media release, page-12

Well it started with a bang, but turned out to be a slow day and only touched 11.5 once right at the end.


Madden flexes powers on Pentridge
22 Feb 10 @ 11:50am by Tessa Hoffman


PLANNING Minister Justin Madden has given developers the flexibility to alter the number of homes to be built as part of the $1 billion redevelopment of the former Pentridge Prison.

Mr Madden, who last April angered Moreland Council by seizing planning control of the development, approved in December masterplans for Pentridge Coburg, covering the northern section, and Pentridge Village, covering the southern section.

Valad Property Group, developers of Pentridge Coburg, only announced the decision this month.

Government spokesman Chris Owner said that, under the approved masterplans, minor changes may be considered .

This may include a change to the number of bedrooms in the dwelling mix that is internal to the building and does not alter the external appearance or other general amenity issues, Mr Owner said.

Although the council is still putting together a detailed response to the Mr Maddens decision, its director city development Roger Collins said the masterplans gave the ministers the power to vary the height of dozens of buildings.

Valad project director Anna Martiniello welcomed the masterplans flexibility.

Pentridge was one of five large-scale developments in Melbourne called in by Mr Madden last year in a move designed to jump-start stalled projects and create jobs.

Mr Madden said the move would generate 3000 construction jobs and 3500 continuing jobs at Pentridge alone.

Ms Martiniello said by that taking the matter off the council it had cut at least a year off wait time for approval.

But councillor for planning Jo Connellan dismissed the claim.

Theyre kidding themselves. Theres no reason it would have taken (us) longer.



An artist's impression of Valad Property Group's Pentridge Coburg project.



http://moreland-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/madden-flexes-powers-on-pentridge/