Council approves amendments to $600 million development.
A SIX-TOWER residential, office and retail mega-complex with more than 900 dwellings has been given the green light to be built within Footscray’s Josephs Rd precinct.
The $600 million Victoria Square development, on Hopkins St, was first approved by Maribyrnong councilors in May 2017, but was brought back to the council last month to approve amendments to the plan.
The amendments saw dwellings increased to 931, commercial floor space almost doubled from 3297sq m to 6012sq m, and car spaces increased from 755 to 1075.
Tower heights were also increased, with the tallest to stand at 25 storeys.
Footscray Traders Association president Stuart Lucca-Pope said the development made sense but he did have some concerns.
“More people in the area means more trade for local businesses, but we have to make sure arking and public transport keeps up with demand,” he said. “The complex will also have a significant retail sector which we hope can be filled by local businesses run by local families rather than chain stores.”
Maribyrnong Mayor Cuc Lam said the council was pleased with the outcome.
“It is in line with the vision for the Footscray Metropolitan Activity Centre,” she said.
The development was designed by Kavellaris Urban Design on behalf of developer Growland.
Growland chief executive Ronald Chan said the decision to expand the original plans stemmed from wanting to meet the needs of the market.
“Growland is aiming to create a strong new community at Victoria Square and add to the vibrancy of Footscray as it continues its transformation,” Mr Chan said.
“Our goal in creating this project has always been to deliver high quality, affordable housing to Footscray and to do so with the community front of mind.”
Construction on the first tower is planned to start in mid-2018 and be completed by 2020.