_Balenciaga on Collins

Collie was engaged to assist Balenciaga in obtaining a planning permit for a new store at 181 to 187 Collins Street, Melbourne.  Collie worked closely with the project architects (Arkhe Tekhne) to lodge a planning permit application for alterations to the façade to the building and advertising signs.  The building is affected by heritage controls but is not listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

The heritage significance of the site and whether the proposed changes respected the heritage qualities of the building, were key considerations with the proposal.  As part of our town planning services, Collie liaised with the Council town planner and its heritage advisor, to reach agreement on façade changes that respected the heritage significance of the site whilst also providing an appropriate retail outcome acceptable to Balenciaga.  Collie was also able to negotiate with Council over suitability of the preferred building material sought by the project architects, which was reflected in the planning permit.

The Collie role included:

• review of the relevant provisions of the Melbourne Planning Scheme and advice to the project architect;
• preparation and submission to Melbourne City Council of a planning report on the application;
• monitoring of the application, consultation and negotiation with officers to achieve the end result.

Collie understands that external to the new Balenciaga store are due to commence immediately and we look forward to the eventual store opening.