City of Port Phillip unveils preliminary vision for St Kilda Triangle
The St Kilda Triangle could become home to a cultural drawcard, boutique hotel and new gardens under the City of Port Phillip’s preliminary vision for the transformation of the site, which is currently being used as a car park.
An interim masterplan for the St Kilda Triangle was endorsed at last week’s council meeting, which allows the council to progress developing a business case and further discuss the look and feel of the proposed outdoor public space with the community.
The council also voted to continue discussions with the State Government aimed at identifying and securing potential cultural facilities for this iconic foreshore site.
According to the council, the interim masterplan reflects the general support of participants involved with council’s continuing co-design process for:
- Public open space of 16,000 square metres;
- A cultural institution of 17,000 square metres;
- A boutique hotel of 3,500 square metres;
- Ancillary uses (such as retail and food and beverage outlets) of 3,000 square metres; and
- Underground car parking for 350 vehicles.
In a statement, Acting Mayor Anita Horvath said that while the interim masterplan retains most of the distinctive grassy slopes between The Esplanade and Lower Esplanade, it also suggests remoulding part of the slopes to create grassy rooftop parkland.
A cultural institution, such as a gallery, would complement the Palais Theatre and help to attract more visitors to St Kilda, including neighbouring Acland and Fitzroy streets.
A public co-design workshop will be held next month to develop the design and landscape of the proposed public space, including the gardens.
This feedback will inform the concept design report on the agreed landscape, built form envelopes, uses and a staging plan. The business case, setting out funding proposals for public and private investors, is due to be finalised by the end of the year.
Source: News Release, Urbanalyst, 28 September, 2015