Victorian government approves six more major projects
The Victorian planning department last month approved another six shovel-ready projects.
With an end value of $625 million the proposals have a commercial focus.
It brings to $7.5 billion the worth of investments permitted by the government since March.
Premier Dan Andrews last week flagged he would soon give the green light to a major infrastructure project – tipped to be the $50b suburban rail loop.
The Victorian and federal government have earmarked construction as a key industry to bolster the economic recovery post-COVID.
After 29 years Australia entered recession in September.
The approved projects
A 14-storey timber office was approved for 36-52 Wellington Street, Collingwood – a 2120 square metre site which US-based Hines acquired from Manfax Hardware & Paint’s Robert Larsson, last April for $28.5 million.
In Richmond, a 13-floor commercial building was permitted at 462-482 Swan St (story continues below).
In Frankston, an eight level expansion to the Bayside Shopping Centre was allowed; this will add about 14,000 sqm of office and a tenth of that in retail.
Two low-rise social housing with 54 units units, configured with two and three bedrooms, have been approved, in Reservoir.
Outside of Melbourne, a mixed-use complex was permitted at 69-75 Mortlake Rd, Warrnambool.
A 72 megawatt solar farm on Wangaratta-Kilfeera Rd, Laceby, was also given a go-ahead.
DFP replaces BVRT
“The approvals coincide with the launch of the Development Facilitation Program (DFP) which is continuing to work with the Building Victoria Recovery Taskforce that completed its term in August,” a state government statement said.
“DFP’s role is to identify priority projects that meet specific criteria including investment certainty, positive short to medium term economic impact, job creation and their contribution to broader social objectives like affordable housing and emissions reductions.
