No applications for review were lodged against the decision to grant planning permission for stage three of the project, which proposes to deliver 10,000 square metres of office, food and drink premises, as well a shop, gym and basement car parking.

A planning permit has been issued under delegation from the Minister for Planning, permitting building works for stage three to proceed at 1-7 Elizabeth Street, Kensington.

Stage three entails the creation of a new six-storey complex to the east of stage one, accommodating office and retail space, as well as a recreational facility and food and beverage outlets. This stage will add an integrated public realm and large plaza to provide opportunities for the community to engage with the site.

Woods Bagot Principal and project leader Peter Miglis said planning permission is an exciting milestone for the project, securing plans for the final piece in one of Melbourne’s most significant heritage precincts.

“Stage three will provide coveted open space that will ensure the porosity of the ground plane,” says Miglis. “We envision this stage will create an equitable urban realm with emphasis on public safety and accessibility.”

Project architect and Woods Bagot Senior Associate Wei Kiat Goh said the outcome of the design for stage three is the result of extensive community consultation, which has yielded the best possible outcome for architect and community alike.

“It’s been an incredibly collaborative process to get the project to the final stage,” says Goh. “The community engagement activities to date have ensured transparency and open communication throughout the design process, fostering a great deal of trust from within the community.”

This announcement follows unanimous councillor support for stage three during the Future Melbourne Committee meeting in September 2023.

The amended designs for stage three featured revisions that addressed Melbourne Water’s concerns regarding mitigation of flood risk. Councillors were satisfied that the resubmitted proposal was a thoughtful contextual response with high quality urban design outcomes through high quality materials and custom flood gates on individual entries.

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Isla Sutherland
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