Virginia Park looms large on the horizon
Almost a year on from an initial submission, efforts to rezone Bentleigh East's Virginia Park industrial and warehouse precinct continue with the aim of creating an integrated mixed-use enclave. The Gillon Group of Companies is behind the push for rezoning which would see the land addressed 236-262 east boundary Road, Bentleigh East become available for thousands of apartments, among other uses.
10 Consulting Group acting on behalf of The Gillon Group assert that among other benefits, a rezoning of Virginia Park would be beneficial to local jobs growth and retail spending, aid in the provision of mixed housing typologies throughout the area, while also meeting the needs of an expanding Glen Eira population.
SJB Urban have been tasked with providing an adequate Urban Design Framework document to support the rezoning. Credence within the document has been given to site permeability and multiple green spaces, while build form is expected to range from 2-3 storey townhouses through to 10 level apartment blocks.
The existing office and warehouse space which measures in excess of 55,000sqm is slated to make way for a stage mixed-use development. Stage One is envisaged to deliver 12,000sqm of large format and specialty retailing, in excess of 200 townhouses and a minimum of 100 apartments.
According to the project Infrastructure Strategy produced by Cardno, stages two and three have the ability deliver a combined 2,500 apartments, with a future fourth stage earmarked for another 1,600 apartments. Ultimately the new Virginia Park may eventually see in excess of 15 buildings at five levels or more, bringing a very different dynamic to Bentleigh East.
Public submissions on the amendment are open until mid June, whereupon City of Glen Eira will commence hearings on the proposal during September 2015.
More information and PDF downloads are available from the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
