149 Dow Street, Port Melbourne

 December 2024

The house, on a 225 sq m block, was sold on 18 December 2024 by Frank Gordon for $1,550,000

"The absence of heritage overlay is rare, and allows a builder to take advantage of the 2nd street frontage off Adams Lane." (source: Frank Gordon real estate)

203 - 205 Normanby Rd, South Melbourne

December 2024

No. of Units: 237 Units*
Status: Under Construction
Architect: Hayball
Builder/s: Crema Constructions

CDL is a subsidiary of international real estate company City Developments Ltd CDL. This is their first Australian Build-To-Rent project. 

*unclear about how this went from 171 to 237 units

9 September 2020

The site is occupied by Melbourne City Toyota.

A 36 level development approved was approved by the Minister this week after being reviewed by the Standing Advisory Committee. It comprises 171 dwellings and includes 10 affordable housing units.

Click here for the full report of the Standing Advisory Committee on 203 - 205 Normanby Rd. 

May 2020

The Standing Advisory Committee hearing has concluded and the report is awaited.

September 2019

Referred to the Standing Advisory Committee for consideration.

Sales history

In 1982 the site was sold for $228,500. (source: realestate.com)

103 Beach St, Port Melbourne

formerly The Beacon Cove Foodstore

November 2024

103 Beach St, Port Melbourne 22 November 2024

December 2023

103 Beach St status update December 2023

March 2023

Construction underway at 103 Beach St. 

piling at 103 Beach St, March 2023

December 2022

Agreement was reached between the developer, City of Port Phillip (Council) and other parties at a VCAT compulsory conference last week.

The development has been approved without the sixth level (a roof terrace), and with levels 3 and 4 shifted east by 0.5m and no western terrace on level 3.

November 2022

The developer has decided to appeal the City of Port Phillip’s approval granted on 28 July 2022.

The developer is contesting many of the conditions Council attached to the planning approval and suggesting amendments to others. The conditions being contested include:

• A requirement for design methods to slow the speed of cyclists.
• The setbacks of a minimum of five metres from the eastern and western boundaries for levels 3 and 4.
• The requirement to provide a second entrance to the supermarket on the southern side.
• The deletion of the sixth level (a roof terrace) and lowering of the height of the building.
• The requirement that the entrance to the apartments be from Beach Street.
• Design of basement ramp in relation to on-site waste collection.

VCAT has scheduled a compulsory conference for 7 December 2022 and a Hearing in March 2023.

September 2022

Demolition of the building was undertaken by MANN Group, and completed on 3 September.

Demolition by MANN Group, September 2022

July 2022

At the Port Phillip Council planning meeting on 28 July, the officer recommendation was to approve the application for an amendment to the already approved permit.

Cr Cunsolo moved that the amendment be refused. She was supported by fellow Gateway Ward councillors Marcus Pearl and Peter Martin but the motion was defeated.

She then proposed a second motion to delete the roof terraces, as follows: 

"Delete the roof terraces and associated stair access from top level units, delete central stair to roof, and minimise lift overrun, the highest parapet reduced to RL 22.5 around plant equipment in the centre of the roof. A roof access hatch to access services is allowed." (condition ii)

That change was supported and passed. 

It is unclear at this time what the response of the developer, Luxcon, will be. 

Mirvac's support for a variation to the covenant in place is also required. 

(refer to Port Phillip Planning Committee unconfirmed minutes 28 July 2022)

March 2022

Luxcon have applied for an amendment to their planning permit. The amendment proposes an increase from 12 to 22 residential units, the addition of another storey to 5 levels,  and to 794 sq m of retail space and the reorientation of the pedestrian entrance.

The number of car parking spaces would increase from 30 to 51 and bicycle spaces from 24 to 46.

The City of Port Phillip is assessing the amendment application. 

October 2021

103 Beach St, October 2021

Branding for Pier 103 Waterfront Residences wraps around the former Beacon Cove foodstore.

September 2021

A hoarding has been placed around the building while the developer prepares revised plans to put to Port Phillip Council. Carr architects have been engaged to prepare the revised design. 

The hoarding has since been defaced with anti-vaccination, anti-lockdown graffiti.

103 Beach St, September 2021

July 2021

The site has been purchased by Sydney-based developer Ilya Melnikoff for $16.65 million. This will be only their second project in Melbourne - the first being in Albert St, East Melbourne.

The 1400 sq m site was acquired from Melbourne developer V-Leader, which paid $11.2 million for it in 2017.

The development will be re-branded as Pier 103 Waterfront Residences. 

April 2020

The last trading day for the IGA Beacon Cove Foodstore was 3 April 2020.

Beacon Cove Foodstore, April 2020

November 2019

VCAT issued  planning permit 673/2015 on 6 February 2017. The permit allowed for the construction of a three storey building containing a supermarket and restaurant at ground level and 14 dwellings above and a reduction of the car parking and loading bay requirements.

An amendment to that permit was sought. It proposed the addition of an extra storey to create a four storey (15.1m high) building, the reduction of the number of dwellings (from 14 to 12), rearrangement of the basement car park, modify car parking (including car parking to the north of the site) and reduce the clearance height of the building above the shared path on the eastern side of the site and internal changes.

The City of Port Phillip supported the amendment and a permit with conditions was issued. (see City of Port Phillip planning report 27 November 2019)

The architects for the amended design are  Wood Marsh Architecture, responsible for nearby MINT, Alumuna and Beacon. Wood Marsh has its offices in the ground floor of the Beacon building on Beach St.

1 April 2015

The site was purchased for $11 million by Key Infrastructure Australia in December 2014. They plan to demolish it and replace it with a three level 15 unit project.  

The Beacon Cove Foodstore in 2015

2010

Bernard Mandile and the Beacon Cove Foodstore were one and the same. Bernard had Villagio  Delicatessen in Albert Park before being encouraged to be an anchor tenant in emerging Beacon Cove.

Bernard Mandile outside the Beacon Cove Foodstore, December 2010

1990s

The Beacon Cove Foodstore under construction c1994 photo Ron Cassano

1 - 7 Waterfront Place, Port Melbourne

 A brief chronology of 1 - 7 Waterfront Place

1 - 7 Waterfront Place in November 2010 1 – 7 Waterfront Place, Port Melbourne 1988 Bayside Project Act passed. The Minister for Planning becomes the Responsible Authority for the Bayside site 1989 EPA issues site clean up notice. Remediation works 1992 Bayside Open Planning Forum (August) 1993 Government calls for expressions of interest to develop the site 1994 Mirvac named as preferred developer. Draws up precinct plans 1995 Construction begins - including 1 - 7 Waterfront Place including gym and childcare centre 2009   2012  City of Port Phillip prepares draft Urban Design Guidelines for the site in anticipation of an application Action Group sought a permit for three buildings up to 19 storeys tall. The application was refused. 2014 Fire broke out on the site in the early hours of 14 September and buildings extensively damaged 2017 A planning application for a single 10 storey tower made, and refused by City of Port Phillip. Appealed to VCAT. 2018 On 30 July 2018, the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, calls in the application, the same day that the application was scheduled to be heard at VCAT.  2019 In October, the applicant appeals the Minister's call in to the Supreme Court which rules in favour of the Minister 2019 Minister appoints an Advisory Committee to consider a revised application. The applicant withdraws from the process 2020 August - a new application is made to the City of Port Phillip 2021 Approved by the Port Phillip Council on 24 June (with conditions) 2021 Developer appeals City of Port Phillip decision to VCAT 2022 VCAT hearing set down for 23 - 25 March VCAT approves the development and sets aside the conditions that were in dispute (VCAT Reference No P11346/2021, Permit Application No 490/2020 11/2024 Casa Properties confirms purchase of the site.

108 Dow St, Port Melbourne

13 October 2024

A planning application has been received to demolish the house and construct two three storey dwellings.

Ref: City of Port Phillip PDPL/00341/2024

The property was sold by R T Edgar on 24 February 2024 for $1,820,000

2 March 2019

Late flowering 

The home of Kelvin Edwin McIntosh who was born and died in this house. (29 05 1942 to 22 02 2018)

This cactus, bursting out of its pot, flowered magnificently in February.

February 2019

Kelvin liked to sit on the verandah of the house, stubby in hand, and watch the world go by - and offer his thoughts on the world too.

228-232 & 234-238 Normanby Rd

 19 October 2024

The City Jeep retail showroom and development site is for sale by expression of interest closing on 14 November at 12 pm. The sale is being handled by Colliers. 

The 3,030 sq metre site has three street frontages to Montague St, Normanby Rd and Woodgate St. 

453, 437 & 441 - 443 Graham St, Port Melbourne

12 October 2024

These titles are for sale by allardshelton.

July 2021

Construction is well advanced on the project. With the new Port Melbourne Secondary School set to open in early 2022, Port Melbourne Primary School about 100m away, and the opening of Woolworths, Fishermans Bend, this is an extremely well located site. 

11 March 2018

Construction has begun on the apartments approved in late 2015.

March 2018

10 December 2016

'12 architect designed town homes' are for sale 'nestled in historic Port Melbourne and on the doorstep of the exciting new Fishermas Bend precincts.'

Graham is 'steeped in history, focussed on the future'.

Architects: Caisson

21 April 2015
The application for 453-457 Graham St was considered by the City of Port Phillip at the Statutory Planning Meeting on 21 April 2015. (P04502014)

Zoning: Commercial 1
Overlays: None

The Council report said

The site is not located within a Heritage Overlay. Therefore the Heritage Policy does not apply to this site. Neither of the adjoining sites on Graham Street nor any site on the western side of Graham Street between Williamstown Road and Walter Street are within a Heritage Overlay. The adjoining properties to the west at 432 Williamstown Road and 59 Crichton Avenue are however located within Heritage Overlay No.2 and are located within Garden City Estate. Given the separation of these sites by the rear laneway and the mid-block location of the development, the building would not impact on the heritage value of these sites. These buildings would continue to be prominent in their respective streetscapes and would not be overwhelmed by the proposed development. Moreover it is considered that the three storey height would be an acceptable graduation in height from these two storey scale buildings. Click here to read the full report.

While the Council officer supported the application, it was refused by the Council at the planning meeting. At the subsequent appeal to VCAT, a permit was granted on 1 December 2015.

131 Graham St, Port Melbourne

October 2024

The property is for sale by Marshall White.

September 2019

Bulloughs corner shop

corner Dow and Graham Sts

Lois Collinder writes:

"One of my earliest memories is sitting in Mr Bullough's grocery shop next door watching him weigh the sugar and tip it into brown paper bags. He'd also cut off pieces of butter from the large yellow slab for the ladies coming in with their coupons. I still remember the smell of the produce and Mr Bullough putting up the shutters every night. The cardboard mobiles advertising biscuits swayed in the breeze and the sawdust on the floor was soft beneath my feet. If I was a good girl I might get some broken biscuits from the tin or a pennyworth of chocolate balls in a paper cone."

Edwin Whiting recalls:

"The bench was always scrubbed clean and there was sawdust on the floor. He put lollies in a paper cone that he made from white paper."

From Memories of Port, Port Phillip Through My Eyes

Port Phillip Seniors' Festival Writing Competition, 2008

355 Princes Street, Port Melbourne

August 2024

355 Princes St, Port Melbourne  August 2024

28 September 2015

The property at 355 Princes St, Port Melbourne sold for  $1,170,000 on 19 September 2015. 'Held within one family for 100 years', notes agent Marshall White. The backyard included a free standing bungalow and shed. 

Expect substantial change on this corner.

355 Princes St, Port Melbourne

December 2010

The owners of 355 Princes St celebrate Christmas.

355 Princes St, Port Melbourne  December 2020

25 - 27 Crockford St, Port Melbourne

 August 2024

The property has been sold by Gross Waddell ICR.

I25 - 27 Crockford St, Port Melbourne, August 2024

100 Station St, Port Melbourne

 Published in August 2024

The dwelling, and surgery, of Dr Goldberg on the corner of Farrell and Station Streets.

Source: City of Port Melbourne file of applications for demolition, at the City of Port Phillip's Emerald Hill Heritage Centre.

100 Station St, Port Melbourne  24 May 1988

161 Dow St, Port Melbourne

 August 2024

Source: The City of Port Melbourne file of applications for demolition at the City of Port Phillip Emerald Hill Heritage Centre.

161 Dow St, Port Melbourne,18 September 1990

256 - 262 Normanby Rd

August 2024

The site, with a planning permit for a 20 level development, is for sale by Cushman & Wakefield.

Lots 10,11,12/339 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne

 August 2024

The development of 12 levels (height 47.8m AHD) and 23 dwellings is approaching completion. 

The development was originally proposed in 2015 at 18 levels, and at 12 levels and 50 dwellings in 2017. 

The architects are Schmidt & Pang.

from J L Murphy Reserve, August 2024

Background

On 22 December 2015, an application was made to the Minister c/- the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (the Department) proposing an 18 level building with 82 dwellings, 1 x 252m2 retail/office tenancy, and 72 car, 17 bicycle and 1 motorcycle parking spaces.

On 16 May 2017, VCAT issued Order P1607/2016. 

On 18 May 2017, the Minister issued a permit in accordance with the VCAT consent order. 

In 2019, the applicant sought to amend the plans to reduce the number of dwellings from 50 to 23, comprising (9 x 3BR, 12 x 3BR + study, and 2 x 4BR),

References: 

City of Port Phillip planning report 25 September 2019)
Planning application reference: PA1500060 & C136

120 Ferrars St, South Melbourne

August 2024

The site is for sale. Used cars are being sold here.

120 Ferrars St, South Melbourne, August 2024

2 December 2023

The 1226 sq m site is for sale by Tiga. (source: The Age)

8 July 2021

Detectives from the Port Phillip Crime Investigation Unit have charged a 30 year old man in connection with the fire that destroyed the factory buildings on site on Thursday 6 May. Detectives executed a warrant and seized a number of electronic and explosive items. (source: Southbank News, July 2021)

June 2021 

The site has been cleared.

corner Ferrars x Buckhurst St, South Melbourne 1 June 2021

Before the fire

Tuck's industrial packaging

Buckhurst St, with olive trees

138 Thistlethwaite St, South Melbourne

 August 2024

The 185 sq m site was sold by Stonebridge on 25 June 2024. 

It was previously sold for $3,588,069 in 2015 and $685,000 in 2004.

61 Bertie St, Port Melbourne

 August 2024

The site is under offer.

June 2024

The first Toyota car assembled outside of Japan was built in Port Melbourne in 1963. 

The site is for sale via international expressions of interest closing on 17 July 2024.

CBRE is handing the sale of the 11,590 sqm site which has three street frontages - to Bridge, Fennell and Berties Sts)      

It was last sold in 1987 for $3,000,000.           

former Holy Trinity Church, cnr Bay x Graham St

 August 2024

Newspaper clipping advertising the sale of Holy Trinity Church, Port Melbourne by expression of interest - from Emerald Hill Times 19 June 1996.

25 - 27 Crockford St, Port Melbourne

 20 July 2024

The site is for sale by expressions of interest closing on 15 August at 3.00pm.

The sale is being handled by grosswaddell.

1 Crockford St, Port Melbourne

 July 2024    

The Cornerstone (originally The Fountain Inn) has been sold via a national expression of interest process by JLL Hotels for $2.5 million. 

The pub is leased, with options, to 2037.

The Cornerstone (formerly The Fountain Inn)

Barak Beacon Rd estate

11 July 2024

The Premier, Jacinta Allen, and Minister for Housing Harriet Shing, announced the approval of the Barak Beacon development in Port Melbourne. It will have 408 new homes, with more than 200 social and affordable – a 46 per cent increase in social housing on site. The four buildings will range from two to 11 storeys in height,

March 2024

In late February and early March, Homes Victoria hosted two in person engagement sessions as well as an online survey, noting that "community engagement on this project will be carried out in accordance with Clause 52.20 of the City of Port Phillip planning scheme. Clause 52.20 is a streamlined planning process that facilitates development of new housing through the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build initiative.

This process removes the standard planning notice and appeals processes. The planning application will be decided by the Minister for Planning.

Homes Victoria 

20 November 2023

Homes Victoria have advised neighbouring residents that Building Communities has been announced as the successful project partner for four housing sites: Barak Beacon, Bluff Rd in Hampton East, Essex St in Prahran and Simmons St in South Yarra.

The redevelopment of Barak Beacon will deliver 408 new homes including a mix of social, affordable, market rental and speicalist disability homes. (source: Homes Victoria)

Delta continues work to prepare the site. 

7 June 2023 

Demolition of the estate began this week at the northern end. 

Demolition underway at Barak Beacon estate, June 2023

Barak Rd, June 2023

January 2022

December 2021

The government released its intention to demolish the Barak Beacon estate and replace it with modern, energy efficient housing as part of the Big Housing Build.

Details of the project remain unclear at this time.

The Barak Beacon estate viewed from Barak x Boulevard, December 2021

The area bounded by Barak Road, Howe Parade, Beacon Road and The Boulevard was a Crown grant purchased by the Housing Commission in July, 1974. 

This aerial photograph shows the former US army sheds that occupied the site before the estate was built.  

Charles Daniel Pratt, State Library of Victoria

194 - 206 Lorimer St, Docklands

June 2024

The site is for sale via EOI closing on Thursday 18 July. 

Cushman & Wakefield are handling the sale. 

January 2023

The state government has approved a 31 level Build To Rent tower on this site. Designed by Fender Katsalidis, and referencing the bridge of a ship, it will contain 402 units. Six percent of the dwellings will be allocated for affordable housing. (source: realestatesource.com.au)

November 2021

Development Victoria has sold this major site at the north east corner of Lorimer Street and Bolte Bridge to Samma Property Group and Brightlight.

The 4509 square metre parcel was offered with a development scheme for a 90 metre – or circa 30 storey – building.

The buyers are intending a $200 million Build to Rent project with c300 dwellings 

The price is speculated to be under $20m. (source: realestatesource.com.au)

135 Bridge St, Port Melbourne

April 2024

A planning application has been submitted to Port Phillip Council for a two storey single dwelling with roof terrace and basement. 

27 May 2023

The property was auctioned today by Frank Gordon. The sold price was $1,200,000.

135 Bridge St on auction day, 28 May 2023

April 2023

Announcing the forthcoming auction of the property by Frank Gordon. 

276 Ross St, Port Melbourne

March 2024

The house at 276 Ross St is for sale by auction on 15 March by Frank Gordon. The house is associated with the family of former Port Melbourne Mayor and Councillor, Albert Tucker. 

276 Ross St, Port Melbourne

261 - 289 Ingles St, Port Melbourne

March 2024

Dexus has sold the site it listed for $50 - $60 million in 2022 for $30.08m to homewares and toy importer Alan Ali for $30.07 million. Settlement occurred 5 months ago. 

Dexus acquired the site as part of its $320 million takeover of APN three years ago. (source: realestate.com.au)

29 July 2023

The 2,414 site is for sale by Expressions of Interest closing on 23 August at 3.00 pm. 

grosswaddell ICR  is the agent. 

289 Ingles St, Port Melbourne  July 2023

65 Bridge St, Port Melbourne (The Ranch)

February 2024

The property, known as The Ranch, is for sale by R. T. Edgar.

65 Bridge St, Port Melbourne, February 2024