A new secondary school, an entertainment precinct, extra green space and an affordable housing development.
These were some of the suggestions offered during community consultation on the future of the Footscray Hospital once it is vacated in 2026.
A summary report on the consultation process was recently released, revealing more than 6000 people had engaged with the process, more than 1500 surveys had been completed, more than 200 comments left on an interactive map and 150 interactions made at community pop-up sites.
There were also two written submissions made during the engagement process, which along with technical assessments, will inform the future use of the Gordon Street site that will begin being vacated late next year as operations move to the new Footscray Hospital on the corner of Ballarat and Geelong roads.
Respondents nominated more open space, greener places and streets and more affordable housing as the three things the area around the hospital site needed most, with gathering spaces, walking and jogging infrastructure, playgrounds, community services and barbecue areas the recreational facilities that were most lacking.
Traffic congestion and cyclist safety were the main concerns respondents had if the area was to become more populated.
Of the existing buildings on the site, the former psychiatric hospital was of most interest, with Maribyrnong council confirming it had requested the brutalist structure be handed to them at no cost so it could be converted into community space.
Commenting on social media, Footscray MP Katie Hall said she would look into the proposal.
Details: www.engage.vic.gov.au/footscray
Cade Lucas
