VCAT approves tower behind Melbourne High

THE Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has approved a high rise residential building abutting Melbourne High School.

With 100 apartments, it will rise about 50 metres.

It will replace the ex-Lamborghini dealership at the south west corner of Chapel Street and Alexandra Ave – also opposite the Yarra River.

Permission was granted shortly after a 38m height restriction was imposed for the South Yarra pocket known as Forrest Hill – bound by the train line, Toorak Rd, Alexandra Ave and Chapel St.

A 38-level, 133m skyscraper was previously approved for the Capitol Bakeries/Fun Factory site at the north west corner of Chapel St and Toorak Rd.

A City of Stonnington spokesperson said the apartment proposal at the Lamborghini site was scaled back.

Melbourne High School principal Jeremy Ludowyke described VCAT’s decision as disappointing and would take advice from its legal team over what to do next.

Former student Lindsay Fox also rejected the proposal; he lands a helicopter at the college site.

In approving the project VCAT’s Anthony Liston ordered the deletion of the tower’s east wing – “that convinced us that a slender, minimally articulated, taller building provides the best solution as a backdrop to Melbourne High School”, he added.

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Marc Pallisco

A former property analyst and print journalist, Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au.