ABSTRACT
The Southbank strategy was always aimed at a mix of housing with retail and commercial development extending into the hinterland area to the south of the river. The 1986 plan set the rough boundaries of this area and the various urban design and planning controls to guide development (Figure 2.2 bottom). 1 This hinterland area was an industrial zone in decline; primarily two-storey buildings with minimal heritage value. The arts precinct lining St Kilda Road to the east comprising the gallery and arts college was seen as an area with an urban character worth preserving and developing. The early strategy was to use leverage on public land to ensure some housing near the waterfront despite the resistance of the market. The market desire at that time was for commercial towers.
