The Minister for Planning is considering whether to prepare, adopt and approve Yarra Planning Scheme Amendment C307 and grant planning permit PA2201662. To inform the Minister’s decision, consultation is being undertaken under section 20(5) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 about the draft amendment and the draft planning permit.

What the draft amendment does

Draft Amendment C307 seeks to:

  • Rezone land known as Land in Title Plans 211146G and 212632R, and Lots 4-9 on Lodged Plan 13552 from Mixed Use Zone (MUZ) to Comprehensive Development Zone, Schedule 1 (CDZ1)
  • Replace Schedule 1 to the Comprehensive Development Zone with a new Schedule
  • Apply the Parking Overlay over the Victoria Gardens Expansion Area and introduce Schedule 2 that addresses parking controls specific to Victoria Gardens
  • Remove Schedule 9 to the Design and Development Overlay
  • Apply the Environmental Audit Overlay over the entire of the enlarged CDZ1 area.
  • Amend the Schedule to Clause 53.01 of the Yarra Planning Scheme to apply an exemption to the public open space contribution requirements on land within the CDZ1.
  • Insert Incorporated Document, ‘Victoria Gardens Comprehensive Development Plan, 2022’ to replace the existing incorporated documents (‘Victoria Gardens – Building Envelope and Precinct Plan and Precinct 3 Plan – Warehouse Area’ and the Victoria Gardens Urban Design Guidelines)
  • Amend 1.0 of the Schedule to Clause 72.01 to make the Minister for Planning the responsible authority for:
    • matters under Divisions 1, 1A, 2, 3 and 5 of Part 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (the Act) and for approving associated matters required by the planning scheme to be done to the satisfaction of the responsible authority for the land within Schedule 1 to Clause 37.02 of the Comprehensive Development Zone (Victoria Gardens Comprehensive Development Plan 2022), save for and excluding the land in Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 on PS 415801 (located east of River Boulevard within the ‘Existing Barkers Road Bridge Precinct’), and Lot 7B on PS608608, and Lot 5 on PS 415801 (located east of River Boulevard within the ‘River Boulevard Precinct’).

What this permit seeks

The planning permit application (PA2201662) seeks approval for the demolition and, construction of a multi-storey mixed use development, the use of the land for a hotel and a reduction in the standard car parking requirements at 53,61-67,77-79 Burnley Street, 1-9 Doonside Street and 620 Victoria Street, Richmond.

Overall, the proposed development consists of demolition associated with 53 Burnley Street, six buildings ranging in height from 7-17 storeys, 839 dwellings (comprising 10% affordable housing at a discounted rate, or not less than 2% gifted market value), 8,545 square meters of retail space and 3,485 square metres of commercial office and 518 basement car parking spaces.

Specifically, the permit application seeks approval for six buildings ranging in height as outlined below:

  • Building 1: ranging in height between 10-12 storeys, with a maximum building height of RL 58.5m (excluding plant)
  • Building 2: Ranging in height between 15-17 storeys, with a maximum building height of RL 73.75m (excluding plant)
  • Building 3: Ranging in height between 15-17 storeys, with a maximum building height of RL 73.75m (excluding plant)
  • Building 4: 13 storeys, with a maximum building height of RL 61.55m (excluding plant)
  • Building 5: Two interlocked forms to create one building being 7 storeys, with a maximum building height of RL 43.25m (excluding plant)
  • Building 6: ranging in height between 11 storeys, with a maximum building height of RL 56.9m (excluding plant).

Consultation

Before making a decision about whether to proceed with the draft amendment and draft permit, the Minister for Planning is undertaking consultation under section 20(5) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to understand the views of affected parties and to inform the drafting of both the amendment and permit.

Following the consultation period, the Minister may decide to refer this matter to the Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee for further advice before making a decision about whether to prepare, adopt and approve the amendment and permit. If you make a submission, you will be informed if the matter is referred to the Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee.

Background

The Minister for Planning has received a request from Urbis Pty Ltd (on behalf of Vicinity Centres Pty Ltd) to facilitate the proposal through the Development Facilitation Program. The Victorian Government has identified Victoria’s building and construction sector as a key mechanism to revitalise Victoria’s economy in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Development Facilitation Program was established by the Minister following the success of the Building Victoria’s Recovery Taskforce Priority Project Fast-Track pilot program to speed up the assessment and determination of identified priority projects that deliver investment into the Victorian economy, keep people in jobs, and provide a substantial public benefit.

More information

If you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact Danielle Foster, Senior Planner, Priority Projects Team, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning via email at danielle.foster@delwp.vic.gov.au.

Page last updated: 20/02/23