_Franck Muller Retail Revamp

Collie was engaged to assist Franck Muller in obtaining multiple heritage and planning approvals for its proposed revised retail premises in the ‘Austral Buildings’ at the ‘Paris End’ of Collins Street, Melbourne. 

The Austral Buildings is included on the Victorian Heritage Register and Heritage Inventory and is affected by heritage overlays in the Melbourne Planning Scheme.  The building is significant for its architectural and historical importance as an early example of the English Queen Anne Revival style in Melbourne and was a centre for professional activity and innovation. 

The main consideration for the applications was the heritage significance of the building and whether the proposed changes respected the heritage qualities of the building and the broader precinct. 

Collie worked with Arkhe Tekhne architects in seeking Heritage Victoria approval to changes to the façade on Collins Street and a new signage and a retractable canopy.  

The Collie role included:

• review of the relevant provisions of the Melbourne Planning Scheme and general Heritage Victoria Permit Exemptions and advice to Franck Muller and Arkhe Tekhne;
• seeking special heritage exemption on certain aspects of the proposal;
• review of architectural plans and providing suggestions to maximise approval chances;
• preparation and submission of a heritage impact statement and heritage permit application – resulting in a Heritage Victoria permit;
• preparation and submission of a planning permit application to Melbourne City Council (Council);
• monitoring of applications, consultation and negotiation with Heritage Victoria and Council to achieve the required permits.