An Olympic Games village has been flagged as a possibly linchpin in the redevelopment of the derelict Maribyrnong Defence site.
The site has been earmarked as potentially suitable for hosting an athlete’s village should Melbourne consider a bid for the 2028 or 2032 Olympic Games.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said Melbourne is a “friendly” city with world-class sports facilities and he would be speaking with key sports authorities about the prospect of a bid to host the Olympics.
Star Weekly last month reported the federal government is seeking expressions of interest for a clean-up of Maribyrnong’s heavily contaminated former munitions site, which could take several years and cost up to $300 million.
Negotiations over the sale of the 127-hectare riverfront site to state government developer Places Victoria, dragging on since 2009, are expected to be completed in coming months.
Maribyrnong Council has been pushing to fast-track the opening up of the riverfront stretch of the site to allow the completion of a ‘Temple to Temple Trail’ along the Maribyrnong River connecting with Braybrook.
Maribyrnong mayor Cameron McDonald said the idea of an athlete’s village in Maribyrnong is appealing, but it would need to be carefully handled to ensure a positive legacy for future residents.
“It would certainly make sense, but I would like us to be part of that decision making and planning process,” he said.
Cr McDonald said he has sought a meeting with federal defence minister Marise Payne to discuss the future of the site.
Places Victoria chief executive Gregory Anderson said Places Victoria and the Department of Defence have made good progress during detailed discussions over the last few months.
“We would like a resolution as soon as practical that will enable the revitalisation of this significant site close to central Melbourne to begin,” he said.
“Delivering new and affordable homes for Victorians and amenities for the broader community remain our key ambitions for the site.”
Melbourne hosted the Olympics in 1956, losing out to Atlanta in its most recent bid in 1996. The city also staged the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
