Victoria University’s zone change request could turn Jacksons Hill into residential hub

IF HUME Council approves Victoria University’s request to rezone Jacksons Hill, it would allow residential development at the site.

Member for Western Metropolitan Region, Liberal politician Bernie Finn and Liberal candidate Jo Hagan, at the old VU campus in Sunbury. A $60,000 grant has been given from Plan Melbourne funding to maintain present art groups and prepare a study for a possible global learning centre

VICTORIA University has formally requested Hume Council rezone its Jacksons Hill site to Comprehensive Development Zone.

The request, received by the council from town planners Hansen partnership, would alter the zone from Public Use Zone 2 — Education, allowing the historic Jacksons Hill site to be developed as a residential hub.

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HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS SITE BEING DEVELOPED? TELL US BELOW.

Hume acting sustainability director Michael Sharp said officers from the council were assessing the application and supporting documents.

“Once the application is in a suitable form, council will receive a report and may choose to request authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare the amendment and place it on exhibition for community input,” Mr Sharp said.

Sunbury Residents’ Association president Bernie O’Farrell said residents would not support the move to make the site residential, even in a limited capacity, around stringent heritage guidelines.

“I believe Sunbury residents want it retained as an educational facility,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“There may be other public uses … but Sunbury people don’t want Jacksons Hill turned into an estate.”

Mr O’Farrell said he felt a thorough public consultation process would be implemented and with the imminent establishment of the Sunbury City Council the decision was to proceed further with the plans and was not likely to be made by Hume Council planners.

There has been widespread debate over the future of the abandoned university site with advocates for a community hub and TAFE College.

Julie Davenport and Alison Cunningham want the site turned into an Abbotsford Convent style art and community hub.