Changes proposed at Torquay complex

BTHE proponents of the eight-figure complex under construction in Torquay are proposing some alterations.

G2 Urban Planning has submitted an application to the Surf Coast Shire to amend the planning permit for the development at 85 Geelong Road.

Now being built on the 2.6 hectare rectangular site, the project will include a cinema, a service station and convenience store, a three-storey backpackers/budget hotel, medical centre, a childcare centre, commercial office space, and three fast food and beverage outlets.

The application for the amendment notes the development’s cost has increased by $6 million, from $29 million to $35 million.

The amendments would ultimately increase the overall number of car parking spaces at the site from 353 to 436 and add permission for a restricted recreation facility (gymnasium).

A larger and relocated two-storey building would contain the medical centre, gym and office floorspace, and a basement car park.

The medical centre itself would be 364sqm smaller at 800sqm but would still have a licence for up to 10 medical practitioners.

The application also seeks to delete condition 48 of the permit, which states no more than 50 per cent of the office leasible floor area can be used as office space, with the rest for office activities ancillary to other uses on the site.

In their planning report, G2 Urban Planning states condition 48 is “deemed to be an unreasonable limitation upon the existing approved office floorspace of 1,710sqm in requiring 50 per cent be ancillary to uses on the site”.

“In turn it would also be an unreasonable control upon the proposed additional floorspace of 1,290sqm.”

G2 Urban Planning argues the increase in floorspace “reflects sound planning in enhancing the commercial capacity of the site”.

“Torquay continues to have high population growth and demand for services will correspondingly continue at a high rate in and around Torquay and also Geelong.

“It is therefore positive for additional floorspace to be provided on this site as it will benefit the local area and takes advantage of the infrastructure on the site in this accessible location.”

Liuzzi Property Group is in charge of the retail leasing for the site.

The shire will not make a decision on the amendment before September 19.