Sunbury state Labor MP Josh Bull calls for master plan on future of VU campus at Jacksons Hill

CALLS for a master plan have emerged as questions around the future of this former VU campus in Melbourne’s northwest remain.

Hume councillor Ann Potter, McEwen federal Labor MP Rob Mitchell, Sunbury state Labor MP Josh Bull, Sunbury Community Progress Association president Alison Cunningham and Julee Davenport from the Sunbury Asylum Alliance discuss the future of the former VU campus on Jacksons Hill. Picture: Andy Brownbill.

A MASTER plan seeking community input could be in the works for the former VU campus on Jacksons Hill if calls for a united front between all levels of government are realised.

Sunbury state Labor MP Josh Bull visited the old Victoria University site on Friday along with McEwen federal Labor MP Rob Mitchell and Hume councillor Ann Potter, calling for a joint approach to secure a long-term plan for the area.

It comes days after Mr Bull tabled a petition of more than 1200 signatures in Parliament supporting government protection for the site, directing his calls to the Planning Minister.

The buildings are used by community groups including the Sunbury Community Arts Network, 3NRG, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School and the Boilerhouse Theatre.

While four buildings are likely to be maintained under the Sunbury Arts and Cultural Precinct Concept, the rest of the site’s future lies with VU and the State Government.

Mr Bull said an overarching plan for the area would account for heritage buildings, such as the former asylum, and allow it to be considered alongside growth in surrounding areas.

“Growth projections mean there will be more demand for schools and tertiary education,” he said.

“I’m pushing for Jacksons Hill to be an education and community hub for the growing number of families in Sunbury.

“A master plan means people will be able to have their say and have a clear picture on what a redeveloped Jacksons Hill could look like.”

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Cr Potter said it was “silly” leaving the site unused.

“It’s damaged, it’s getting vandalised, the buildings are so historic and valuable for our community,” she said.

“We’re losing an iconic piece of Sunbury. It’s just been left to rot. It’s just too valuable for that to happen.”

Sunbury Community Progress Association president and Sunbury Asylum Alliance co-founder Alison Cunningham said it appeared something might finally happen with the site.

“It’s a positive step going forward that at least there’s notice being taken of it and … hopefully some sort of plan (will be) implemented,” she said.

“I’m sure all those details will be worked out in due course but hopefully it’s not too long (or) it will just deteriorate and deteriorate.

“(It has) the potential to be more than just another housing estate ... It can be something really, really great.”

Sunbury Residents’ Association president Bernie O’Farrell said they had long called for the site to be retained for future educational and training use and did not want to see it sold off for future housing development. He said the community should decide how it would be used.

Leader has sought comment from Victoria University.