The Presentation of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church has become a focal point of community opposition to a proposed eight-storey building as part of the central Coburg renewal project in Coburg.
More than 4,150 people have signed an online petition organised by members of the church community urging Merri-bek City Council to revise its plans.
The building would be located directly opposite the church on Victoria Street and separated only by a narrow road.
Petition organisers argue the development would place extra strain on parking and road infrastructure and undermine the religious and community services provided by the church.
At a recent council meeting, councillor Helen Politis warned the building’s location could compromise access to the church and deepen community division.
“We have had overwhelming feedback that this building placed where it is actually is potentially harmful to the community and can create a lot of negative outcomes rather than positive ones,” she said.
Her proposal to remove the building from the concept plan was defeated five votes to four, meaning the project will proceed to another round of community consultation.
The controversy comes as the council unveiled the first designs for a $60 million library and piazza project nearby, which will be the first stage of the broader “Coburg is Here” renewal plan.
The proposal aims to redevelop public car parks into housing, retail and community spaces, including about 1,000 new apartments and townhouses.
Source: Brunswick Voice.
