The City of Stonnington is pleased to confirm that it has been offered an exclusive opportunity to negotiate the potential purchase of the Windsor Community Children's Centre (WCCC) site at 131-133 Union Street, Windsor.
This development provides Council with the opportunity to undertake the detailed due diligence required, as is appropriate with any such purchase decision. The negotiation period also allows Council time to explore funding options and explore the terms of a future lease with WCCC. It is an important step forward.
Council also welcomes Swinburne's commitment to provide WCCC with a 12-month grace period to remain onsite until 31 December 2026 and supports this arrangement as an important measure to give families and staff certainty during the negotiation phase.
Stonnington Mayor Cr Melina Sehr welcomes the response of Swinburne University to the Council's earlier conditional purchase offer but noted that further work remains.
"This negotiation period gives Council the space it needs to carefully evaluate the financial, legal and operational implications of a potential purchase," Cr Sehr said.
"We are appreciative of Swinburne's willingness to engage with us in this way, however the community should understand that a final position has not yet been reached."
"Our responsibility is to act prudently, transparently and with the interests of local families at the centre of our considerations."
Cr Sehr said Council would continue to keep the community informed as the negotiation period progresses, and more information becomes available.
"We know how significant WCCC is to the Windsor community. This next phase gives everyone time and clarity as we work through what may be possible, and Council remains committed to approaching these negotiations with care and diligence."
