Kilsyth Cambridge Road school site fight ramps up

The Kilsyth community is making a striking statement as it fights to save a treasured piece of land.

More than 4000 ribbons have been placed at 150 Cambridge Rd Kilsyth, as residents fight for the site to be retained as open space for the community.

The Kilsyth community is ramping up its fight to save a treasured former school site from development.

More than 4000 colourful ribbons have been strung along the old Pembroke High School site on Cambridge Rd, as residents campaign for the site to be turned into a bushland reserve.

The 3.58ha site is owned by the state government, but could be sold to developers and turned into a housing estate.

The Save 150 Cambridge Road Kilsyth Facebook group is calling for the land to be retained as open space, parkland and wetland.

The site is used daily by walkers, bike riders and those looking to enjoy nature, especially during Covid lockdowns.

Leader previously reported Yarra Ranges councillors unanimously voted to endorse the state government’s proposal to rezone the land from educational use to a neighbourhood residential zone in 2019, allowing for development.

According to the state government, the Education Department offered to sell the land to the council, but the offer was rejected.

At a council meeting late last year, Cr Len Cox moved that the council write to Education Minister James Merlino to call for the Department of Education to consider gifting or leasing the site to the council, enabling it to be retained as public open space, forming part of the Elizabeth Bridge Reserve, for the benefit and health and wellbeing of the community.

The ribbons at 150 Cambridge Rd Kilsyth.

John Phillips, part of the group fighting to save the site, said he believed the government would not lease or gift the land.

He said he would like the council buy the site, and understood the state government had offered to sell the land to council for 50 per cent below market value.

He said he understood the impact of the recent storm damage and pandemic on the council, but said saving the valued site was urgent.

“This has no snooze button – when the light goes out that is it,” he said.

“The health and wellbeing benefits that are enjoyed daily by residents will be removed

at a time where it’s more needed than ever before.”

Mr Phillips said residents enjoyed using the site every day, with parents pushing prams and children riding bikes.

“It allows people to de-stress and connect with nature close to home.”

He said there was already a shortage of open space in Kilsyth.

“There is really nothing left for the growing population’s future, that’s why this is such a good opportunity,” Mr Phillips said.

Yarra Ranges Council environment and infrastructure director Mark Varmalis said the council was continuing to work cooperatively with the state government on the valuation and purchase process for the potential acquisition of the site.

The state government was contacted for comment.