Objections raised over greenlit student accommodation in heart of Melbourne’s entertainment precinct

11 July 2024

Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece

Councillors of Melbourne

City of Melbourne

Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street

Melbourne, VIC 3000

Dear Lord Mayor and Councillors,

Re: 225 King Street Application for Town Planning Permit for Student Accommodation

As representatives of the Nightclub Owners Forum, we express our deep concerns regarding the proposed development application at 225 King St, Melbourne. This development, which aims to house around 500 students, poses significant risks to the vitality and viability of the adjacent nightlife venues.

Key Concerns:

1. Proximity to Licensed Venues: The new development is adjacent to several 24-hour licensed venues, which naturally produce noise. This proximity raises significant compatibility issues with any residential living (unless appropriate noise attenuation measures installed as part of the construction

2. Threat to City Amenity: Melbourne’s vibrant nightlife is a cornerstone of its identity, attracting both international and domestic tourists. The proposed development threatens this dynamic by likely having negative consequences if the proposal proceeds without adequate safeguards.

3. Lack of Adequate Research: Insufficient research into the impacts of this development on existing urban activities, population dynamics, and tourism profiles could lead to conflicts detrimental to the nightlife economy.

4. Economic and Tourism Impact: Pubs, clubs, and discos are among Melbourne’s top attractions. Over 300,000 people visit the city on a weekend night, and imposing closures on existing venues would be detrimental to the City of Melbourne. Such action could deter visitors at a critical time when the city is striving to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and its associated restrictions.

Requested Actions:

1. Meaningful Consultation: As adjoining owners, we are being shut out of the established process. There is little or no consultation, which is not intended by the development facilitation process. We expect meaningful consultation, particularly with adjoining owners.

2. Access to Plans: We request a copy of the submitted plans for our review.

3. Acoustic Report: We should be provided with the permit applicant’s acoustic report and proposed reverse amenity considerations to attenuate noise from the building impacting the proposed new one.

4. Review Application Documentation: We need the opportunity to review the submitted application documentation and be provided with a full list of expert reports that have been submitted, along with complete access to that information.

5. Laneway Use/Refuge Management: Laneway use and refuge management, and any related impacts on neighbouring properties, remain unknown and deserve close scrutiny.

6. Air Rights and Cantilevering: Air rights and/or cantilevering of the building across the lane could impact on development opportunities. We need to consider this carefully.

7. Section 173 Agreement: Council should require a Section 173 agreement to be registered on the title of the new development, acknowledging that neighbouring entertainment venues use generates noise, day and night.

8. Other Issues: Address any additional concerns that may arise during consultation.

9. Engage Stakeholders: Consult and engage with Council, permit applicants, landowners, the Department of Transport and Planning, and the Minister for Planning’s office.

We urge the City of Melbourne to reconsider this development proposal and to prioritize the compatibility and sustainability of Melbourne’s tourism and vibrant nightlife industry.

Please see attached a detailed letter from Arnold Bloch Leibler. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response and to working collaboratively to protect the interests of our city.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Iwaniuk

CC Media 

For further Information contact:

Nightclub Owners Forum

Peter Iwaniuk 

0411 75 11 99     peter@peteriwaniuk.com