Progress Made in ‘Tortuous’ Fishermans Bend

Goodman Group are one step closer to developing a one hectare site in Fishermans Bend after getting the nod of approval at a City of Melbourne meeting.

The development, in Lorimer, is one of 26 sites in the area which were subject to “tortuous” planning routes, and have to gain approval by way of incorporated documents.

In 2018 the state government put a halt on $4.5 billion worth of development applications causing developers to lash out against the decision.

However, progress is being made in the area with a number of projects including Gurner’s $1 billion towers getting fast-tracked.

The Goodman application is the latest to make progress with plans for a two-stage development including an 11-storey office building followed by two 24-storey residential towers housing 336 dwellings.

The buildings designed by Hayball will be constructed on a triangular site at 850-868 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne with frontage to Ingles Street.

The stage one design includes 638sq m of retail and 23,940sq m of commercial space within an industrial, contemporary styled building adorned red brickwork and dark metal beams.

Related: Developers Sweat Fishermans Bend Delays

The development will slot in behind the Mirvac master planned development on the river called Yarra’s Edge.

Councillor Rohan Leppert said the Goodman application was the most significant and complicated matter on the agenda with the process rendering the community unable to view, support or object to the application.

“Given the way Fishermans Bend has been planned, and at times badly planned, we are now trying to deal with these stalled applications by way of incorporated documents through site specific planning amendments,” Leppert said.

“The significance of the site and its potential for changing the skyscape and the potential economic uplift for Fisherman’s Bend is extraordinary.”

Deputy lord mayor Nicholas Reece said the application broadly applies to planning requirements in the area as there will be other towers of similar heights nearby.

“This application has a long, long history, dare I say torturous history, I think you’d probably need a PHD in planning to understand the circuitous route that it has gone through,” Reece said.

“Putting all that complexity aside I can say this is an application which should be welcomed.

“There’s two laneways that have been included as part of the proposal which will add to the connectivity in the area and make Lorimer very pedestrian friendly.”

Council’s support of the project and a long set of conditions on the development will now be sent back to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for the next stage in the planning process.