Minister greenlights Miami Hotel

The Miami Hotel Group has had an amendment approved by Minister for Planning Sonya Killkenny that will allow for the development of a new hotel and demolition within a Heritage Overlay.

The proposed development, located at 599, 601, 605–609 King St and 13–25 and 27 Hawke St in West Melbourne, includes a mixed-use building comprising a residential hotel, food and drink premises, dwellings, and underground car parking.

The approved amendment to the West Melbourne Structure Plan allows for the land to be rezoned to facilitate a potential redevelopment of the hotel and for demolition within a Heritage Overlay.

However, it is understood that the permit was approved with a set of conditions, including a façade strategy, structural report, loading management plan, and landscape and tree protection plans.

The proposed development came under criticism from some community members earlier this year, with local resident Jennifer Cook arguing that it made “a mockery of current planning laws”.

The land at 599–601 King St is currently occupied by two double-storey brick terraces built in 1875. Both dwellings are categorised as “significant” under a City of Melbourne Heritage Study conducted in 2022.

She said she would have preferred the design to align more closely with the heritage and neighbourhood character of the historic area, rather than the modern industrial design the Miami Hotel Group has proposed.

There were also safety concerns, with Ms Cook wary of the size of the new development and the likelihood that it will increase vehicle movements.

However, many locals support the proposal, believing it will provide a much-needed boost to the area.

Marin Kraljevic, who has lived in West Melbourne for 10 years, told North West City News that he didn’t see how it wasn’t a “win” for the community.

Having a modern new hotel rather than a dilapidated motel is going to be better for the community by bringing in more people who will support local businesses

“They're going to go out to restaurants, they're going to go out to shops, and that's good for the precinct and all the pubs and bars around that area.”

Mr Kraljevic believes the proposed development will be well placed on King St and is looking forward to seeing it come to life. •