Brimbank council has requested the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) provide it with a summary clarifying how the Sunshine superhub project will protect and enhance local heritage sites within and adjacent to the project boundary.
Council’s request for the summary — to be delivered after the project scope has been finalised — was made in response to LXRP’s request for feedback on the project’s draft declared area boundary for the first stage of the project.
“There are several individual heritage places within or adjacent to the draft declared project boundary that may be at risk due to construction or associated works,” council highlighted in the report.
“Every effort should be made in the design and delivery phase of the project to protect and preserve local heritage places.”
Council also requested input into and review of the final project report.
Some potentially affected heritage sites listed by council included the Sunshine Station signal box, the black arch railway bridge and the Vic Railways DC substation.
Sunshine historical society president John Pardy said the signal box is especially important as it’s one of the oldest in the state.
“The issue with the superhub is that to protect that signal box, it will require a design that makes it accessible because of its heritage value,” Mr Pardy said.
“Making Sunshine a destination is important and the heritage value of the buildings is significant to that…”
A LXRP spokesperson told Star Weekly the LXRP is still working through designs for superhub upgrades.
“…we will take every step needed to minimise impact and protect nearby heritage sites which we know are significant for the local community,” the spokesperson said.
The LXRP said it completes extensive design, environmental and heritage assessments on all projects to ensure the best outcomes for the community, minimal impact on the environment and protection of heritage places in project areas.
It indicated that the project is expected to have minimal impact on heritage sites, including the signal box at Sunshine Station.
Where impact is unavoidable, further assessment and approval will be sought with any required heritage impact assessments, plans and documents to be prepared, according to the LXRP.
