Plans to be progressed for new community precinct
Published on 30 March 2016
Monash Council will invite a shortlist of major developers to submit detailed proposals for the development of a new community precinct on the Central Car Park site in Glen Waverley.
The aim is to create a central public square in Glen Waverley with a modern state-of-the art library, more car parking and some private development to offset costs.
A shortlist has been chosen from among 20 responses to Council’s request for expressions of interest for the site.
Glen Waverley Activity Centre Steering Committee Chair Cr Geoff Lake said Council would be making it clear to the shortlisted respondents that we will only accept an outstanding outcome for the site that delivered clear community benefits.
“Council and the community are in agreement that any redevelopment of this site needs to include an open and welcoming public square with lots of green space and increased car parking opportunities,” Cr Lake said.
He said that in recent months Council had engaged further with the local community about the future of the site by holding three community forums, writing to more than 1,000 community organisations and local businesses and inviting online responses.
“The majority of residents who have shared their views with Council agree that the site could be put to a much better use than simply being a car park,” Cr Lake said.
A recent phone survey conducted by Council of 337 residents from Glen Waverley and other areas in Monash found that 69% were in favour of a new library being located on the site.
“The current library is tired, dated and no longer big enough to cater for the people who want to use it each day,” Cr Lake said.
“There is an opportunity with this site to create a public space like we have not seen before in Monash. With a library at its core, our vision is that it will be much more than a traditional library and will be a place of learning, connection, noise and bustling vibrancy and activity. It will be a central hub for residents in Glen Waverley and beyond.”
For any redevelopment to occur on the site, the 257 current car spaces will need to be replaced within the activity centre at a cost of $12-17 million in addition to the cost of whatever is placed on the site.
The survey found that residents are concerned about how any changes to the site will be funded with 73% opposed to Council introducing paid car parking and 78% opposing any increase in rates to fund any development. The most supported funding option was for incorporating some private development on the site to offset the cost of the replacement car parking and the community facilities.
“We don’t want residents to pay more in rates or to have to start paying for car parking in Glen Waverley whenever they visit the activity centre. That’s why Council will continue to pursue a cost-neutral funding outcome which offers a win-win result,” Cr Lake said.
Cr Lake said it was exciting to consider the possibilities for the site. The plans are expected to be considered by Council in 2017 and if any are considered suitable, Council will then seek community feedback on what is proposed before deciding whether to proceed any further.
“We’re still very much at the point of exploring what is possible,” Cr Lake said. “Council won’t be making any decisions on whether the site should be redeveloped until a fully documented proposal has been presented to the local community so everyone can have their say and see exactly what is proposed.”
Media Contact: Jo Robertson 0418 391 979 or email Joanne.Robertson@monash.vic.gov.au