A development panel has approved a $25 million seven-storey apartment proposal to be built in Jolimont despite safety concerns from the local council.
A development panel has approved a $25 million seven-storey apartment proposal to be built in Jolimont despite safety concerns from the local council.
The Metro Inner-North Joint Development Assessment Panel has approved WBG Property’s application to build a seven-storey development on 187 Salvado Road.
The proposed development, designed by Space Collective Architects, comprises 48 apartments, an 84-bay carpark, and vehicle access from Salvado Road across a dual use path.
The Town of Cambridge had opposed the proposal for safety reasons with concerns over the vehicle access being across the path on Salvado Road.
Mayor Keri Shannon said it would be irresponsible for the JDAP to approve the development with the driveway given the busy traffic on the street.
“We think the design is lovely and would add to the character of the area,” she said.
“[But] we just feel urban design perspective should not be prioritised over the safety of the road network.”
However, acting JDAP presiding member Lee O’Donohue said the issue of the access and conflict with the dual use path could be managed.
“I do note that we’ve had two traffic engineers with qualifications giving us advice on the matter,” she said at the meeting.
The proposal was approved by a margin of three votes to one, with Cambridge councillor and JDAP member Alaine Haddon-Casey voting against.
In 2020, the JDAP approved an application for 17 grouped dwellings on the subject site, but the lot remains vacant.
Business News previously reported the vacant 2,305 square metre block was sold to WBG Property Group for $4.35 million in an off-market deal in June last year.
The Malaysian-based property group is also behind the Belle Parc apartments in Victoria Park, that was built by BGC Australia.
