What should happen on the St Kilda Triangle site?

St Kilda Ward candidate Serge Thomann has never been short of ideas about the St Kilda Triangle. He’s canned other people ideas, but here he presents his alternative.

Many St Kilda residents have asked me about the proposed 5000-person live music venue for the Triangle site. My stance is crystal clear: I do not support it. In fact, I’ve called it “Council’s folly” in The Age. It’s the wrong choice for such an iconic site, and with a $150 million price tag, it’s a financial black hole. Hoping the State Government will foot the bill? That’s pure wishful thinking.

To make matters worse, Council has already wasted nearly $1 million just to explore this ill-conceived idea.

So, what’s my alternative?

First, we should enhance and beautify the car park, while maintaining most of the parking spaces, like creating heat islands. The car park generates $1.5 million annually—a smart and sustainable revenue stream. Second, I will pursue the previous offers from both State and Federal Governments to partner with Council on a proper business case. Council cannot and should not do this alone, yet they’ve ignored this opportunity for years.

We’ve never truly unlocked the Triangle’s potential. I envision it as a cultural hub—a destination that draws people, including locals, to St Kilda year-round. This is the game changer St Kilda needs. Imagine bold, inspiring architecture—think of what MONA did for Hobart, or the impact of the Sydney Opera House and our own Victorian Pride Centre. I took French top architect Jean Nouvel on site during his last visit to Melbourne and he could see the huge architectural potential. Yes, I’m ambitious. I make things happen! And to ensure this vision becomes reality, I propose forming a high-level reference group, chaired by a respected figure, to explore creative options and attract private or corporate funding, given that public funds may be scarce. There are plenty of talented St Kilda residents, experts in their fields, who would gladly contribute to this effort.

One of those supporters is Roger Nelson, one of Australia’s most respected heritage architect and longtime St Kilda resident. He’s endorsed me, saying I’m someone who “can get things done that make sense for the St Kilda we love. The Triangle, along with Acland and Fitzroy Streets, needs a doer, not just a dreamer.” Thank you, Roger—let’s make it happen together!

For me, the St Kilda Triangle is unfinished business.

I’m committed to working with those who share my passion to finally deliver a vision that serves our community and secures St Kilda’s future.