Maribyrnong Council want detention centre transformed into housing and public open space

Once the trouble-plagued home to hundreds of asylum seekers, the state government is tight-lipped about the future of the former Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre. But it’s hoped the land will be used for the area’s booming population.

Former Maribyrnong Detention Centre. Picture: Brendan Francis

While the state government is tight-lipped about the future of the now-defunct Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre, Maribyrnong Council has a clear hope for the precinct.

The council wants the former centre, which is 18km from Melbourne’s CBD and close to amenities such as Highpoint shopping centre and the Maribyrnong River, used for housing and open space to address the booming population forecast for the northwest.

The centre closed on New Year’s Eve, marking a major ramping down of Australia’s onshore processing network.

Its remaining detainees were transferred to other facilities in December.

It has not yet been decided what the government will do with the 1.26ha site.

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Maribyrnong Council planning services director Nigel Higgins said the council wanted to see the precinct opened up to housing and parkland.

“We would...hope that it contains community and open spaces as well as consideration of active transport options,” Mr Higgins said.

Maribyrnong’s population is forecast to increase by 67 per cent by 2041, to almost 160,000 people, according to council figures.

Footscray is predicted to have the biggest growth with a 153 per cent boost in residents between 2019 and 2041.

Corrections Minister Ben Carroll.

Corrections Minister Ben Carroll would not comment on rumours the site could become a prison.

Instead, a written statement said: “Like any good government, we undertake a range of activities to plan for and meet future demand”.

But residents are full of ideas for the site.

Amanda Lobo said she would like to see a community hub there.

Peter Gallagher said a railway station would do well.

“Could be a great way to get cars off the road. Something to improve the area rather than build it up would be nice,” he said.

Melissa Vinci would like to see the site made into a community centre for disabled people.

“A place to build skills, socialise and receive support.”

“But, if it’s sold I’m sure it will be turned into a million tiny apartments in the air,” she said.

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