Bay and Beach St

Since the 'For Sale' sign appeared on the former Morley's Coal Depot, people have been wondering [and worrying] about what its future might be.

It is a significant heritage property in the Port Phillip Planning Scheme with its own citation which reads:
'The former Morley's Coal Depot is of local significance. It is associated with the prominent early local citizen and first Chairman of Sandridge Borough Council William Morley.'
[source City of Port Phillip Heritage Review Citation No: 689]


This is of particular interest in this 150th year since Sandridge was proclaimed a municipality.
It is covered by Design and Development Overlay 1-1b which provides

• Less than 5 m from any road boundary: Preferred maximum height 10.5 m [3 storeys], absolute maximum height 13.5 m [4 storeys]
• 5 m or more from any road boundary: Preferred maximum height 13.5 m [4 storeys], absolute maximum height [4 storeys]

The outcome sought is 'An open view of sky exists when looking towards the Bay from Bay St at its northern intersection with Rouse St and new development is not visible above the roofline of any building fronting Bay St'

In other words, very strong planning controls apply to this site.

One door closes and another one opens

Many people regret Readings closing. I'm wondering what it says about Port Melbourne. I think I'm right in saying this isn't the second, but the third bookshop not to have made it in Port Melbourne. Meanwhile, in today's Age it is reported that the South Pacific Health Club is the new tenant of the former Morley's coal depot. People tell me how much they value Bay St as the heart of the Port Melbourne community. I think to keep it that way we seriously need to shop locally.

Novel

Spotted this gym equipment being lifted through the upstairs window in the former Morley's coal depot. Perhaps this is a sign that the gym will open soon as the banner has been suggesting for some time. Actually, after checking back on Port Focus, I see that the building was only leased in February of this year. There is still no clarity on the future use of the other significant heritage building on Bay St, the former Naval Drill Hall, when Circus Oz goes.

'$5,000 a sq m for coal depot'

'The historic former Morley's Coal Depot and Trading Post headquarters in Port Melbourne has been sold for $6 million. The vacant building and the nearby Gasworks* were sold by Colliers International's Pat Burke and Jeremy Gruzewski. The price equated to more than $5,000 a square metre.' The Age, Wednesday February 2, 2011

Refer to an earlier post on Port Focus for an overview of the planning controls for this site by clicking here.

* I am not sure what this refers to - can anyone help me?

The mayor

There is some speculation about who will be mayor of the Port Phillip Council following the election on Saturday 27.
Lets hope it's not as dramatic as what occurred in Sandridge in 1862 when Councillor Pickles was kidnapped to prevent him participating in the vote for chairman. In his absence he was elected chairman by the casting vote of Councillor Morley as there were three votes each for Dr Plummer and Councillor Pickles.
Pickles was down at Railway Pier when he was told a tall story by two watermen who induced him to get into a boat on a dodgy pretext. When out to sea they told him that there was a plan afoot to make him chairman. "He remonstrated with them, and actually got out his knife when the second man told him to put it up, or it would be worse for him. Both of them told him they were to get 10 pounds for keeping him out of the way till nine o'clock that night, and if he got on shore before they would not get the money."  More of this intriguing tale and Pickles account is in the Argus on Saturday 9 August 1862.

with outgoing Mayor Rachel Powning at the final council meeting
an outstanding leader of Port Phillip in 2011 and 2012
picture Simon Kosmer

 The mayor provides a critical leadership role on Council. The only statutory role outlined in the Local Government Act is that the mayor must preside at Council meetings. In practice, the role is so much more. The mayor not only represents the Council in the community and is the spokesperson for the Council, but also needs to be skilful in facilitating the councillor group to work together towards Council's collectively agreed plan.