■ Porsche,109 Victoria Parade,
Collingwood
Prestigious car manufacturers Porsche completed an upgrade and extension of their flagship dealership in early 2024.
CHALLENGE
Demolition of the entire façade as well as an upper floor extension of the large structure created concerns from the council and public about the number of increased daily victors to the busy centre as well as amenity impacts of a larger building.
SOLUTION
Our team worked in a collaborative effort with Porsche head office and the nominated architects to incorporate adjustments to the external facades to soften the impacts increase the permeability in the façade design and reduce the overall impact of the proud built form from neighbouring interfaces.
“A genuine desire to listen and help get the best possible outcome for us is what we received from the team at CS. We look forward to working together again.”
S. BLEWETT
■ ANZ, 249 Waterworks Road,
Ashgrove QLD
Our experts are engaged by ANZ to obtain the required council planning permits for all their branches throughout Australia. This project was the conversion of a former St Georges bank to an ANZ branch and also included the temporary closing of the footpath.
CHALLENGE
This former St Georges Bank was taken over by ANZ in mid – 2020 and was required to be refurbished and opened as an ANZ branch in less than six months. Our team were appointed to obtain town planning approval and approval to erect the hoarding on the footpath so the construction team could commence an expedited fitout.
SOLUTION
In consultation with Council the CS team lodged a congruent town planning approval application and a footpath occupation permit for the hoarding with council. This allowed for an expedited dual approval of both elements of the project but was dependant on comprehensive details to be provided to Council at lodgement stage to ensure both applications proceeded seamlessly through council. With no further information requested by council in assessing either application, both were approved within weeks of lodgement and the fitout was completed and the branch opened to customers ahead of schedule in October 2020.
“I am forever grateful the team at CS for the work in achieving a full unequivocal approval. I would happily recommend CS Town Planning to anyone for all works pertaining to planning, development, lodgements, representation to Council, plans and design – their entire suite of services!”
MICHEL BOUTIN
■ State Library 328 Swanston Street,
Melbourne
The Victorian State Government is seeking to extend the existing city library along the Swanston Street frontage to create a functional, interactive and contemporary section of the library for citizens and visitors.
CHALLENGE
The combined effect of the spectacularly maintained library building and the heritage listing of the site meant that a very measured and considered design was required so the value of the old building would not be eclipsed by the modern addition.
SOLUTION
The extensive use of glass throughout the extension assisted with softening the visibility of the proposal. Our team identified physical separation between the established and new buildings as critical to respecting the heritage significance of the place. Connection between the two elements is via footbridges that are strategically designed to sit behind the façade of the old library building.
“I would not hesitate to recommend CS Town Planning Services to colleagues and friends.”
M PERERA
■ Victoria Street Plaza, Brisbane
Brisbane City Council are seeking to regenerate the waterfront area of Victoria Street to create a greater sense of connection to the city centre. The long term project commenced in 2020 and will be ongoing to 2030.
CHALLENGE
The existing urban area is underutilised and in need of regeneration. The private and fragmented ownership of the sites made developing a master plan for the precinct exceptionally difficult.
SOLUTION
Our experts engaged with the community and council to ensure the needs of all stakeholders were considered in the development of the precinct plan. The result will be an uplift in property values and the creation of a vibrant public space for the entire community.
“I wanted to thank you for all your help and the hard work you have put into getting my development approved by Council. It’s not easy to get council approval for townhouses in the neighbourhood residential zone, if it wasn’t for your knowledge and efficiency I do not believe it would have been approved.”
R. KRISHNASWAMY
■ NAB, 535 Bourke Street,
Melbourne
NAB engage our team to obtain planning permits for their new branch and branch upgrades throughout Australia. Our experts were engaged to identify whether a planning permit was required for the proposal and then manage the application through to receipt of a council approval.
CHALLENGE
Collins Street is one of the most pristine examples of a heritage conservation street in the state of Victoria and Council are very specific about alterations to buildings within the heritage overlay and the installation of signage on buildings.
SOLUTION
In consultation with NAB and the architects our team selected business signs from NAB’s preferred signage pack that would be supported in the Collins Street area. As a result of this proactive approach the application was approved without any concerns being raised by Council and the onsite construction commenced ahead of schedule.
“CS Town Planning Services provided an excellent architectural design for four townhouses, which maximised the sale price of our block by $300,000 more than our real estate agent was expecting. The result was very pleasing and the experience of working with the staff at CS Town Planning was rewarding.”
A. CASE
■ Northcote Aquatic Centre, 180 Victoria Road, Northcote
The redevelopment of the council managed centre was identified as a key project by Darebin City Council. The centre was identified as a community hub and vital to the liveability and enjoyment of local residents.
CHALLENGE
Community interest in the project was massive and there was a strong cohort that felt the existing club could be refurbished and kept open rather than closure of the centre and complete demolition of all structures on site.
SOLUTION
Ultimately council was convinced to allow the demolition to proceed and create a blank canvas for the architects to design a state of the art facility. Demolition occurred in May 2021 and construction commenced on the centre in late 2021.
“I just wanted to let you know how happy I am with your work on the plans for our proposal. You have shown yourself to be very knowledgeable regarding council requirements and you have answered all my emails promptly when we can and can’t do something.”
S. LYELL
■ Transport Hub, Southbank,
Melbourne
The Victorian Government have engaged a number of consulting firms to review the viability of establishing a transport hub on the southern side of the Yarra River in Melbourne City. Our role is to identify the planning issues related to the project and work in consultation with the architects and urban design team to develop solutions.
CHALLENGE
The area is highly urbanised and already built up. The viability of the project will be dependent on the government’s appetite to deliver a transport hub.
SOLUTION
As part of the overall design development team we have presented an option which would not require any legislative change to planning controls to be developed. The project would undoublty create greater connection between both sides of the city on the river and improve commuter access to the city centre.
“I’d like to thank you for your expertise in resolving a very complex matter between my neighbours, Melbourne City Council and I. I also thank your wonderful support team, especially Erin, who has been with me most of the way and very prompt with all my queries.”
C. LAU