Current news from the Parkville Association 35-39 Royal Parade
The Parkville Association and 130 other residents who were part of the 153 objectors were obviously disappointed with the decision by VCAT to set aside the decision by Melbourne City Council to refuse a permit for the development of a dermatological clinic on the corner of Royal Parade and Morrah Streets in Parkville.
Sadly the hearing was conducted on line over 8 days as a hearing at VCAT would have been more beneficial. Armed with 8 individual objectors and the Parkville Association residents we thought we had presented a professional case supporting the original council decision. Focussing on the intensity of the development and the flow on affecting traffic and parking on residential streets and maintaining the fabric of Parkville’s inner city village we tried to demonstrate the affect a large commercial clinic would have on our quiet residential neighbourhood. Reading the reasons for granting the permit we clearly do not agree however we have to accept the ruling. We presented correspondence from senior staff regarding NEIC (National Employment and Innovation Clusters) that clearly stated Zoning and Heritage overrides the NEIC zoning. Likewise we presented the current biomedical zone plan which has Story Street as the end of the zone. Royal Park is clearly within the NEIC so if followed literally watch our for factories in the middle of the park!
The adjoining neighbours are very disappointed as the new development will be a massive change to their current environment. Bearing in mind the former Trinity site was used for educational purposes and non commercial!
The use of the loading zone on Morrah will impact Naughtons and even bicycle parking where the ruling states there are plenty of hoops to park bikes on Royal Parade will impact pub users.
I can sight many other instances but we must not forget the rulings that are in our favour. The retention of the facade on Royal Parade (a heritage listed avenue) and for 7 metres down Morrah Street. The reduction of practitioners from the original application of 18 which was reduced by council to 12 to finally settle at 10. The smaller footprint to basically the original site and the removal of the third floor to be substituted by a larger basement.
Moving forward we need to ensure all residents parking areas remain as they are essential to residents, and that the green travel plan undertaken by the business is implemented and managed. This was a major thrust where patients will have to arrive by public transport following advice from the clinic verbally, by text and on line.
Sadly their barrister concluded at VCAT that he could not understand the “vehemence" of Parkville residents against the development. Frankly we do know our suburb best, some of us have lived over 50 years in the suburb and know the pain of parking and over use of our roads. We regard the area as our village in a suburb that this year turned 150 years old.
To highlight the spirit of our village we held our Christmas in July last Monday Nick Reece, Deputy Lord mayor popped in for a drink and a chat giving us the opportunity to thank him for being in the trenches with us on the hearing. Our sponsors, Nelson Alexander, presented some door prizes and the evening was a great success! Thank you all who joined in the fight, ow we have to ensure the VCAT ruling is strictly adhered to!
Annual General Meeting (AGM) 19th June 2023
Our Annual General Meeting was held in May. 38 members were in attendance. The minutes are on this website.
There were two guest speakers, Padmini Sebastian OAM, Director Engagement and Partnerships for the University of Melbourne and Alicia Otto, Senior Open Space Planner.
Rob Moore reported on 2022/3 and David McGregor finance for the year. Clearly the VCAT case cost a large sum and therefore or finances took a large hit, again included in the minutes.
Overall the meeting was very positive and Nightons (via Ryan) as usual were very hospitable!
The AGM then followed details of which are on this website. Highlights included the Presidents address, the financials by our Treasurer David McGregor and discussions re new committee members. Ryan Moses and Nick Morrissey were elected to the committee.
New committee members Frances Kinney and Eleanor Spencer-Regan were elected with all others remaining.
Committee Nomination Form:
Parkville Heritage walks
We are thrilled to advise the Royal Park Protection Group have joined our Heritage App, this is available via your App search engine. Our 'Parkvillle Heritage Walks' self-guided tour mobile app received a Commendation at this years Victorian Community History Awards! It is a great way to explore Parkville and Royal Park.
Click the logo to find out more:
Welcome to the website for the Parkville Association. You can find out more about what the Parkville Association does by visiting the About Us page.
Enquiries about Membership should use the Members page which has information about joining the Parkville Association. Positions on the Committee are currently vacant and the Association is looking for interested members of the Community to join us.
Click here for Events and Meeting Times for upcoming events and activities that are significant to Parkville and its residents.
Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ParkvilleAssociation we are also on Instagram!
The Committee handles many heritage issues throughout the year as well as the ongoing issues of parking and traffic, the construction of the Metro Tunnel rail project including a Parkville station at the intersection of Royal Parade and Grattan Street, and other items as they arise. Please check the News page for updates of current issues.
The committee meet on the second Tuesday of each month and if you wish to raise any matters please advise This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
