The following Letters to the Editor have been sent in regarding this story about the proposed seven-storey apartment complex in Ballarat.
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Regarding the Lyons Street apartment development, it says - 'a single car park would be assigned to 55 of the 56 dwellings, while none have been allocated for the specialist housing units.'
That seems to be a bit 'close to the line'.
Wouldn't it be better to take advantage of new developments like this by opening up additional car parking spaces or at the very least ensuring there are enough for all residents? Otherwise we get people taking up parking spots in other streets around the CBD.
It also says 'while planning scheme clauses prescribe a development of this size to include a total of 86 parking spaces, council officers said there was a market for dwellings without included parking spaces.'
There's a market for anything if you are greedy enough to sell it but how about sticking to the rules rather than disadvantaging some residents in order to put more money in the pockets of others?
Council is supposed to look after ALL residents rather than just trying to attract more at any cost.
- Gary Smith, Redan.
I request that council consider the irreversible impact that a development of that size would have on the streetscape.
I draw for comparison to the Nightingale development in nearby Davey Street.
Whilst it appears to blend in from the front, the rear presentation totally dominates and destroys privacy for the existing homes which back onto it.
A seven-storey building is the same height as the Gov Hub and we can see what impact it has had.
Please develop with long term aesthetics like our forebears.
Don't wreck our beautiful streetscapes, our heritage draw card, consider scale and proportion and style.
- Leonie Crosbie, Ballarat.
I fully support the proposed building of Lyons Street apartment complex. Ballarat has a fantastic, unrealised opportunity to fill the inner city with residents.
We need to support a grander vision for our inner city. Let's hope that one day, the inner city precinct is filled with swarms of residents.
Imagine the Bridge Mall and surrounding area, if all shops were allowed and encouraged to have a residential dwellings above, the streets below filled with cafes, restaurants and convenience stores.
The council-owned supermarket car parks, converted to residential, high-density living with underground car parking.
Big box retailing has ripped the vibrant heart out of our CBD. To those who believe opening the Bridge Mall to vehicle traffic is the solution, please consider this alternative. People, not cars.
Globally, many historic European cities have managed to preserve and enhance their inner historical precincts, using thoughtful design to encourage a thriving inner city community.
Come on Ballarat, we can do it.
- Chris Alizzi, Lake Wendouree.
From information provided describing the number of apartments, layout and parking requirements, I can only conclude that should it go ahead, this complex will be yet another ugly and totally inappropriate addition to our CBD area.
Given the images provided in The Courier, the building will not possibly fit in with what is unfortunately, a rapidly disappearing, classical Ballarat architectural streetscape.
Buildings of this type age rapidly, and in a few years will just be another tired concrete eyesore.
The exemption sought for parking spaces will inevitably add to already stretched parking congestion in the CBD. Why are required (by building regulations) numbers of parking spaces so easily ignored??
In summary, I am not against CBD development, but feel that this should be done in sympathy with the history and "feel" of the city.
- Jeff Stewart, Canadian.
This site has been vacant for ages.
To assist with Ballarat's infill housing needs this development would be of great benefit for the City of Ballarat's growing population.
Centrally located it would provide a much needed lift and enhancement to this neglected area.
- Robert Cook, Mt Clear
Please don't do this.
I used to live in Melbourne and this kind of development has totally ruined the city.
High density living without any thought to the infrastructure needed to support it.
This is not appropriate for Ballarat.
- Michael Koswig, Alfredton