By NOEL MURPHY
IT’S not exactly the most subtle of responses but, given the alien nature critics see in Torquay’s proposed space-age hotel precinct, it’s perhaps in keeping with a theme.
Opponents to Luizzi Property’s plans for Gilbert St have applied a HG Wells-style reaction, complete with green Martian death rays and a hostile online reaction to the proposed five-storey structure.
The War-of-the-Worlds-in-Torquay image appeared on 3228 Residents Association’s Facebook site after the Luizzi proposal was unveiled at a panel hearing into Surf Coast Council’s C66 planning scheme amendment.
The proposal’s Jetsons-style hotel faces The Esplanade, with shops on Gilbert St and possibly a discount department store.
It has been criticised on the 3228 Facebook site as a scare tactic to draw attention away from C66’s problematic town boundaries.
Other critics, on a Planning kills Torquay Facebook site, called the plans a “monstrosity”, the “ghastliest piece of architecture for a seaside town … ever seen” and put together by “people with no idea of the character of the town”.
“Makes RACV look respectable,” one online commentator complained.
Others were more cynical.
“It’s hard to argue against this in the so-called centre of town when the RACV resort dominates the entry to Jan Juc and we have the attention-seeking ugliness of the RipSilver shopping centres at the gateway of town,” one post said.
Others made their sentiments clear: “Quick … terminate this noxious green cocoon … ’”
