Evolving Port

Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend change. Houses are changed or demolished and new forms of housing take their place. Port Houses records some of these changes.

12 April 2025

226 Bay St, Port Melbourne

March 2025

The property is for sale by expressions of interest which closed on Wednesday 19 March.  Fitzroys are managing the sale. 

March 2020

Many people gathered on 4 May to follow the sale of this significant property on the corner of Bay & Liardet Sts. The property was sold for $3,705,000.

Gathering for the auction of 226 Bay St, Port Melbourne

Historical note:

On 21 November 1885, a contract was let for 2,200 pounds for the erection of offices and other buildings for the Second Port Melbourne Building Society. The successful tenderer for the work was Mr Dubbledan, a local contractor. 

Read more about the Dubbledan family in this very interesting article from the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society.

F.T. Derham, MLA, was the President of the Second Port Melbourne Building Society at their Annual General Meeting on 13 November 1888.








08 April 2025

1 - 7 Waterfront Place, Port Melbourne



A brief chronology of 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



November 2024

Casa Properties confirms purchase of the site

March 2025 

Casa Properties have prepared modified plans with apartment numbers down  reduced from 119 to 84 for presentation to  VCAT at a compulsory conference on 30 April.