Williamstown Split Over 14-Story Apartment Tower on Douglas Parade

More than 180 people packed Williamstown Town Hall on July 7 to protest a 14-storey mixed-use project at 142 Douglas Parade.

Why the timing matters

The application arrived weeks after the local council released updated height guidelines for the Ferguson Street precinct, making this the first major test of those rules. Neighbours say the timing leaves little room for broader community input before a decision expected in September.

Opponents point to the site’s location two blocks from the Strand shopping strip and one block from the Williamstown Pier, arguing the tower would overshadow heritage cottages on Ann Street and block views from Point Gellibrand parkland. The Williamstown Preservation Society collected 420 signatures in ten days, citing concerns over traffic on Douglas Parade already handling 18,000 vehicles daily.

Developer position and data

Project documents filed with council show 186 apartments priced from $695,000 to $1.45 million, plus 1,200 square metres of ground-floor retail. The developer’s traffic study projects an extra 92 peak-hour trips and claims the mix meets the council’s 15 percent affordable-housing target through 28 units reserved for key workers. A public information session is listed for July 22 at the Williamstown Library.

Supporters, including the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, argue the retail space could help revive foot traffic that dropped 11 percent along the Strand last year. They note similar infill projects near the railway station added 340 residents without measurable parking shortages in surrounding streets.

Planning officers will accept written submissions until July 28. Residents can register to speak at the August council meeting by emailing the planning department before July 20.

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