2016-05-04
Ms PENNICUIK (Southern Metropolitan) — My constituency question is to the minister for major projects and concerns the redevelopment of Kew Residential Services. This development has been a longstanding and controversial issue as, among other things, there has been an ongoing failure by Major Projects Victoria (MPV) and the developer, Walker Corporation, to properly comply with state heritage permit conditions — issues that have been monitored and raised by the Boroondara City Council and the Kew Cottages Coalition for many years. Last week the developer withdrew its appeal against the refusal by Heritage Victoria to grant a permit for a five-storey apartment building. There are a range of core heritage issues that remain unresolved, including the use of significant state heritage buildings, provision of public open space and protection of trees. I understand the expiry date of the MPV-Walker Corporation contract is 27 October. My question is: will the government not extend the contract in any form, other than to ensure that Walker Corporation restores the heritage listed buildings and parklands in accordance with current Heritage Victoria permit conditions?
ANSWER on 9 June 2016:
The Kew Residential Services project is compliant with the requirements of heritage permit conditions. Major Projects Victoria (MPV) is working closely with stakeholders, including Kew Development Corporation (KDC), a subsidiary of Walker Group Holdings Pty Ltd; the Department of Health and Human Services and Heritage Victoria to ensure the site's heritage values continue to be protected.
The heritage outcomes achieved to date by the project include the following:
– preservation of heritage listed trees on the site;
– installation of interpretive signage (currently underway); and
– preliminary works carried out on buildings in the Heritage Core.
Heritage works remaining to be completed prior to the expiry of the heritage permit include the completion of required works on the buildings in the Heritage Core. An application for an extension of the Project Term has been received from KDC. MPV is considering whether KDC is entitled to an extension of the Project Term under the terms of the Project Agreement, taking into account the status of the project and expert advice.