CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new landmark building in Sunshine are open for public comment.
The $70 million three-tower development proposed for the corner of Hampshire and Foundry roads promises to bring high-rise living to the area for the first time.
The application includes plans for the construction of two seven to nine-storey towers and one tower six to eight storeys high.
From their base to their highest point the three towers will be 47, 33 and 30 metres respectively.
The revised plans reduce the original heights by as much as 12 storeys for some of the towers.
The changes also include underground car parking and an increased number of car parking spaces for the project.
The buildings will house shops, offices and 144 independent living units for over-55s. Eighteen private apartments will also be built.
Around 1000 square metres of office and commercial space, 6000 square metres for retail, medical and cafe businesses and a Footscray-style open sky mall are also planned.
Project manager of the development, Antonella Care, said the Foundry Rd application was a vital project for the suburb.
She said the developers reworked the plan to address local residents’ concerns.
“Following our public consultation meetings in June we have incorporated much of the feedback received from the community into our final planning application,” Ms Care said.
“We welcomed this feedback as it has helped ensure that the project is truly reflective of the community view.
“We believe this project delivers significant economic benefits to Sunshine,” she said.
In their application to the council, the Foundry Rd developers say nearly 2000 jobs will be created directly and another 2400 indirectly by the project. Ms Care said the development, if approved, was a landmark building opportunity that could reverse the fortunes of retailers in the area.
“If this goes ahead it may encourage other developments in the area,” she said.
While reserving final judgement on the Foundry Rd proposal, Brimbank councillor Sam David said any development should work to revitalise all of Sunshine.
“I worry about the retailers and the end of the shopping strip in Sunshine,” he said.
“We cannot change the (planning ) mistakes of the past.
“But these towers may be the link we need by actually getting more people into the centre of Sunshine.”
Cr David said the key to improving the area was rezoning to introduce more residents closer to central Sunshine.
He is not averse to the suggestion of transforming shops around Sun Crescent and Station Place into apartments and flats.
Sunshine Plaza – believed by many to be a victim of over-commercialisation in central Sunshine – said it had yet to form an opinion on the proposed development.
General manager David Knell said he believed efforts to revitalise the commercial area were genuine.
The closing date for public submissions on the Foundry Rd development is 12 September.
