Sunbury is a step closer to finally getting its own global learning centre.
Hume council snapped up a 4083-square- metre site in Macedon Street for $1.885 million last Thursday, with chief executive Domenic Isola declaring it a “stellar day for the people of Sunbury and our entire municipality”.
Mr Isola said the council wanted to build its new library and learning centre at the central site, which adjoins the existing library opposite the former council offices, which are now leased to Western Water.
The deal was sealed after the property was handed in during its on-site auction by agents Burgess Rawson.
Mr Isola said Sunbury’s population was expected to grow by up to 70 per cent within 15 years. “The site will house a state-of-the-art library as well as rooms and high-tech facilities to assist the education of Sunbury residents for many years to come.’’
THE HUME GLOBAL LEARNING CENTRE, CRAIGIEBURN. PICTURE: HUME COUNCIL
Mr Isola added that the global learning centre would become one of three in Hume’s global village concept of linked lifelong learning centres. Others are at Broadmeadows and Craigieburn.
The purchase was applauded by Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie O’Farrell. The association recently wrote to the council, urging it to buy the land, which was formerly used for a service station.
‘‘We’re very pleased,’’ Mr O’Farrell said. ‘‘That site just makes sense.
“It may still be some years away, but at least that land has been secured for the community.’’
Mr O’Farrell said the group looked forward to seeing more details about the council’s plans.
Mr Isola said residents would be given the chance to have design input.
“The global learning centre will offer Sunbury a modern civic building,” he said.
“We want to construct a centre that can meet the needs of a community which includes many senior citizens and large numbers of young families.”
