VCAT weighs Central Shule revamp
A PROPOSED new building for Central Shule is on hold until the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) reaches a decision. A group of around 25 local residents has taken Central Shule and Glen Eira Council to VCAT with objections to the planned $4 million new building.
PETER KOHN
A PROPOSED new building for Central Shule is on hold until the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) reaches a decision.
A group of around 25 local residents has taken Central Shule and Glen Eira Council to VCAT with objections to the planned $4 million new building. The objectors cited local traffic flows, particularly access to nearby sporting venues, and the size and appearance of the proposed building in their case to a VCAT hearing on June 22 and 23.
With a decision expected in about two months, Central Shule’s president Ian Harris told The AJN: “There’s nothing we can say. We presented our case, they presented their case.”
The proposed property on Maple Street would see a two-storey 810-seat synagogue, classrooms and other facilities, added in a major expansion.
Plans for the new synagogue include a kiddush room, offices, classrooms, choir rehearsal space, multi-purpose areas and a kitchen.  Glen Eira Council unanimously approved the building plans in December. But the council issued qualifications to minimise the impact of the expanded centre on surrounding residents.
Limits imposed by council included operating hours from 6.30am to 9pm and maximum attendances of 300, expandable to 800 on the high holy days.
These constraints were regarded as unsatisfactory by a syndicate of about 25 residents, which took its objections to VCAT, the appeal body for local government building approvals.
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