Latest articles by Sean Car
Major Crown properties on the market, but still no move on Queensbridge site
Two major Southbank sites on Clarendon St and City Rd have put up for sale by Crown’s new owners, US private equity group Blackstone, following its $8.9 billion acquisition of the company in 2022.
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No sign of when Ingles St tram boom gates will be restored
A major tram intersection at the edge of the Montague Precinct in Port Melbourne remains without its boom gates while “a comprehensive safety review” is finalised by the Victorian Government.
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City of Port Phillip moves against “Shrine to Sea” bike lanes
The future of a Victorian Government proposal to connect the new Anzac Station near the Shrine of Remembrance to Port Phillip Bay with separated bike lanes is up in the air amid backlash from City of Port Phillip councillors.
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Holidaying owner-occupier scrolling social media drops $6.56m on South Melbourne office
Clarke House – a multi-storey 1,025sqm commercial building at 101 Clarke Street, South Melbourne – owned by former Piping Hot managing director Mark Johannsen sold 24 hours before its scheduled auction.
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Council ticks off stage one of Southbank Promenade, but remainder “now anyone’s guess”
The City of Melbourne has breathed new life into some tired sections of Southbank Promenade, but finishing the remaining planned upgrades may not be achieved for some years.
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Businesses fight against “bed tax” as government seeks to curb short stays
The state government is considering a tax on short-stay accommodation in a bid to curb the state’s housing crisis, but Victoria’s peak tourism body and local businesses say the proposal would be a major impediment to the sector’s post-pandemic recovery.
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Port Phillip councillor slams Lord Mayor over Disneyland in Fishermans Bend “thought bubble”
Former Port Phillip Mayor Cr Marcus Pearl has criticised Lord Mayor Sally Capp over her comments in support of a Disneyland theme park in Fishermans Bend, arguing it reflected “the City of Melbourne’s lack of commitment to the precinct”.
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Kings Way “eyesore” labelled a “disgrace” as site flagged for potential open space
The condition of a heritage building opposite Boyd Park in Southbank has come under scrutiny by the Southbank Residents’ Association (SRA), as the site’s owners await approval to conduct early demolition works.
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Alison Leighton appointed council CEO
Having served as acting City of Melbourne CEO following the sudden resignation of former CEO Justin Hanney in 2022, Alison Leighton has officially been appointed to the city’s top job following an independent recruitment process.
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New report lays out challenges for electric vehicles in strata
A new report by peak property body Strata Community Association (SCA) has outlined the unique challenges that strata buildings face in Australia as the world transitions to electric vehicles.
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Miles St open space to be expanded
The northern side of Miles St, between Dodds and Wells streets in Southbank, will be closed and transformed into a new linear pocket park under a council plan to provide more green space for locals.
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Community battery a step closer for Southbank
The federal government will provide the City of Melbourne with grant funding to install a community battery in Southbank, allowing more locals to tap into renewable energy.
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Sky’s the limit: Swoop Aero’s mission to reach one billion people by 2030
As the only end-to-end logistics platform on the planet deploying its own cutting-edge drone aircraft, Swoop Aero is leading the way in redefining how to harness the power of our skies to deliver real impact where it’s needed most.
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CommVision: Increasing communication in residential buildings and communities
If you live in the City of Melbourne, it’s more than likely that you’re one of the 80 per cent who live in a high-rise apartment. But how well are you currently notified of critical issues and important updates affecting your immediate community?
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Council seeks local views on improving walkability in Southbank
A City of Melbourne survey into road safety and walkability in Southbank has already seen many respondents share their views, with phase one consultation remaining open until April 10.
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The company bringing giant creatures to life through animatronics
Creature Technology CEO and design director Sonny Tilders and his team might all have a rightful claim to the title of world’s best job.
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Redefining art and cultural experiences for the next generation
Grande Experiences founder and CEO Bruce Peterson said after the company staged its first ever exhibition in Melbourne in 2006, it would almost be another 15 years before it earned another dollar on Australian soil.
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Melbourne Arts Precinct Co calls on locals for reference group
The Victorian Government body leading the transformation of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct is calling on Southbankers to be part of a new community reference group for the $1.7 billion project.
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Feasibility study “does not respect the heritage” of 310 St Kilda Rd
A prominent veterans’ organisation has slammed a feasibility report commissioned by the Department of Defence into the future use of the former repatriation clinic at 310 St Kilda Rd as “tone deaf”.
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Time to abandon the City Rd Master Plan?
The president of an emerging Southbank residents’ group has called on the council to consider abandoning the City Road Master Plan, arguing the 2016 strategy is no longer fit for purpose.
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