Seventeen blocks of land could go under the hammer as Nillumbik Council slashes debt and funds community projects
CHUNKS of Nillumbik Council land will be sold off to revitalise the heart of Eltham and pave the way for a string of “legacy” projects.
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IT’S the great Diamond Valley land sell-off.
Seventeen blocks of land could go under the hammer as Nillumbik Council makes a bold bid to slash its $13.8 million debt, which costs $800,000 interest annually.
Seven community projects will also receive money from the land sales.
A hotel, tourist information centre, art gallery, council and commercial office space plus carparking have been earmarked by the council for the land on which the old Eltham Shire offices sat at 895 and 903-907 Main Rd.
RELATED: Unused council land could also house a big convention centre and art gallery
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Comment below
The site, which had been dormant for 25 years, hosted the Eltham Shire offices before it was abolished by the State Government on December 15, 1994, and merged with Diamond Valley to create Nillumbik Shire.
The community has been asked to have its say on the project.
Mayor Peter Clarke said council wanted to create “architectural excellence”.
“We want to consult the community about ways to revitalise the site as a real focal point for Eltham, better linking the former shire office site and the library with the town centre and train station and generating employment opportunities,” Cr Clarke said.
Cr John Dumaresq said despite the controversial site being an “open wound” for some, work needed to proceed and it should become the “jewel in Eltham’s crown”.
Cr Bruce Ranken said “this one (decision) has the least effect on our ratepayers with the best outcome for our community”.
LAND BEING SOLD BY THE COUNCIL
ELTHAM
120 Arthur St
17A Ruskin Court
26 Renshaw Drive
12 The Eyrie
62 Frank St
1307 Main Rd
20A Henry St
ELTHAM NORTH
34 Glen Park Rd
GREENSBOROUGH
8-9 Cosham Court
46 Symon Cres
303 Plenty River Drive
DIAMOND CREEK
14 Ripon Close
60 David Hockney Drive
18a Citriodora Court
RESEARCH
4 Raglan Court
34 Raglan Rd
PLENTY
251-259 Yan Yean Rd
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