VIC; Docks body torpedoes Grollo skyscraper plan

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-1999
VIC; Docks body torpedoes Grollo skyscraper plan

The Melbourne Docklands Authority has decided to scrap plans to build the tallest building
in the world, shattering the GROLLO family's bold dream.

But developer DANIEL GROLLO says he isn't giving up and will explore all options for
building the tower.

Docklands Authority chief executive JOHN TABART says an agreement to build the 113-storey,
560-metre tower at the waterfront site is terminated.

He says GROLLO Tower Pty Ltd cannot meet fundamental financial conditions.

Mr GROLLO, who maintains the $1.5 billion tower is financially viable, says Melbourne,
Victoria and Australia will enter the new millennium gravely diminished by this decision.

But Melbourne University associate professor of architecture and urban design KIM DOVEY
says it was a stupid idea which has fallen over and that common sense has prevailed.

Another critic, Baptist Church minister TIM COSTELLO, said he will not shed any tears.

However, building unions, facing a loss of work with the end of a series of large building
projects, are disappointed that international investors have not backed the tower.

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KEYWORD: GROLLO (MELBOURNE)

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