MEDIA RELEASE March 12 2014
Rear Window becomes Next Window as Inappropriate Density Invades
It was not that long ago tiny 55 SQM apartments were considered untenable.
A density model favoured by many CBD residences, particularly those targeting international students, this compact form of living most likely is coming to a neighborhood near you, as developers are slicing and dicing dwellings in Melbourne’sleafy green suburbs to as small as 33 SQM.
One of the nearest residential rings, sitting just 5 kilometers from the CBD is Fitzroy and Collingwood. Both have become very attractive living destinations due to their proliferation of single origin roasters, fashionable restaurants and wine bars.
The high level of amenity such as trams, train and bus access, also being major employment hubs are appealing, as these suburbs are experiencing explosive gentrification, which is currently sweeping through the streets.
Appropriate gentrification is good, considering that living spaces do allow people to live well.
However these new micro dwellings are better suited as hotel rooms and have been approved for developments such as 237 Smith Street, Fitzroy by Sixth LieutenantPty Ltd. This 6 level apartment building features 28 micro one bedroom dwellings as small as 33 SQM and no dwellings over 48 SQM.
A 6 level building, proposed to sit atop the hugely popular Messina Gelato, 237 Smith Street is an example of the new micro and highly dense apartment building that will soon populate Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
Fitzroy’s City of Yarra is experiencing an unprecedented surge of permit applications from developers who will package the ‘lifestyle’ of the neighborhood with little long term consideration of the effect of this CBD tower style of living has on gracious, historic and culturally diverse communities.
This new style of micro dwelling are densely built and densely populated.
237 Smith Street shows no consideration for neighbouring tenants at 231 Moor Street, as the building will obscure views and natural light of all recently settled, North facing tenants by – reducing their access to natural light by up to 80%.
Says 231 Moor Street Tenant, Owen Harris;
“The building has sight lines directly into my apartment, not only does it completely cancel my northside view, but what I will be serving for dinner will be clearly visible to my neighbours, they will be able to count the peas on my plate.”
Caught in between a rock and a hard place, the Southern views will also be severely impacted at 213 Moor Street as a proposal for a 7-story building is currently being considered by The City of Yarra Council as well. Council has rejected this application and it will most likely go to VCAT for a hearing.
231 Moor Street developers Neometro were given written notice for 237 Smith Street proposal as early as September 2012 and the 229 Smith Street development as early as March 2013 and did not inform their purchasers.
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contact:
facebook: smithstreetactiongroup