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.

An artist’s impression of what the redevelopment on the old Eltham Shire office site could look like.

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.

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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