Darebin council: Ruthven Primary school site kept for public park

A six-year effort to preserve the open space left behind after Ruthven Primary School closed its doors has received a boost with the council agreeing to keep it as a park.

Terry Mason, Serena O'Meley, Mattie Watkins, Len Oakes, Michael Brennan, Rosie Zamarian and Paul Zamarian celebrated at the old Ruthven Primary School site when Darebin Council agreed to purchase the land. Picture: Josie Hayden

A six-year campaign to keep the former Ruthven Primary School site in public hands has won its greatest battle with Darebin Council agreeing to use the entire site for open space.

The council will work with the community to design a masterplan for the 3ha site and create a “local park of natural character”.

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Reference group member Serena O’Meley said she was glad the council had listened to the community’s wishes.

“The community reference group members are very happy that Darebin councillors listened to our representations and have unanimously moved to include the whole of the site in a park of natural character,” she said.

Four years after the school closed in 2012, the council purchased the site using funds from its Open Space Reserve.

Michael Brennan, Serena O'Meley, Terry Mason and Brett Middleton, with Reuger, at the Ruthven Primary School site. Picture: Josie Hayden

But community concerns were raised when the council action plan in 2017 revealed the site could be home to a children’s hub.

Council engagement showed community members did not support the proposal for a children’s hub or other large community buildings.

Darebin Mayor Kim Le Cerf said the site would be fully in line with community aspirations.

“We’ve worked closely with the community reference group on this project and are really pleased to be confirming our support for their vision that a 3ha green and natural park for the local community is the right way forward for Ruthven,” Cr Le Cerf said.

The council investigation showed the site was not required for child care as other sites could be used for that service.

The council’s open space strategy showed the primary school site could fill a gap in the council’s vision that all residents were able to walk to a park within 500m.

A re-elected Labor government will invest $150,000 into the park for a new barbecue area, play equipment and landscaping.

Preston state Labor MP Robin Scott said the reserve would be transformed into a vibrant community space.

Facilities built by council on the open space, shared by the school and the community, were demolished when the school was closed.

@richardapearce

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