Sunbury’s iconic Jacksons Hill precinct is on the drawing board of city planners again.
The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) met last week with Sunbury Asylum Alliance, a residents group involved in developing a new master plan for the former Sunbury asylum site and Victoria University campus.
The site is central to Sunbury’s urban growth agenda, one of four new precincts currently amidst community redevelopment.
The VPA is co-ordinating the new Jacksons Hill master plan and has already met with several groups, with discussions ongoing next month.
Alliance co-founder Alison Cunningham said her group was grateful to be included in the talks.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull, who is seeking legal protection for the 35-hectare site, wants Jacksons Hill to be retained for education and community uses.
But the possibility that sections of the site, which is zoned residential, could be sold to raise money to bring historic buildings back to their original condition, were of concern for some groups.
VPA regional director Tim Peggie has said precinct structure plans for Sunbury would not impact heritage overlays at Jacksons Hill.
“We understand the community cares deeply for the site, and we will be working with Hume council, Victoria University, government departments and the local community to develop the plan,” Mr Peggie said.
He said the sale of areas of the precinct could raise more than $800 million to fund
new infrastructure and community facilities.
“These plans will also significantly increase the amount of open space that is accessible to the public, with an additional 1300 hectares of land being opened up,” he said.
“Many areas previously closed to the public – such as parts of Jacksons, Harpers and Emu creeks – will be available for all to enjoy.”
For updates and to be involved in the Jacksons Hill master plan, go to bit.ly/2j9iuk4
