Tower gets the nod

Local architect Rothelowman has received planning approval from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to build an 18-storey tower at 153 Sturt St.

VCAT’s decision to grant a permit ends a long struggle by local resident lobby group Save Dodds Street to have the height of the tower lowered, to preserve what it describes as the low-rise character of Southbank Village and the Arts Precinct.

Apart from ordering a lowering of the building’s side buttresses, the overall height of building remains unchanged with the presiding VCAT members stating in their decision that they had “not been persuaded that the building’s height was unacceptable.”

Rothelowman co-founder Shane Rothe told Southbank Local News that he was pleased with the outcome.

“The outcome was a positive one for quality design and architecture,” he said. “We also amended our designs to further comply with the State Government’s Arts uses.”

“We have a permit but we don’t know what’s going to happen going forward.”

Southbank Residents’ Association president Tony Penna said: “Sadly, but not unexpected, the developer has got their way. I commend the efforts of the residents with their representation at VCAT but until the planning scheme is tightened, this beautiful section of Southbank will be destined to high-rise. It would not surprise me if the developer now flips this site.”

The VCAT decision follows neighbouring Sturt St architect Hayball’s VCAT victory in late 2017, who were also issued with a permit to develop its office at 135 Sturt St into an 18-storey tower next door to the Malthouse Theatre. Hayball has since put its permit up for sale.