Hobsons Bay council will this month hold a community drop-in session to help shape the development of the former Laverton primary school site.
As reported by Star Weekly last month, questions were raised about the council’s delay in revealing plans for the Epsom Street site, which is expected to be turned into public housing and parkland.
The council allocated $2.3million in its 2014-15 budget to buy the former school. The total cost for the 1.4-hectare site, excluding GST, is $2.6million.
Former councillor John Hogg had questioned why no plans for the site had been revealed after more than 14 months.
Mayor Colleen Gates said the council was open to all ideas for developing the site.
“We have an opportunity to do something really special in this area of Laverton and we welcome suggestions from the local community on how this site can be best put to use,” she said.
The community drop-in session will be at the school site on November 26 from 6-8pm.
Those unable to attend may submit feedback online at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/epsomstreet
A community reference group will also be established to discuss ideas emerging from the consultation process.
For more information, call the council’s major projects team on 99321000.
According to a council report, 10,000 square metres would be required for a neighbourhood park, leaving 4450 square metres that could be used for “affordable housing”.
