Hume City Council has today signed a long-term lease for the heritage-listed Female Refractory Ward (known as Building 22) at Jacksons Hill Sunbury from the Victorian State Government.
Today's announcement comes after Council voted to write to the Minister for Planning, the Hon Lizzie Blandthorn MP, asking the Minister to approve the transfer of the additional 3.269 hectares of land while Council awaits the transfer of Reserve 1, which has been delayed due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the preparation and approval of the Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
Due diligence undertaken on Building 22 has shown that the building is in a reasonable condition and works will need to be undertaken to fit out the building in a way that accommodates the needs of the arts and local community.
Securing public access to the remaining 3.269 hectares of land at the top of Jacksons Hill Sunbury will help to facilitate ongoing community access to improve community infrastructure to support the needs of the local arts and cultural community.
The Sunbury Community Arts and Cultural Precinct located at Jacksons Hill Sunbury is a significant capital works project which is a shared priority for Hume City Council and the Victorian State Government.
In 2019, the Victorian State Government announced $3 million worth of funding towards the delivery of Stage 1 works at Jacksons Hill on top of $3 million already committed by Hume City Council.
Council will now advance planning work, in consultation with our Community Advisory Group to ensure planning for this site responds to the needs of the Sunbury and surrounding community.
Quotes to be attributed to Mayor, Councillor Carly Moore
"We are thrilled that we have been able to sign this lease with the Victorian Government and I look forward to works commencing in the near future."
"This is a great result, and I am so pleased that we have been able to secure this building for use by the Sunbury community."
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