Anxious wait on future of old Victoria University site at Jacksons Hill
THE Jacksons Hill hub of schools, businesses and community groups fear they may be left in the lurch by the site’s masterplan.
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THE Jacksons Hill hub of schools, small businesses and community groups fear they may be left in the lurch by the State Government’s masterplan for their beloved site.
The Victorian Planning Authority has assured all options for the overhaul will be discussed with residents and stakeholders from February, once its consultations for the Precinct Structure Plans for Sunbury South and Lancefield Rd are finalised.
CLICK HERE for more details on the plan
But the Boilerhouse Theatre Company treasurer Tony Rains said he was sceptical of campaigns for the abandoned Victoria University campus, which is still owned by the university.
“We’ve always been in a predicament where we don’t know what is going to happen to us,” Mr Rains said.
“Now it’s derelict here, we have structural problems, and it’s getting harder to stop our building from being targeted by vandals.
“We would hope we could benefit from this plan with upgrades ... but I have no idea what to believe, or what will happen to us if and when the development finally goes ahead, it’s all very uncertain.”
AUTHORITY TO DRIVE JACKSONS HILL MASTERPLAN
CALL FOR ALL-IN VISION ON VIC UNI SITE
Mr Rains said he wanted the site to be made into a thriving community hub which would accommodate the theatre and other artistic ventures.
But he fears the heritage buildings could be turned into housing, threatening the theatre’s future and place within the precinct.
Sunbury Radio president Mark Botten holds similar concerns for his station and is alarmed by the lack of clarity the community has been offered.
“We would just like there to be some clear direction on the future of the site, the uncertainty makes it difficult for us to understand where our future lies,” Mr Botten said.
“I’d like to see the area turned into a tourism precinct; it’s very important the historical significance of the precinct is retained.
“We would all be devastated if it was turned into housing. But in reality, nobody knows what’s going on.”
Sunbury Primary School and Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School, which also operate at Jacksons Hill, are hoping for the best.
Sunbury primary principal Amanda Busuttil said while she had not been contacted or informed about the plans, she was excited about the possibility of her school getting a new lease on life.
“We’re both heritage-listed sites ... you can join the dots and make assumptions about what we’re working with,” she said.
“It would be very much welcomed if Sunbury Primary School could benefit in this overhaul so that we can best provide for 21st century learning.”
Sunbury state MP Josh Bull insisted all future land use opportunities and options would be vetted by the community in consultations in 2017.
AT A GLANCE
■ The site is 32 hectares in area
■ Sunbury Industrial School operated from 1864-1879
■ Sunbury Lunatic Asylum established in October 1879
■ Victoria University campus at Jacksons Hill operated between 1995 and 2010
■ University campus closed to consolidate programs to St Albans and Footscray
■ Victoria University still owns the site
■ Site is now home to Sunbury Primary School, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School, Sunbury Radio and the Boilerhouse Theatre Company
■ Some buildings and landscaped areas at Jacksons Hill are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register
THE VIEWS
Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie O’Farrell
Wants the site retained as an educational facility. “We have pushed very hard for it not to be sold for apartments, no matter what, we definitely don’t want it to be used for housing, so if that’s what their intent is, that would be a disaster.”
Sunbury Community Progress Association president Alison Cunningham
Would like the site to be transformed into a community hub and tourism mecca. “It’s ridiculous nothing’s happened since Victoria University closed in 2012, but the wheels of government turn very slowly.”
State Liberal MP for Western Metropolitan Bernie Finn
Wants Jacksons Hill to remain a tertiary education facility to serve the north west of Melbourne and the Macedon Ranges. “I’m very nervous about the fact the government may have made up its mind some time ago and is now going through some type of charade.”
Sunbury state MP Joshua Bull
Says the government wants to “protect the history and character of Jacksons Hill, while creating an educational hub that our community is proud of”.
Resident Steve Coughlan
Says the VPA would not rule out more housing for Jacksons Hill. “This must be stopped at all costs.”
FEEDBACK
THE Victorian Planning Authority has vowed to incorporate community feedback into the Jacksons Hill Masterplan once consultations and submissions are completed.
Consultation will begin in February, 2017, after submissions for the Sunbury South and Lancefield Rd Precinct Structure Plans are finished.
The VPA says it is now undertaking background analysis “that will underpin community and stakeholder engagement”.
For more details and to sign on to receive email alerts on the project, visit vpa.vic.gov.au/project/jacksons-hill-masterplan
People can also contact VPA senior urban designer Tom Shield on 9651 9600 or tom.shield@vpa.vic.gov.au
CLICK HERE for more information.
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