Greek-Australians plan Greek tower

[Angelo]

Plans for Greek tower



Alexandros Logothetis

AN AMBITIOUS plan to construct a 26 story building on the site of the Greek Community of Melbourne and VIctoria(GOCMV)building in Lonsdale Street was announced last week.

GOCMV President Bill Papastegiadis revealed that eight floors will be kept for community use and the remaining 18 floors will be leased out as serviced apartments or as strata offices in announcing the proposal last week

The preliminary plans suggest that a gigantic fresco with an ancient Greek theme will be holding a prominent position on the building's 20 story facade. The main entrance however will be situated in Russell Street and not Lonsdale Street.

The first eight floors will house the needs of the GOCMV with offices and conference rooms, according to the current plans. One floor will be allocated for a cultural centre and additional space could host exhibitions and performances.

A major justification for the proposed development is the significant income it will generate for the GOCMV, according to Bill Papastegiadis. By leasing out 18 floors as serviced apartments or as strata offices it is estimated that the GOCMV can earn up to $3 million in revenue. "To date, the GOCMV has not been able to play an important community or cultural role as it has been hindered by its lack of funds," said Papastergiadis "This development will give the GOCMV the economic freedom to participate meaningfully in culture and language.

Initiatives by young Greeks can be supported and we can look to play a role in supporting language programs in Victoria," he added.

The GOCMV's intends to own the entire building with some floors to be sold to other communities, such as the Cypriot Community of Victoria. The two organisations are currently discussing this possibility. President of GOCMV, Bill Papastergiadis stated to NKEE that "some floors might be purchased by some other Greek communities. Hence, we invite other communities to approach the GOCMV and talk to us about how they would like to become involved."

He noted that there lies a great opportunity for other Greek organisations who own properties in various locations to consolidate their holding into purchasing an entire floor in the proposed building. The Victorian Government and Melbourne City Council have set aside $8 million to support the development of the 3 cultural precincts in Melbourne, of which the Greek precinct is one.

The State Government and the Melbourne City Council will fund a development in the Greek Precinct as it forms part of the Government's vision, according to Bill Papastergiadis. However the GOCMV needs to act immediately if it wishes to secure government funding for this proposed development as the deadline for submitting applications ends on 31 May.

"We have worked very hard in the last 3 months since assuming leadership to prepare a proper plan, feasibility study and detailed costings.We have been very fortunate to harness the fabulous talents in the Greek Australian Community in getting this project to this level," the GOCMV president said.

"We have, free of charge, got some of Victoria's leading experts in the construction/property field to work with us. The contribution of these people cannot be underestimated and they should be congratulated for offering their services free of charge," adds Mr. Papstergiadis.

The concept drawings were prepared by Nick Makris who is the director of Bruce Henderson Architects. Other contributors who have worked with the GOCMV to prepare the proposal include Nick Parthimos, State Manager in Property for Macquarie Bank, Harry Stamoulis Director of Stamoulis Property Group, Jim Moschoyiannis Director of LU Simon builders and John Mitsakos from Capital Finance.


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[Napalm]

Sounds awesome.

[soulitaire]

geez I havent heard nada about it lol

I have friends in Melbourne ... I wonder what they think of it .

[half greek]

Cool......
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