Balaclava, our shabby under-loved treasure (locals know), has been thrust into the spotlight by the plans (or lack of them) by two jostling supermarket giants. But Balaclava has good ‘urban bones’ and is showing a glimmer of promise.
Rich in local culture; past and present; abundant public transport, within ready reach of the bay, St Kilda’s night spots and the CBD.
In recent years two significant events have shifted the dial for Balaclava, triggered by two supermarkets and sale of the land that they occupy.
Firstly, the Woolworth’s site owned by CoPP, sold in 2020 to Woolworth, currently languishing with not even a hint of any prospect of development.
The second site, the Coles site owned by Sam Herzburg and partner, sold reportedly for near to $100 million in March 2023. This has prompted Council to approach Coles, with an offer to sell exclusively to them public land in the Coles carpark that includes original laneways, a roadway and two-house sites demolished in the 1970s to form the current carpark.
As an urban design professional, I could see in 1990s the ‘urban bones’, a magnificent opportunity for a visionary precinct almost like no other. There are numerous examples of failed attempts at urban renewal (Arden Macauley, Sunbury) despite substantial government funding.
However, Balaclava could be that shining example of inner urban renewal that responds appropriately to the way we need to adapt cities to meet the challenges we are already facing in the climate emergency.
Just image a design competition with entries from the best design firms vying for the privilege to lead the way; a vision of wondrous design excellence across a whole precinct (Brighton to Hotham and from Inkerman to Glen Eira Roads) performing to the highest levels.
Architectural design to ‘delight’ that attracts workers, new residents and business to the area.
Imagine built form that generates the precinct’s own energy to meet its needs and recycles in place its waste, a model in heat island mitigation.
Imagine shared urban farming opportunities, fish farming on the roof of buildings – why not The Dutch have done it!!
Co working spaces and diverse housing; yes, denser but better to cater for families as well as every sort of household bundled together with refreshing urban open spaces that mitigate heat island effect and bring back native insects and birds.
Diverse ownership models could be introduced so that affordability in the area is maintained.
Imagine retaining the wonderful fine grain mix of eclectic retail and restaurants that makes Balaclava such a great place to be.
Imagine celebrating the hidden stories of this place and the remarkable people that come from here; Graeme Kennedy grew up here, the Pratt Family’s business started here in the late 1930s, national cultural treasure, John Gollings lives here, Andy Hoyne’s business is here.
Not to mention our wonderful array of restaurants; Tulum, high end Turkish cuisine, Attica within walking distance. to name but two of them.
Dr Gerry McLoughlin is an Architect, Urban Designer and Writer. She lives locally and is a qualified planning and design professional: PhD Swin., MA Plan&Des Melb, B. Arch (Hon) RMIT.
