By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A GREATER Dandenong councillor wants plans for further multi-storey apartments on Cheltenham Road scrapped in favour of a landscaped gateway into Dandenong.
Councillor Peter Brown said vacant council-owned land on the road’s northern side, east of Stockmans Bridge, was best retained for public open space – a tree-lined entry point reminiscent of St Kilda Road’s boulevard.
“The long-term beauty for Dandenong in having a landscaped park immediately before the main entry point along Cheltenham Road, could emulate the beauty of other main city access points elsewhere.”
The site has been earmarked for high-density development, including residential and some commercial uses, as well as dedicated open space in the council’s 2002 master plan.
It is directly opposite the under-construction nine-storey Mosaic Apartments building.
Cr Brown said building more multi-storey apartments would create an unappealing “high-rise tunnel” entry point.
Alternatively, parkland could be used by residents of Mosaic and its neighbouring housing estate Metro 3175, he said.
He said the council had the discretion to tear up a 2002 agreement with Places Victoria to develop the land due to “non-completion”. The deed’s sunset date is 15 October.
A complication is that Vic Track plans to use its abutting vacant land for railway station car parking.
“This is our last chance to keep that land for a parked gateway. It’s critically important to have that public open space.”
Mayor Jim Memeti said the council had been banking on the sell-off of the land for development. He estimated the block could be worth $8 million.
“I’m happy to keep that land but (without that money) what happens to the Springvale civic precinct which we want to do up in the next few years?”
Cr Brown retorted that the land had cost the council nothing.
“We’ve had it for years. It’s not even been factored into the Springvale project costings.”
Places Victoria land development and housing manager Joanne Wandel said the State Government developer was working with the council to review future plans for the site.
