Cosmopolitan Hotel redevelopment sparks backlash over size
An effort to redevelop a “rundown” hotel near St Kilda’s Luna Park and Acland Street has sparked a backlash from residents concerned the proposed seven-storey building is too big for the neighbourhood.
Owners of the Cosmopolitan Hotel on Carlisle Street Requested permission from the Minister of State Planning Sonia Kilkenny will demolish the property’s existing buildings and build a 204-room hotel, including food and beverage facilities, a rooftop bar, basement car parking and function rooms.
Two houses next door, owned by the Cosmopolitan and which Port Phillip Council considers to be of heritage significance, will be partially demolished to make way for suites.
Under current planning rules the proposed redevelopment cannot be completed and the minister must approve changes to the planning scheme through public consultation Open until Wednesday.
The proposal has concerned many local residents, including Jane Briese, who said the hotel in its current form was “rundown” and in need of refurbishment. However, he is afraid that a seven-storey building will appear in the area.
“We want it torn down and rebuilt. Most of the neighborhood agrees it’s time for something to be done there, but what they’re proposing is too big,” Briese said.
“We know we are right next to Acland Street and residents are not opposed to that kind of vibrant lifestyle, but this is huge – it infringes on amenity.”
More than 300 people have signed an online petition against the proposal, calling on the minister to reject it or restrict development, including limiting the project to five storeys on Carlisle Street and up to three storeys on surrounding residential streets.
The existing building has five storeys along Albert Street and three storeys for the majority of its footprint on Carlisle Street.
Galleon Cafe owner Andrew Skoullos said he was not opposed to development in the area but many people were concerned about the scale of the proposal. He said construction disruptions, road closures and parking issues were already problems in St Kilda, so anything added to those problems would have an impact.
“Carlisle Street and the surrounding area has a real village feel, with heritage buildings, light and character that attracts people. This is a big reason why local businesses such as mining operate,” he said.
“I think most people want to see development that respects what makes St Kilda special and doesn’t lose that identity.”
Briese is also concerned that even larger structures could be built in the future if the land is rezoned for the Cosmopolitan; This fear is also emphasized in the society’s presentations to the minister.
He is concerned that rooftop bars, restaurants and function rooms could cause noise, public nuisance, traffic and parking problems.
“We don’t want to lose our residential neighborhood character,” Briese said.
Port Philip Council is not responsible for decision-making on the site and the current proposal has not come before councillors, but local ward councilor Serge Thomann said he and other residents would oppose the development.
“We are here to fight,” he said.
Cosmopolitan Hotel is owned by Meydan Group, which is described on its website as “a diversified, high-net-worth family investment group that invests in businesses across a variety of business segments and asset classes.”
Meydan Group General Manager Moşe Meydan explained Age The redevelopment is designed to comply with government rules and “doesn’t work” unless the building is seven storeys tall.
Meydan also stated that St Kilda needed new developments to revitalize Acland Street, stating that the existing hotel was outdated and the redesign would have minimal impact on neighbours.
“It’s very easy to just complain, complain about any development,” he said.
“But it will bring some more tourism to the region and improve commercial activity in the region.”
“It will increase the value of the area and properties, bring in more people and return St Kilda to where it was a long time ago.”
The Minister will decide in June whether the planning plan will be changed. A state government spokesman said Age He said any proposal would be evaluated 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 on The Age’s City team. Contact her at rachael.ward@theage.com.auConnect via email.
