‘Bogan’ $350m Collingwood development attracts controversy

Victorian “luxury” property developer Gurner’s plans for a $350 million mixed-used development in Melbourne’s inner north-east have attracted the ire of a City of Yarra councillor.

The proposed design encompasses an entire neighbourhood block and stretches almost 200 metres along Wellington Street between Victoria Parade and Derby Street.

Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the project would include 383 dwellings, spread over a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments and townhouses, along with more than 1,700 square metres of office space, a restaurant and 1,290 square metres of retail space at ground level.

A statement from Gurner said the project – characterized by two large-scale peaks that flow into a central pool and amenity area that mimics the shape of a lagoon­ – would deliver something “iconic to the area, that connects the culture of Collingwood with the elegance of East Melbourne.”

City of Yarra councillor Steve Jolly, however, has been vocal in his opposition to the design.

“It’s a bogan, sparkling white, Las Vegas building Photoshopped onto a map of Collingwood,” he told Fairfax Media.

A spokesperson for developer Gurner told ArchitectureAU that the design had been “grossly misrepresented” by media reports and that an article in The Age, which included Cr Jolly’s critical remarks, had used renders that were out of date as the design had since been “substantially changed” based on council feedback.

“We first met with council in August last year before submitting in October 2016 and have been working incredibly closely with them since then to ensure our building is in line with the expectations of the area,” said Gurner founder and director Tim Gurner.

“Based on their feedback we then made substantial changes to the original design to reduce the massing and height, which will result in a smaller number of apartments to reflect these changes.”

However, Jolly remains unconvinced, and told ArchitectureAU that the height of the project was not the only issue.

“It’s the wrong design for the area; It’s not so much the height, it’s that the design is inappropriate for the area.”

According to a Gurner statement, the lower form of the building was designed to “connect with the urban context of Collingwood’s industrial past” while the upper levels were inspired by “ancient terrace gardens, with a unique built form encased in greenery.”

The area has been earmarked for significant urban regeneration, with Cbus Property recently gaining approval for a 14-level residential development adjacent to the site, and Grocon recently gaining approval for a 14-level office building, both designed by John Wardle Architects.

The proposal also includes 279 bicycle parking spaces for residents and employees, as well as the equivalent of one car space per apartment.

The planning application is currently before the council, and the council is taking submissions from the community.

“We are currently in discussions with local neighbours and continue to talk with council officers to ensure we can implement any further changes required to satisfy their needs before submitting our final amended plans in the process,” Tim Gurner said.

“We are very keen to continue to work closely with council and listen to any community comments before finalising our amended scheme for approval.”

Gurner founder and director Tim Gurner is no stranger to controversy.

Another of his proposals under consideration, for a 16-level apartment tower in North Fitzroy also by Koichi Takada Architects, has attracted wide-spread objections and a 10-level height limit was put in place by Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

He also attracted international attention in May when he entered the housing affordability debate, telling Channel Nine’s 60 minutes, “When I was trying to buy my first home I wasn’t buying smashed avocado for $19 and four coffees at $4 each.”

This statement was widely ridiculed following the revelation that Gurner’s entry into the property market was supported not only by frugalness but also by a $34,000 loan from a family member.

The council will not make a decision on the Collingwood proposal before 31 July.

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