The former Ruthven Primary School site in Reservoir to go on the market

HAVE YOUR SAY: THE Education Department has confirmed it will sell the former Ruthven Primary School site in Reservoir.

Ruthven Primary School

THE Education Department has confirmed it will sell the former Ruthven Primary School site in Reservoir.

When Leader visited the Glasgow Ave site last week, most of the former school buildings which last year were targeted by vandals and arsonists had been demolished.

What should happen to the site? Have your say below.

Department spokesman Simon Craig said the school, which merged with Merrilands and Lakeside colleges in 2010, had been "identified as surplus to educational requirements" and included in its "disposal program".

Mr Craig said if no government departments were interested in the land then it would be offered to Darebin Council to buy at market price, as determined by the Valuer-General.

The council has already voted to put in an expression of interest but Mayor Tim Laurence said the department should take into account a 1997 joint-use agreement between the council and school, which led to the council investing $360,000 in improvements and ongoing maintenance costs.

"We built two soccer fields, planted trees, had a barbecue area built, a picnic area and shading roofs," he said.

"This site filled the gap that was missing for a neighbourhood park."

Cr Laurence estimated the land, which is zoned for public use and subject to a single-dwelling covenant, was worth about $3 million.

Cr Gaetano Greco said a community forum had been arranged at 6.30pm on March 13 so everyone could have their say.

The forum will be held at St Joseph the Worker Church hall, 79 Wilson Boulevard, Reservoir.