Parking and traffic flow need a re-think in a $4.7 million Woodend retail redevelopment plan to breathe new life into ‘The Old Factory’, objectors say.
The proposal for 30 Brooke Street includes a 40-stall market, 75-seat licensed restaurant and tavern, but neighbouring residents have slammed a waiver for car parking as unacceptable.
It has been branded a tourist destination and community space supporting trade for local artisans, office and function space, while providing jobs in hospitality.
The site is expected to demand 255 car spaces at its peak, and while applicants argue there is underutilised parking in the area, residents warn cars will be forced to park along unsealed residential roads with pre-existing problems.
The site is located in an industrial zone and backs onto a residential area, and is nearby two retirement villages and a childcare centre.
One of 20 objectors, David Backhouse said the proposal would place enormous stress on the local area and the community shouldn’t have to bear the burden of a commercial enterprise.
“There is a concern that the proposed hours are way beyond anything that has been envisaged within that area and that is suitable to the area,” he said.
“There are numerous issues around traffic and the suitability of placing the liquor licence venue where it is, away from central parts of the town.
“The centre of Woodend is dying at the moment. We need to concentrate on that area and maintain its viability rather than extending [commercial activity] to areas that have become disjointed.”
Traffic and parking emerged as the top concern, with residents stating nearby streets have already been difficult to navigate on days of high commercial activity.
Objector Matt Gunn said shedding the responsibility of parking onto residents was wrong, completely unacceptable and needed a re-think.
Since the application has been advertised, the developer has proposed to make some changes to improve amenity through a ‘public realm improvement’ that includes definition of some existing parking spaces and street lighting, according to Human Habitat planning consultant Will Pearce.
He said the capacity of the most intensive aspect of the proposal, the function centre, had also been reduced by 45 per cent to accommodate some of the concerns raised and discussions on parking would continue with council officers.
While parking has been the main sore point, the plan has attracted six letters of support, in favour of seeing the site revitalised, showcasing the building’s old character, and put to use.
“It will undoubtedly transform this underutilised commercial landholding into a major community and regional asset – providing a significant uplift in terms of local employment, tourism and economic activity,” Mr Pearce said.
“People who were coming to this facility would not just come to this facility, we see that they would enjoy the attractions that Woodend and the broader region has to offer.”
Macedon Ranges councillors are expected to make a decision on the proposal at their July 22 meeting.
