Minutes of the Kensington Association
meeting - 3 May 2004
Chair: Paul Devereux
Minutes: Richard Reilly
Apologies: Rod Warwick, David Michelson, Lesley Hoatson, Tony
Dare (apology until Sept '04)
1. Welcome
Paul welcomed everyone in the usual manner.
2. Royal Agricultural Showgrounds (RAS)
There is a proposal to redevelop approximately 9 or 10 hectares
of the total Showgrounds area of 28 hectares. This is a joint
venture between the state government and the RAS. 3 bidders
are tendering for the right to redevelop the area into different
precincts to include convention sites, other facilities etc.
It is proposed to have nil housing on the site.
Tenders are due by the
end of June at which time they will be exhibited for 4 months.
It is proposed that a public meeting will be called in June
or July. For us, this development is a watching brief at this
stage.
3. Kensington Estate
The meeting was told that a number of trees on the site are
being cut down, potentially against what we were previously
advised. This is a matter of great concern to the Association,
which has been trying to retain as many trees as possible
on the site. Issues have also been raised about the quantity
of Public Open Space on the estate ie. that there isn't as
much as originally planned. Our colleagues on the Community
Liaison Committee are still working closely with other parties
to continue having an input into this important development.
The meeting was notified that the footpath at the intersection
of Derby Street and Kensington Road has been improved/fixed.
4. Simpson Walk development
A further proposal to add a fourth story to a residential
dwelling in Simpson Walk in Kensington has been submitted
to the MCC for approval. The Association opposed the original
application and it was subsequently dismissed by the administration.
This second application has also been opposed by the Association.
Further information on this matter will be given at later
meetings.
5. Centennial Hotel
Student accommodation has been proposed for the Centennial
Hotel. This proposal was opposed by local residents and an
appeal to VCAT by the proponent was upheld.
6. "Old Bank" in Racecourse Road
17 apartments will be built on this site. The Association
still has serious concerns about the parking (or lack thereof)
for this development. A permit has been granted for development
work to commence.
7. Melbourne Toy Library
The MCC proposes to cease funding to the Carlton and Kensington
Toy Library. The Association proposes to argue at the planned
committee meeting against the proposal. The meeting was informed
of the issue and the following motion was put:
That the Kensington Association strongly opposes the proposed
decision by the Melbourne City Council to cease or reduce
funding to the Kensington Toy Library and that every effort
is made to ensure that the proposed decision is not successfully
implemented.
Motion passed unanimously.
NB: The planned committee meeting that was to make a deliberation
on the funding decision was cancelled and has been rescheduled
for 1 June 2004.
8. Simplot site
Sale boards are up on both entries to the site, although the
Association has not heard anything further at this stage about
the status of any future sale. Watching Brief.
9. Kensington precinct plan
Consultations as part of the Kensington Precinct Plan have
concluded. We expect an issues paper to be sent in the next
few weeks. A workshop is apparently planned with councillors,
DSE, EPA and local representatives, although there is no future
consultation planned with the community in general. It is
planned that the Issues paper will lead to a further Workshop
which will lead to the Precinct Plan.
The Kensington Association plans to organise a community meeting
to discuss the Issues paper approximately 2 weeks after its
release. Stay tuned.
A motion was put to the meeting:
That the Kensington Association note the importance of and
need for another round of consultation to consider the Issues
paper that is currently being prepared.
Motion passed unanimously.
10. Next meeting
7.30 pm, Holy Rosary, Monday 7 June 2004
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