The Cosmopolitan Hotel on Carlisle Street in St Kilda is set to be demolished to make way for a proposed seven-story development, leading to outrage among local residents who believe the building is oversized for the area.
Among these residents is Galleon Cafe owner Andrew Skoullos. While Skoullos doesn’t oppose new developments in the area, he told The Sydney Morning Herald he is concerned about the scale of the proposal.
“Carlisle Street and the surrounding area have a real village feel with heritage buildings, light, and character that people are drawn to. That’s a big part of why local businesses like mine work,” he said.
“I think most people just want to see development that respects what makes St Kilda special and doesn’t lose that identity.”
Skoullos also highlighted that St Kilda’s community already faces road closures, parking and construction disruptions and the impact of this new development would further impact these issues.
Two houses of heritage significance will be partially demolished in the construction of this new development. More than 300 people have signed an online petition against the proposal, calling on the council to reject or restrict the development.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
