Future of Scarborough towers uncertain

DEVELOPER 3 Oceans will give an update on its $250 million Scarborough towers project this week following speculation it was on hold.

Media reports suggested the Chinese developer had pressed pause on the Iconic Scarborough development.

There has not been activity on the site since the former Scarborough Fair Markets buildings were demolished late last year.

Scarborough buildings making way for tower development

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said the State Government had not been informed the project had stalled and would meet with 3 Oceans this week.

“We understand they’re considering some other options so that’s all we’ve heard so we’re keen to hear directly from them,” she said.

“We had heard indirectly that they are reconsidering or considering other options.”

She said the State had “poured tens of millions of dollars of infrastructure” into redeveloping Scarborough.

“We’re very keen to see development in that area,” she said.

Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said he believed it was important to get the development right.

“It is crucial to ensure local resident concerns are addressed and amenity is improved, while providing an iconic development on Scarborough Beach that is financially viable,” he said.

But reports the project was on hold were welcomed by community group Sunsets Not Skyscrapers, which opposes the scale of the development.

Member Robyn Murphy said she was not surprised the 3 Oceans was “having second thoughts about its viability”.

She said the group was also seeking to meet with Ms Saffioti.

“As a key stakeholder, our group is seeking the same access to the Minister as the developer,” she said.

“Governments must demonstrate that they listen to the community and are sensitive to the aims and aspirations of the people they represent.”

The cleared site has been vacant since January, when development was originally planned to start, and local business owner Wayne Bowen previously proposed it be used for parking.

At the time, a 3 Oceans spokesman told Community News construction would start in the “coming months”.