A push to redevelop a “rundown” hotel near St Kilda’s Luna Park and Acland Street precinct has sparked backlash from residents concerned the proposed seven-storey building is too big for the neighbourhood.
The owners of the Cosmopolitan Hotel on Carlisle Street have sought permission from state Planning Minister Sonia Kilkenny to tear down the property’s existing buildings and construct a 204-room hotel that would include food and drink premises, a rooftop bar, basement carpark and function rooms.
Two houses next door, which are owned by the Cosmopolitan and which Port Phillip Council has deemed to have heritage significance, would be partially demolished to make way for suites.
Under current planning rules, the proposed redevelopment cannot be completed and would require the minister to approve changes to the planning scheme, with public consultation open until Wednesday.
The proposal has a number of locals worried including Jane Briese, who said that in its current state, the hotel was “rundown” and in need of a revamp. But she fears a seven-storey building would loom over the area.
“We’d like to see it demolished and rebuilt. Most of the neighbourhood agrees that it’s time for something to be done there, but what they’re proposing is just too big,” Briese said.
“We know we’re right next to Acland Street and the residents aren’t opposed to that sort of vibrant lifestyle, but this is just too big; it encroaches on the amenity.”
More than 300 people have signed an online petition against the proposal, calling on the minister to reject it or restrict the development, including limiting it to five storeys on Carlisle Street and up to three storeys on surrounding residential streets.
The current building is five storeys tall along Albert Street and three storeys for much of its footprint on Carlisle Street.
Galleon Cafe owner Andrew Skoullos said he wasn’t opposed to development in the area, but many people were concerned about the scale of this proposal. He said construction disruption, road closures and parking were already challenges in St Kilda, so anything that added to those issues would have an impact.
“Carlisle Street and the surrounding area have a real village feel with heritage buildings, light, and character that people are drawn to. That’s a big part of why local businesses like mine work,” he said.
“I think most people just want to see development that respects what makes St Kilda special and doesn’t lose that identity.”
Briese is also concerned that if the land is rezoned for the Cosmopolitan, even taller developments could be built in the future – a fear highlighted in community submissions to the minister.
She worries a rooftop bar, eatery and function rooms could lead to issues with noise, public nuisance, traffic and parking.
“We do not want to lose our residential neighbourhood character,” Briese said.
Port Philip Council is not responsible for decision-making over the site and the current proposal has not come before councillors, however local ward councillor Serge Thomann said he and other residents would push back against the development.
“We’re here to fight,” he said.
The Cosmopolitan Hotel is owned by Meydan Group, described on its website as a “diversified high net worth family investment group that invests in businesses across various business segments and asset classes”.
Meydan Group managing director Moshe Meydan told The Age the redevelopment was designed to comply with government rules and “doesn’t work” unless the building is seven storeys tall.
Meydan also said St Kilda needs new developments to revitalise Acland Street, noting the current hotel is old and that the redesign would have a minimal effect on neighbours.
“It’s very easy to just complain against it and to complain against any development,” he said.
“But this one will bring some more tourism to the area, it will improve the commercial activity in the area.”
“It will improve the value of the area, of the properties, and it will bring more people and bring St Kilda to what it was a long time ago.”
The minister is due to decide on whether the planning scheme will be changed in June. A state government spokesperson told The Age that any proposal would be considered on its merits.
“As this project is currently open for consultation it would be inappropriate to comment further,” they said.
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Rachael Ward is a journalist in the City team at The Age. Contact her at rachael.ward@theage.com.auConnect via email.
