Jacksons Hill gets new lease on life
The historic and much-loved Jacksons Hill site will be in the hands of the State Government after official approval of its masterplan last week.
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The historic and much-loved Jacksons Hill site will be in the hands of the State Government after official approval of its masterplan last week.
The 33ha Victoria University-owned site will come under government control on January 1, after which planning for a new subdivision will begin.
Nine precincts were part of the Victoria Planning Authority’s draft masterplan released in December last year, and included an arts hub, a village green and the new neighbourhood.
Mr Bull, who made the official announcement, confirmed community groups using the site would have their tenancy extended.
HOUSING, SCHOOLS TO STAY IN STATE GOVERNMENT PLANS
“It’s terrific news for the community. It’s been a long campaign. It’s all about a new vision and opportunity for the site,” he said.
“When we took office in 2014 there was no vision and I think it’s turned around.”
It was confirmed the site’s heritage buildings would be preserved and repurposed. Part of the area will be used for housing.
The site master plan was also approved, giving way for three community projects funded under the last state budget.
The funding included $10.8 million to renovate Sunbury and Macedon Ranges specialist school, $3.5 million to upgrade Sunbury Primary School and $3 million for a new community arts precinct.
Sunbury Community Arts Network president Tony Rains said the announcement meant the network and Boilerhouse Theatre Company had security, “knowing the place is going to be there”.
“We’ve never known whether we’re going to be there from week to week,” he said.
Mr Rains said the focus was now on establishing the arts precinct.
“We’ve got a lot of young people coming through,” he said.
“They’re all looking forward to getting a new space to perform in.”
Hume Council is expected take ownership of parts of the site, including the arts and open spaces.
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