Michael Danby MP, the Federal Member for Melbourne Ports met with a group of critics of the St Kilda Triangle Development. He met Serge Thomann, Anna Griffiths and Krystyna Kynst from the Unchain St Kilda Group.
Mr Danby found some of the issues raised about the proposed development disturbing.
He was unaware of the elimination of the grass slopes of the upper to lower esplanade which were to be replaced by commercial premises.
Mr Danby was also critical of the fact that the Council was allowing national brands into Acland Street and even more into the new development. The presence of chain stores was cheapening of the whole area.
"Acland Street could have been promoted like Lygon Street has, as a little Italy, Little Bourke Street as China Town and Lonsdale Street as a Greek precinct.
Acland Street should have been promoted as something to bring out its central European Flavour, which is being lost with the intrusion of bland brand shops which Kath and Kim can visit at any mall in the outer suburbs."
Further, Danby said he was concerned that the inclusion of a cluster of night clubs with long license hours might lead to issues of public drunkenness and agitation as in the King Street Precinct.
"The Council should reassure local residents that the Piazza in the lower esplanade won't be turned into one long drunken brawl.
The extent of the development and the presence of some 4640 out of town clubbers at any one time in the night clubs will be a security nightmare and might stretch the already overloaded and hard working St Kilda Police.
Perhaps there could be a security surcharge where the clubs would pay for extra policing of the precinct."
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I have some interest in the matter. I lived in St Kilda when I was young. Near the Peanut Farm. My mother worked at the Palais in the 40s and 50s. I went to films for free, and played around the area. If the State Government will not save the Palais, which is of some significance, what will it save? The Council should not allow the decisions to be seen in terms of a Surfers' Paradise complex.It needs to retain St Kilda's character. Something which utilizes it , but doesn't overwhelm. A community and commercial development. The Developers have gone overboard in their desires. There are serious problems expecting to provide everything though private means. It seems time for the State Govt. to step back in and make a symbolic, and financial, contribution.
Posted by Ross Middleton on 2007-12-12 04:44:29 GMT
We are opposed to most of this proposed development. We have lived in this area for most of the last 45 years and want it to keep the same flavour. the council is spoling our beloved St Kilda foreground area.
Posted
by Ron and Liz Raab on 2007-12-04 10:17:46 GMT
