Housing, the arts and schools key planks of Jacksons Hill draft masterplan

PRIVATE development of up to 200 lots, school expansion, a cultural precinct and creative industries are all mooted in the Jacksons Hill draft masterplan.

Jacksons Hill.

PRIVATE development of up to 200 lots, school expansion, a cultural precinct and creative industries are all mooted in the Jacksons Hill draft masterplan.

According to the draft plan released tonight, the reinvigoration of “the hill” will also require government investment and not-for-profit involvement.

The document, assembled by the Victorian Planning Authority, sets out a series of four “catalyst projects”, which guide the strategic use of the sprawling site that includes 25 heritage buildings.

RELATED: Community has say on future of Jacksons Hill

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THE PLAN: Jacksons Hill masterplan

The expansion of the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School; community arts and cultural precinct; creative Industries; and secondary school are all set out in the document.

But a developer would have scope for the development of townhouses and stand-alone dwellings, albeit within heritage guidelines.

The plans also include better connectivity with roads to more easily drive around and through the precinct.

The future of the former VU site has been a hot topic in Sunbury for close to a decade since the university closed. Only a limited number of buildings have been used since, while the site has battled maintenance issues and vandalism.

An artist’s impression outlining the Jacksons Hill draft masterplan.

Close to 1200 people took part in consultation about possible uses for the Jacksons Hill site in February.

The Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School has battled capacity issues in recent years, while the Community Arts and Cultural Precinct builds on work already done by Hume Council.

Creative Victoria has an interest in the creative industries concept, while the Education Department has sought undeveloped land for a new secondary college.

Sunbury state Labor MP Josh Bull said the masterplan process would set out how the hill best served its community.

“We’re one step closer to bringing Jacksons Hill back to life,” he said.

“This treasured heritage asset will soon become a location all Sunbury residents can be proud to call their own.

“Jacksons Hill really is a world of possibility. With the community’s views and the right planning, we’ll ensure it reaches its full potential.”

A consultation session was held tonight and another will follow on December 7, 4.30-6.30pm, at the Sunbury Bowling Club.

Feedback is being sought from the VPA. CLICK HERE for the online feedback form, or visit the interactive map HERE.

Approval of the final masterplan is expected in the middle of next year.

AT A GLANCE

NINE UNIQUE PLACES

Learn and play: Open space, community use, potential secondary school

The Gateway: Apartments, short-stay accommodation

The Hub: Thriving place with mixed uses among heritage buildings

The Loft: Food and beverages, boutique accommodation, valley views

Jacksons Retreat: Retirement living, townhouses

Village Heart: Central meeting space, village green, cafes and shared spaces

Culture and Learning District: Reuse of heritage buildings, specialist school expansion, creative precinct, community garden

The Landing: Residential dwellings, links to Jacksons Creek open space corridor, open space

Main Street: Pedestrian priority, community and medical facilities, co-working spaces, retail and food

CATALYST PROJECTS

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School expansion

Community, arts and cultural precinct

Creative industries

Secondary School