VCAT to Decide on Social and Affordable Housing for Half of Footscray Development

Cross Street Footscray Pty Ltd, the developer behind the project, has submitted an application to VCAT seeking approval to allocate 54 of the 109 apartments as social and affordable housing. This is a slight decrease from the previously approved 110 homes. The developer intends to partner with BlueCHP, a Tier 1 registered not-for-profit community housing association, to deliver the affordable units. BlueCHP manages over 1,000 social and affordable homes across Australia's eastern seaboard.

According to a Metropole Planning Assessment Report submitted to VCAT, BlueCHP plans to purchase all units in Tower B, which faces Cross Street, for social and affordable housing purposes. The units are designed to meet the Liveable Housing Design Guidelines Silver level accreditation, ensuring they are accessible and adaptable.

Despite the ongoing construction of Crossley & Bourke, Cross Street Footscray Pty Ltd has requested additional amendments to the development's commercial offerings. The proposed changes include replacing a planned place of assembly on the ground floor with five retail spaces and a small-format specialty grocery store. Additionally, the developer aims to add a 1,138 square meter gym and wellness center, as well as a 1,038 square meter office space on the mezzanine level.

The Planning Assessment Report argues that these changes represent a more efficient use of land within a precinct undergoing significant transformation, which aligns with state, regional, and local planning policies. "The design response is consistent with the outcomes sought for the site in the state and local planning policies of the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme, with the proposal responding sympathetically to the preferred future character of the area," the report states.

This is the third amendment application for the Crossley & Bourke project. The original permit was issued by Maribyrnong City Council on March 7, 2018, following two VCAT orders in 2017 and 2018. Since then, the development has received two annual extensions, and another application is currently before the council for minor amendments to architectural drawings approved on May 23, 2024.

In a related development, the Big Housing Build in Footscray is planning to construct a 92-unit apartment block consisting of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units to accommodate a diverse range of residents. The site, conveniently located near shops, services, and public transport, will also include community spaces and an office for tenancy and support services. Completion of this project is anticipated by August 2024.