By Charlene Gatt
A $70 MILLION redevelopment of Footscray’s Little Saigon will transform the market into a high-rise shopping and apartment mecca.
Plans tabled at Maribyrnong City Council last week reveal the proposed construction of two apartment blocks – including an eight-storey tower fronting Ryan St and a 12-storey tower fronting Byron St – housing 260 apartments, ranging from studios to three bedroom abodes.
The two apartment blocks will be joined by the existing Little Saigon Market on the ground floor and will feature a rooftop garden on the eight-storey tower.
The plans defy Footscray City Skyline guidelines and draft revised studies that recommend a preferred building height of six storeys for the Little Saigon area.
The plans also include a drastic cut in recommended car parking, allowing for 287 car parking spaces, despite ResCode recommendations of 425 for a development of that size and use.
Eleven objections were received to the proposal, with objectors concerned about the lack of car parking, increased traffic, noise, privacy, and the impact on heritage buildings fronting Barkly St and future development opportunities for adjoining sites.
Nevertheless, the development has been praised by councillors and traders alike.
Councillors John Cumming and Michael Clarke said the redevelopment would enhance Footscray’s CBD as a prime activity centre, while Dina Lynch said the car parking was ample for the area, despite the reduction of spaces.
“There’s nothing but good that can come of what’s proposed,” Cr Cumming said.
“I believe this will be a catalyst for further development in Footscray.”
Fellow councillor Sel Sanli added: “this is a good way forward … I’m pretty optimistic it will increase our employment opportunities and economic development.”
Councillors unanimously voted in favour of the redevelopment last week.
Footscray Traders Association president Grant Miles applauded the redevelopment.
“It’s by far the best development I’ve seen in Footscray – it’s high quality, it’s a good mix of different sized apartments, it’s got plenty of car parking, more than any other development I’ve seen in Footscray,” he said.
“I’m really happy about it.”
Little Saigon opened in 1992 to cater to the growing Asian population in Footscray, but has since developed a cult following from all backgrounds.
