wesley-church-redevelopment

Green light for Wesley Church redevelopment

Market Insights
7 years ago
1 minutes

A redevelopment of the Wesley Church site in Melbourne’s Lonsdale Street is set to proceed, with the Planning Minister giving the tick of approval.

The $200 million redevelopment includes retail space on the ground and lower levels, a new car park and two public walk ways through the site.

“This new tower for the Wesley Church site will deliver more office space to the inner city without overwhelming the historic neighbouring church,” Planning Minister Richard Wynne says.

Spanning 34 levels, the commercial office tower has received a permit with conditions to extend the building setbacks, reduce overshadowing over Cohen Place, and increase the separation to nearby Regency tower.

The Uniting Church has struggled to find the cash to upgrade and restore the Wesley Church, the Manse and the schoolhouse, but it will now use funds from the Leighton Properties project for the necessary restorations. 

“This approval allows the Wesley Church to continue with its plan to fund the Wesley Mission and upgrade the other historic buildings on the site,” Mr Wynne says.

The heritage-listed site has also received a permit from the Heritage Council for the demolition of the Princess Mary Club, along with some of the other buildings on site.