Unused council land could also house a big convention centre and art gallery

A MULTI-million dollar redevelopment to a suburban precinct, which would include a 120-room hotel, could kick off as early as this year.

A MULTI-million dollar redevelopment to a suburban precinct, which would include a 120-room hotel, could kick off as early as this year.

Nillumbik Council plans to offload surplus land to pay off its $13.46 million debt, including the old shire office site on Main Rd in Eltham.

Mayor Peter Clarke is hoping for a hotel to be built by developers on the site.

It would also include a convention centre and art gallery.

Cr Clarke said a feasibility study had been completed and indicated it could be a low level structure with 120 rooms.

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He said there had been no design work done yet and options could be explored. Community consultation could start later this year.

Nillumbik Council mayor Peter Clarke. Picture: Mark Wilson

Cr Clarke said the idea stemmed from conversations with the arts community, including Sigmund Jorgenson, son of Montsalvat founder Justus Jorgensen.

Cr Clarke said external consultants believed it would be sustainable.

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The plan is part of the Eltham Town Centre redevelopment.

It has been broken up into sections — medical, recreational, commercial, transport and old shire offices site — which would include major contributions from the private sector for the revamp.

A private hospital could also be in the pipeline

Cr Clarke said he’d like to replace extra train stabling with car parking at Eltham Train Station before building one to two levels above the carpark for medical uses.

“In those precincts we’re looking at about a $120 million upgrade using private sector funds,” he said.

“The council is not looking to borrow anything.

“We will sell land and end up using that to pay off debt.”

@britt_shanahan