A four-storey development mooted for Traralgon’s central business district has triggered concern it could damage the heritage appeal of the area.
Local developer Arthur Kangelaris has applied to Latrobe City Council to develop a four-storey office and apartment building on the corner of Breed and Henry streets, Traralgon.
Mr Kangelaris previously applied to build a car wash facility at the site, but it was heavily opposed by nearby residents, who Mr Kangelaris said were concerned such development was “unsuited” to the area, known for its picturesque heritage buildings and elm-lined street.
“Their feedback was to rethink it, and I have thought about,” he said.
“They were concerned it would be better for the area to have shops and units there, and that’s what I’m planning to do.”
Henry Street resident Peter Larsen, whose property will back onto the development, told The Express he was not adverse to a commercial development, but concerned about the size of the proposal.
“It’s as tall, if not taller than any other building in the area. It’s really going to stand out among all the other developments along Breed Street that are single storey,” Mr Larsen said.
He is also concerned the development will overshadow his and neighbouring properties.
Traralgon Community Development Association acting president Bronwyn Kerr said the organisation held similar concerns.
TCDA is also concerned about the possible demolition of the heritage houses on the affected land, she said.
“We haven’t done a great job with heritage issues in the past, and it would be a shame to see this continue the same,” Ms Kerr said.
But Mr Kangelaris said he was not demolishing any houses. Instead, he plans to relocate two of the houses, while the Henry Street house – which is covered by a Heritage Overlay – will remain untouched.
He said if approved, the $6 million, four-storey development would look “the same as the Traralgon Business Centre”, located on the corner of Breed and Grey streets.
It would include 16 apartments and three shops, with 29 car spaces, and would be “set back” on the block to avoid any overshadowing.
Mr Kangelaris said the project would provide local employment and attract investment into the region, with developers “already showing interest”.
He expects the development to create 100 jobs during construction, along with 30 full time jobs and about 20 casual jobs once complete.
Mr Kangelaris is hopeful the project will be green-lit and he expects a decision from Latrobe City Council in the coming weeks.
“It’s ticked all the boxes – the parking’s good, traffic control’s good, and heritage all clear – now we’re just waiting on the permit,” Mr Kangelaris said.
A copy of the application and supporting documents can be found at the Traralgon Service Centre, 34-38 Kay Street during office hours, or at www.latrobe.vic.gov.au
Submissions can be made to the Responsible Authority in writing via Latrobe@latrobe.vic.gov.au or Latrobe City Council, PO Box 264, Morwell, 3840.
Submissions must include reasons for the submission and state how the submittor would be affected. Submissions close 7 October.
