Minister to determine planning application for Collingwood Arts Precinct

Thursday 05 January 2017

Landscape photograph of shops on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
The Minister for Planning has agreed to a request from Yarra Council to determine a planning application (PLN15/1032) for the Collingwood Arts Precinct (CAP) site at 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood. 

This follows a similar request to the Minister for Planning from the Minister for Creative Arts, Martin Foley last November to ‘call in’ the same application using Section 97B of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

The site, which was the former home of the Collingwood Technical School for more than 140 years, is of significance due to its future contribution to Victorian arts and culture. Creative Victoria now manages the site, which already has Circus Oz as a major tenant on half of the former school grounds.

Last year the State Government announced a vision to transform the site into a state-of-the-art creative centre. It has modelled a future inspired by international organisations including Artscape (Toronto), Acme Studios (London) and Artspace (US).

It is envisioned the Collingwood contemporary arts precinct, the first of its kind in Australia, will provide affordable spaces for small-to-medium arts organisations, artists, creative businesses and activities, right here in the heart of Yarra.

Minister Wynne has directed Council not proceed further with planning application (PLN15/1032) and to forward all documentation relating to the application to the department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning.

He has advised that in early 2017 he will establish a Panel to consider the objections and submissions received to the planning application. Council and all submitters will be informed of the timing for this process and invited to participate in the panel hearing.

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