A major development in Melbourne's inner south that will create hundreds of jobs and a new home for the Jewish Museum of Australia has gained planning approval.
The Jewish Arts Quarter at 7 Selwyn Street in Elsternwick will create more than 200 jobs and include exhibition spaces, performing arts spaces, co-working offices for not-for-profits celebrating and promoting the diverse and thriving Jewish culture in Australia.
The precinct is well connected to public transport with new cycling and walking upgrades planned as part of Glen Eira City Council's Integrated Transport Strategy. A Green Travel Plan will reduce the number of private car trips to the precinct, reducing congestion and encouraging sustainable, active transport alternatives.
The development will be supported by a $3.5 million contribution from the Victorian Government as part of a $21 million package to support infrastructure upgrades for multicultural communities and provide economic stimulus to the Victorian community.
The Jewish Arts Quarter was fast-tracked on the recommendation of the Government's Development Facilitation Program to stimulate Victoria's economy.
The precinct is expected to generate $65 million in investment during construction and create 210 construction jobs and 31 ongoing jobs.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne accepted the findings of the Independent Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee that a planning permit be issued.
The independent standing committee heard from the local community, the local council and gave notice to nearby owners and occupiers before making their recommendation to approve the permit.
The construction will also protect historic Karl Duldig artwork from the existing building including stained glass windows and "The Great Awakening" - one of Duldig's last iconic glazed ceramic bas relief murals and in his own words "the physical and spiritual representation of man, earthbound aspiring towards the infinite".
As stated by Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
"Projects like the Jewish Arts Quarter have immediate economic impacts as well as long-term cultural benefits for all Victorians."
"We're ensuring we have a steady pipeline of projects to create good secure jobs and keep investment coming as we plan the roadmap to our recovery."
As stated by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence
"The new Jewish Arts Quarter will become a cultural hub for the community and help to preserve and share the Jewish community's rich history in Victoria."
