MV On Track 2018

ON TRACK MAGAZINE 59 COMMUNITY REFERENCE GROUP To provide an open forum for transparent communication and help us understand the views and aspirations of the Moonee Ponds community regarding the development, we have established a Community Reference Group (CRG). The CRG is drawn from a wide cross-section of the community and will meet quarterly as we continue to develop the masterplan and vision for the precinct. Our inaugural meeting was in February, with the most recent meeting held on 6 September 2018. Agendas and minutes from each CRG meeting are publicly accessible and posted on the community website (thevalleytomorrow.com.au ). PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATIONS The first planning application for residential development was submitted to Council in March 2018 for 67 premium townhouses located along part of McPherson Street. Designed by architecture firm Rothelowman, the townhouses have been conceived as a modern interpretation of the classic Victorian terrace and with landscaped front yards plus new street trees will dramatically enhance McPherson Street. Most of the three-storey townhouses will be 3-4 bedrooms with direct access from lock-up garages in the basement. The interiors have been crafted by Mim Design and also feature references to the Victorian era, offering a range of sizes and floorplan layouts suitable for families, downsizers and young professionals. Construction of the townhouses is likely to commence in mid-2019 and take approximately 18 months to complete. The planning application for the second stage was recently submitted to Council, for a boutique apartment building comprising 76 apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, located on Thomas Street. Also designed by Rothelowman, the Thomas Street apartment building embraces the growing appeal of apartment living, offering future residents a wide variety of floorplans devised around core principles of generosity and genuine amenity. Conceived as an abstraction of the adjacent neighbourhood, the building has been designed with a network of communal spaces that encourage interaction between future residents, and that facilitate the growth of a true sense of community. The language of large, interlocking terraces supports the theme of garden residences and provides opportunities for future residents, animating the adjacent streets and parks. Prior to submitting both applications, the team met with several neighbours along McPherson and Thomas Streets, as well as Council officers on several occasions, to discuss our proposed plans and seek feedback, which we incorporated into our plans. The final plans submitted are fully compliant with planning scheme requirements. THE VALLEY OF TOMORROW SURVEY We are committed to taking the time to listen to and learn from the community, including Members, and where possible include their ideas in our development plans. As part of our ongoing community engagement process, our first annual The Valley of Tomorrow Survey was conducted in July by independent research company Brickfields Consulting. The purpose of the survey is to provide the Moonee Ponds community an opportunity to share their thoughts on the development for consideration in our planning. We will also use the findings to ensure our engagement with the community is targeted and relevant. Results will be published on the community website and presented at our Annual Community Update.