VCAT Approves Controversial 14-Storey Luxury Apartment Tower in Frankston

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has given the green light to a contentious 14-storey luxury apartment tower in Frankston, Victoria, despite fierce opposition from local residents and the "Stop the Great Wall of Frankston" campaign. The Harbour tower, developed by Urban DC, will feature 94 apartments and a ground-floor cafe overlooking Port Phillip Bay.

Community activists argued that the high-rise building would dominate the skyline and divide the area in two. However, the tribunal determined that while the tower's height and scale would make it "highly visible" to nearby residents, the visual impact would not be "unreasonable". The decision comes after a previous ban on buildings above three storeys in the area was overturned, with a "preferred" 12-storey height limit now in place.

Why this matters: The approval of the Frankston tower establishes a precedent for high-rise development in the coastal city and highlights the ongoing tension between urban growth and preserving community character. The decision has broader implications for urban planning and development in Victoria's bayside suburbs.

Developer Danny Ciarma praised the ruling as a "defining moment for Frankston, saying it would improve housing options in the city. Frankston Mayor Nathan Conroy also welcomed the decision, stating that the development would bring more foot traffic and customers to the city center. "It's going to bring a lot more people, a lot more foot traffic, and a lot more diversity in housing," Conroy said.

However, the community group secretary, Jenny Faulkner, expressed disappointment with the tribunal's decision. The tower is part of a larger development plan for the area along Nepean Highway and Kananook Creek, which has faced significant pushback from local residents concerned about overdevelopment and loss of neighborhood character.

The VCAT approval marks a significant step forward for the Harbour tower project, which can now proceed to the construction phase. Mayor Conroy emphasized the potential economic benefits, saying, "It's going to be a great addition to our city center and it's going to bring a lot more people into our city center, which is what we need." As Frankston grapples with balancing growth and community concerns, the controversial apartment tower is set to become a defining feature of the city's evolving skyline.

Key Takeaways

• VCAT approves 14-story luxury tower in Frankston, despite local opposition.
• Tower will feature 94 apartments and a ground-floor cafe overlooking the bay.
• Decision establishes a precedent for high-rise development in the coastal city.
• Mayor welcomes the tower, citing economic benefits and increased foot traffic.
• Community group expresses disappointment, concerned about overdevelopment and loss of character.