Residents are calling on Brimbank council to order the demolition of the former council building at 6-18 Alexandra Avenue in Sunshine, citing concerns for safety as crime worsens at the site.
Sunshine resident Sally Glenn, who lives near Alexandra Avenue, said she had taken extra measures to secure her property.
“We feel unsafe in our own home and the whole area feels very unsafe,” Ms Glenn said.
“When I walk back to the car in the morning or evening I’m constantly looking around to see if it’s safe or if anyone’s around.”
Ms Glenn said crime and safety issues had escalated over the past six months.
“There’s a lot more people coming and going and squatting there and it’s becoming really volatile and really unsafe,” she said.
“Lots of smashing of glass…stolen cars have been dumped there.
“There’s constantly fires there. I would hate to think how many times the fire brigade have been called out to the property.”
Ms Glenn said Brimbank council needs to take action.
“I believe at a minimum the council should be putting an urgent order on the building to deem it unsafe and have the owner demolish it,” she said.
“It would alleviate so many of the current issues if that building was not standing.”
An online petition calling on council to order the demolition of the building has received over 275 signatures.
Brimbank council sold the dilapidated building, which has heritage significance, to a private owner for over $5.5 million in 2018.
Director city futures Kelvin Walsh said council is monitoring the issue.
“Council is aware of the condition of the site and is currently working with the owner to address its concerns and to seek to have works completed to ensure the site is clean and safe,” Mr Walsh said.
“If issues remain, council officers will take appropriate action as allowed by the relevant legislation.”
As previously reported by Star Weekly in 2024, a planning permit was issued for the site to convert the existing building into 35 apartments.
Mr Walsh said this permit had now expired.
“There are no current planning approvals for the use or development of the building or land,” he said.
A Victoria police spokesperson said Sunshine police conduct regular patrols of the area to detect and deter crime.
“Anyone who witnesses or has information about a crime is urged to report the matter to police so we can investigate,” the spokesperson said.
