst approving & supporting the very breeding grounds of the problem.

I will try to be at the meeting. Peace and love."
Bobby Valentine

"St Kilda's Historic Station - ruined. St Moritz replaced by an architectural disaster. St Kilda Baths - a mess. Triangle - not again."
G Gowers, West St Kilda

12 November 2007

"What we appear to have here is the total corruption of every level of government. Is this the Melbourne we expect? Everywhere elected officials trade out community concerns for jobs and share portfolios their eyes on careers after politics. Is this another example of this happening? I have lived in the area for over 18 years and yet again the developers (always the same private school mates) get exactly what they want. We may have to fight this to the High Court. Please, any Legal Eagles, we need you to join the people in this fight. Keep up the good work people"
Jon Lucas, Prahran

"I am concerned about the size of this development that is on crown land. I feel that there was a lack of community consultation and would like a government representative such as Justin Madden to attend the protest meeting on the 15th November."
Sue Hansen, St Kilda West

11 November 2007

"From comments on the web, council meetings and chatting with neighbours it's evident that amidst the range of opinions there is a groundswell of core COMMON concerns about the SHEER SCALE of retail space and night clubs that are yet to be properly addressed.

While many realise that such projects need to be commercially funded to an extent, it seems the adverse impact of some aspects exceed the potential benefits.

We all love to party, enjoy music and entertainment and some "retail therapy", but there needs to be a balance. It's unsettling to think a project on crown land cannot succeed without a massive bias towards commercial activities.

There is simply NO REAL NEED for SO MANY SHOPS & NIGHTS CLUBS.

The addition of several large night clubs will contribute to a growing problem with noise, alcoholism, crime and litter in our residential streets.

Concentration of clubs in Chapel Street and King Street has achieved a level of notoriety that St Kilda could do without. Night clubs might be able to manage problems within venues, but many problems occur within residential streets after revellers depart the clubs between 1 am and 5 am. It is felt that one club to replace the Palace is appropriate, but 5 new clubs tips the balance.

181 retail outlets constitute a "shopping centre". Many people question the sustainability of so many retail spaces added to existing stores in the area and the likely impact on the suburb's "village vibe". The added pedestrian and vehicular traffic is also expected to increase congestion, pollution and parking demands beyond capacity.

I'm yet to meet any resident that wants more retail stores in St Kilda - quite the contrary. Chadstone, Southland, CBD, Bridge Road and Chapel Street are all accessible to residents and visitors. St Kilda doesn't need a further 181 outlets. The retail facilities provided at those major shopping centres PLUS existing stores in Acland Street, East St Kilda and South Melbourne are ample. One must question the sustainability of even more shops. As it is, those other retail precincts already struggle to cope with traffic, despite having far more road access points and infrastructure than St Kilda. It would be prudent to reduce the number of retail spaces to around 60.

Council must be wary to avoid a conflict between developers investing "new" money to change the suburb and existing owners, investors and supporters who commit their resources to preserve the precinct's unique heritage, style, culture and spirit.

Let's not overdo it all and lose the VILLAGE VIBE. Trim the Triangle!"
Gary N, St Kilda

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