THE $100 million redevelopment proposal put forward by Multiplex for the Raffles Hotel site in Applecross will spark some robust community debate if the history of development in the area is any guide.
THE $100 million redevelopment proposal put forward by Multiplex for the Raffles Hotel site in Applecross will spark some robust community debate if the history of development in the area is any guide.
About 18 years ago businessman Alan Bond put forward a redevelopment proposal for the Majestic Hotel site at Point Dundas in Applecross.
The extensive proposal, which included a high-rise apartment development and a marina, sparked a fierce reaction from the local community such that the proposal was shelved.
More recently local businessman and head of the Save Heathcote Action Group, Michael Coleman, has lobbied to stop the State Government selling the riverfront land at nearby Heathcote.
An individual closely involved in the Bond Corporation proposal for the Majestic site said one of the biggest concerns voiced by local residents related to the height of the proposed development.
“In fact the development would probably be less obtrusive than what we’ve ended up with [on the Majestic site], which is huge houses on quite small blocks,” he said.
“There was a group known as the Purple Circle or the Applecross Triangle, and they were very active. They were well heeled, well educated very influential people.”
At the time of this proposal there were a couple of public meetings that drew crowds of up to 400 people.
“This was back in the days before there were big community meetings,” the source said.
It’s not clear whether the Multiplex proposal will provoke a similar reaction.
“From what I’ve heard [on talkback radio] it seemed to be about 50:50,” the source said.
“But you’ve got to be careful that you don’t look at the broader community.
“You need to look at the population that is going to election in May 2003.”
With council elections looming there’s a real possibility that proposed 17-storey tower will become an election issue for the City of Melville.
“The council needs to get this through quickly because if it slows down it’ll become an election issue,” the source said.
Geoff Broad was the executive manager at the City of Melville when the Majestic Hotel site proposal was before council.
“What happened with the Majestic was that the original proposal was for a medium density structure,” Mr Broad said.
“Because of community opposition the council of the time didn’t support it and it ended up being a subdivision.
“What they ended up with was single residential houses on high-value land with very little open space, and that excludes people from the area.
“I’d say this development [The Raffles Hotel site] is more aware of community concerns and aware that the community has an impact on the proposal.
“The Raffles is bit different to [The Majestic] in that the site is already covered up by buildings so there’s an opportunity to expand the public access to the site.
“The issue is more the height of the structure.”
The City of Melville has only just set up its online information and public displays and the advertising period that commenced on October 5 will run until November 1.
A council spokesperson said it was a bit premature to make any comment as to whether the proposal was likely to become an election issue.
“Council will consider all stakeholders’ interests and make the decision that is best for the community,” City of Melville Mayor Katie Mair said.
About 18 years ago businessman Alan Bond put forward a redevelopment proposal for the Majestic Hotel site at Point Dundas in Applecross.
The extensive proposal, which included a high-rise apartment development and a marina, sparked a fierce reaction from the local community such that the proposal was shelved.
More recently local businessman and head of the Save Heathcote Action Group, Michael Coleman, has lobbied to stop the State Government selling the riverfront land at nearby Heathcote.
An individual closely involved in the Bond Corporation proposal for the Majestic site said one of the biggest concerns voiced by local residents related to the height of the proposed development.
“In fact the development would probably be less obtrusive than what we’ve ended up with [on the Majestic site], which is huge houses on quite small blocks,” he said.
“There was a group known as the Purple Circle or the Applecross Triangle, and they were very active. They were well heeled, well educated very influential people.”
At the time of this proposal there were a couple of public meetings that drew crowds of up to 400 people.
“This was back in the days before there were big community meetings,” the source said.
It’s not clear whether the Multiplex proposal will provoke a similar reaction.
“From what I’ve heard [on talkback radio] it seemed to be about 50:50,” the source said.
“But you’ve got to be careful that you don’t look at the broader community.
“You need to look at the population that is going to election in May 2003.”
With council elections looming there’s a real possibility that proposed 17-storey tower will become an election issue for the City of Melville.
“The council needs to get this through quickly because if it slows down it’ll become an election issue,” the source said.
Geoff Broad was the executive manager at the City of Melville when the Majestic Hotel site proposal was before council.
“What happened with the Majestic was that the original proposal was for a medium density structure,” Mr Broad said.
“Because of community opposition the council of the time didn’t support it and it ended up being a subdivision.
“What they ended up with was single residential houses on high-value land with very little open space, and that excludes people from the area.
“I’d say this development [The Raffles Hotel site] is more aware of community concerns and aware that the community has an impact on the proposal.
“The Raffles is bit different to [The Majestic] in that the site is already covered up by buildings so there’s an opportunity to expand the public access to the site.
“The issue is more the height of the structure.”
The City of Melville has only just set up its online information and public displays and the advertising period that commenced on October 5 will run until November 1.
A council spokesperson said it was a bit premature to make any comment as to whether the proposal was likely to become an election issue.
“Council will consider all stakeholders’ interests and make the decision that is best for the community,” City of Melville Mayor Katie Mair said.
