Seven‑year milestone sees housing towers reshape former ABC studio site
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After seven years of heated debate, protests, and planning back-and-forth, the future of the old ABC studios site in Elsternwick has finally been decided—and it’s set to change the face of media in a big way.
The government has given the green light to a major development: two residential towers, 148 apartments, and a brand-new Woolworths, all rising above the historic street site.
But as with any big change, not everyone is happy. Let’s unpack what’s happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for locals and the broader community.
The journey to this decision has been anything but smooth. Woolworths and its developer, Pace, first proposed a large-scale development in 2017.
Their initial proposal was rejected by both the Glen Eira City Council and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), which cited concerns about the impact on Glen Huntly Road’s heritage character, privacy for neighbours, and the potential for increased traffic congestion.
A revised plan for 134 apartments across nine storeys was eventually approved in 2022. But Woolworths wasn’t done yet.
Using new state government 'fast-track' planning laws—designed to speed up housing construction and bypass some of the usual red tape—they returned with a bigger vision: 148 apartments in two towers, one reaching 11 storeys and the other 10.
The state government’s 'development facilitation program' is part of a broader push to address Victoria’s housing crisis.
Projects valued at over $50 million and including at least 10 per cent of affordable housing can be assessed under this program, which means they can skip some of the usual hurdles, like council approval and VCAT review.
Elsternwick was also recently declared one of Melbourne’s 50 'train and tram activity centres'—areas earmarked for higher-density housing close to public transport, with the goal of building 300,000 new homes by 2051.
The thinking is simple: more homes where people can easily get around without a car.
A major redevelopment is planned for the old ABC site, featuring two residential towers with 148 apartments—at least 10 per cent earmarked as affordable housing.
The project will also include a Woolworths, retail and office spaces, community areas, over 400 car parks, and sits conveniently near public transport and local landmarks.
Not everyone is celebrating. Glen Eira mayor Simone Zmood has been vocal in her opposition, calling the decision a 'setback for the community.'
She’s particularly concerned that the new approval overrides VCAT’s previous ruling on building heights and residential impacts and that the fast-track process lacks independent oversight.
Zmood and other critics argue that the government should have set up an advisory committee to give residents a real say and that key issues—like minimising disruption from construction trucks—haven’t been properly addressed.
There’s also frustration that the council still doesn’t know exactly how Elsternwick’s new status as an 'activity centre' will reshape the area.
The development has split locals. In March, about 100 people—including opposition politicians—protested against the project, worried it would set a precedent for bypassing local input and VCAT authority.
But not everyone is against it. A handful of residents showed up to the protest with signs reading 'Let others live here too' and 'Don’t be selfish, share Elsternwick,' highlighting the need for more housing in a city facing a severe shortage.
This project is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Since expanding the development facilitation program in September 2023, the Victorian government says it has approved nearly 5,000 new homes under the scheme.
The aim is to tackle the housing crisis head-on by building more homes faster, especially in well-connected areas.
But the debate in Elsternwick raises important questions: How do we balance the need for more housing with the desire to preserve neighbourhood character? Who gets to have a say in shaping our suburbs? And how do we make sure new developments actually benefit the whole community, not just developers or big retailers?
If you live in or around Elsternwick, you can expect some big changes in the coming years.
More people, more traffic, and a new supermarket will be on your doorstep. For some, that means more convenience and vibrancy; for others, it’s a loss of the area’s traditional feel.
This could be a sign of things to come for those elsewhere in Melbourne. Similar developments may pop up in other suburbs as the government pushes for higher-density living near public transport.
Do you think the government made the right call? Are you worried about the impact on local heritage and traffic, or do you welcome more housing and new amenities? Have you seen similar projects in your area? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read more: 'I wonder if someone designed it as a joke': Aussies notice interesting detail on this property development
The government has given the green light to a major development: two residential towers, 148 apartments, and a brand-new Woolworths, all rising above the historic street site.
But as with any big change, not everyone is happy. Let’s unpack what’s happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for locals and the broader community.
The journey to this decision has been anything but smooth. Woolworths and its developer, Pace, first proposed a large-scale development in 2017.
Their initial proposal was rejected by both the Glen Eira City Council and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), which cited concerns about the impact on Glen Huntly Road’s heritage character, privacy for neighbours, and the potential for increased traffic congestion.
A controversial development on the former Elsternwick ABC site was approved, allowing two towers above a new Woolworths despite opposition from Glen Eira Council and locals. Credit: Woolworths
A revised plan for 134 apartments across nine storeys was eventually approved in 2022. But Woolworths wasn’t done yet.
Using new state government 'fast-track' planning laws—designed to speed up housing construction and bypass some of the usual red tape—they returned with a bigger vision: 148 apartments in two towers, one reaching 11 storeys and the other 10.
The state government’s 'development facilitation program' is part of a broader push to address Victoria’s housing crisis.
Elsternwick was also recently declared one of Melbourne’s 50 'train and tram activity centres'—areas earmarked for higher-density housing close to public transport, with the goal of building 300,000 new homes by 2051.
The thinking is simple: more homes where people can easily get around without a car.
A major redevelopment is planned for the old ABC site, featuring two residential towers with 148 apartments—at least 10 per cent earmarked as affordable housing.
The project will also include a Woolworths, retail and office spaces, community areas, over 400 car parks, and sits conveniently near public transport and local landmarks.
She’s particularly concerned that the new approval overrides VCAT’s previous ruling on building heights and residential impacts and that the fast-track process lacks independent oversight.
Zmood and other critics argue that the government should have set up an advisory committee to give residents a real say and that key issues—like minimising disruption from construction trucks—haven’t been properly addressed.
There’s also frustration that the council still doesn’t know exactly how Elsternwick’s new status as an 'activity centre' will reshape the area.
The development has split locals. In March, about 100 people—including opposition politicians—protested against the project, worried it would set a precedent for bypassing local input and VCAT authority.
This project is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Since expanding the development facilitation program in September 2023, the Victorian government says it has approved nearly 5,000 new homes under the scheme.
The aim is to tackle the housing crisis head-on by building more homes faster, especially in well-connected areas.
But the debate in Elsternwick raises important questions: How do we balance the need for more housing with the desire to preserve neighbourhood character? Who gets to have a say in shaping our suburbs? And how do we make sure new developments actually benefit the whole community, not just developers or big retailers?
If you live in or around Elsternwick, you can expect some big changes in the coming years.
This could be a sign of things to come for those elsewhere in Melbourne. Similar developments may pop up in other suburbs as the government pushes for higher-density living near public transport.
Read more: 'I wonder if someone designed it as a joke': Aussies notice interesting detail on this property development
