The planning application for 20-26 Hesse Street - once described as the CBD’s missing tooth - seeks approval for 10 three-level townhouses.
The 2,628 square metre block, between the Wyuna apartments and former Victoria Tavern, previously housed the Queenscliff Nursing Home but has remained vacant since that facility was demolished in 2010.
Under the proposal, eight townhouses - each with four bedrooms and a three car garage - would front Hesse Street. Another two three-bedroom residences would be located at the rear of the property.
A 71-page planning report lodged with the application by Context Planning Pty Ltd, for Citiprop Pty Ltd, said the development was an acceptable planning outcome for the site and would address a need for more housing in the municipality.
“This proposal seeks to reintroduce a residential use to the site which will result in additional residents living within close and convenient walking distance to retail shops, hospitality offerings, medical centres and other amenities, which subsequently will support the established and futures businesses within Queenscliff town centre.
“It has been consistently proven that that mixed use areas which include provision for residential development within activity centres helps to strengthen the economic viability of the overall areas,” the report said.
The site, which backs onto the historic Whitehall Guest House, is zoned Commercial 1 (CZ1), which under Victorian planning controls allows for residential uses at densities that are complementary to the role and scale of the commercial centre.
“The subdivision proposed is not likely to impact upon any of the surrounding heritage properties or the wider heritage place,” the application said. “The reconfiguration of a vacant site allows for the land to be more effectively used and supports a built form which is of a scale complementary to the streetscape.”