At a recent meeting, residents and City of Melbourne councillors expressed their concerns about a proposed redevelopment in Docklands, calling it the “Great Wall of Development Victoria”. They were critical of the lack of support from the community and developers in addressing their concerns. Despite wanting to see the project move forward, councillors emphasized the need for a development that all parties can be proud of. Some councillors were particularly scathing, pointing out the lack of strategic justification and failure to connect the city to the waterfront.
The proposed redevelopment includes three buildings with a mix of uses, such as offices, a function center, retail spaces, and potentially accommodation like dwellings and a residential hotel. However, the final land-use mix is uncertain due to market conditions, and there are no plans for affordable housing in the development. This has raised further concerns among stakeholders and the community. Development Victoria and the AFL have been contacted for comment, along with the planning minister’s office. More updates are expected to come as the situation unfolds.
Councilor Jamal Hakim criticized the absence of AFL and Development Victoria representatives at the meeting to address questions and provide clarity on the proposal. He described the application as one of the most embarrassing ones seen, suggesting potential issues or oversights in the planning process. Other councillors, such as Rohan Leppert, also questioned the strategic justification for the development and its connectivity to the surrounding areas. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive explanation of how the project would benefit Docklands and the city as a whole.
Deputy Mayor Nick Reece highlighted the importance of avoiding past mistakes in Docklands and ensuring that any future development aligns with the community’s needs and preferences. He urged Development Victoria and the AFL to collaborate closely with the council to address the concerns raised and create a project that everyone can support. While expressing a desire to see the project succeed, Reece emphasized the need for transparent communication and genuine engagement with stakeholders.
Overall, the proposed redevelopment in Docklands has sparked controversy and criticism among residents and City of Melbourne councillors. Concerns have been raised about the lack of community support, strategic justification, and affordable housing provisions in the project. Stakeholders are calling for greater transparency and collaboration from developers to address these issues and create a development that benefits both Docklands and the broader Melbourne community. The situation is ongoing, with further updates and discussions expected in the future as the project progresses.
