Flinders Wharf

Flinders Wharf (previously known as Flinders Wharf Apartments) is located in the Docklands area, along the northern bank of Melbourne's Yarra River on the edge of Melbourne's central business district. The 300-apartment complex is home to a multicultural blend of personalities and is a short walk from Southern Cross Station (formally Spencer Street Station), Flinders Street Station, Crown Casino, Telstra Dome and many of Melbourne's other attractions. Most of the complex consists of residents who either own or lease their apartment. Some of the apartments are "short stay" apartments, where individuals or groups stay for a short period (usually less than a month) due to the site's proximity to Melbourne's vibrant CBD and excellent facilities, including a fully equipped gymnasium, sauna, steam room, heated lap pool and heated spa.

A convenience store is also contained within the complex.

On the western side of the complex, the Victorian State Government has developed an open space for recreational use known as Seafarers Rest. There is also an infrequently used helipad and a disused wharf shed.

The state government is currently redeveloping the other side of the river to include a hotel, shopping complex, restaurants and conference centre. [ [http://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/35504bc71d3adebcca256cfc0082c2b8/30f733ff7b149beaca25711d0080cdc1!OpenDocument Source] ] A new cross bridge from Flinders Wharf to the new area will also be built.

History

The site now known as Flinders Wharf, on Siddeley Street in Melbourne Docklands, was previously Wharf 4 on Melbourne's Yarra River. The apartment complex was completed in March 2003 by the giant Australian building company Multiplex.

Controversy

The apartment complex has not been without controversy.

In late 2003 a disgruntled investor sued the developer for "misleading and deceptive conduct". Richard Gough claimed the developer had used misleading and deceptive representations about the financing of the property and its future value in order to secure a sale. [ [http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/12/23/1071941726849.html Source] ]

Then in 2004 a developer from another Docklands apartment took legal action against the developers of Flinders Wharf. Tony Brady alleged that the penthouse apartment he bought at Flinders Wharf was not "finished as a luxury penthouse", and changes were made during development without him receiving advance warning. [ [http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/28/1083103549668.html Source] ]

In recent years there has been an increasing amount of litigation being brought by off-the-plan investors seeking to get out of their apartment contracts in the growing Docklands area of Melbourne. [ [http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/08/30/1093852182903.html Source] ] Pressure from developers and builders has caused the Victorian Government to change legislation to reduce the increasing number of claims. [ [http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/08/30/1093852182903.html Source] ]

External links

* [http://www.flinderswharf.org/ Flinders Wharf website with public and resident-only sections]

Notes