More than 3500 jobs are expected to be created in Brimbank following the rezoning of about 72 hectares of land in Deer Park.
The Star Weekly reported in July last year mining explosives company Orica, who own the land, was looking to sell for $100 million.
It’s believed the land is contaminated with lead following “heavy chemical use”.
Orica Group General Manager of Property Daniel Wise said the rezoned area, which equals an area half the size of the Melbourne CBD, would have a large economic benefit for the west.
“The eastern portion of the Deer Park site will be transformed over time for the economic benefit of the surrounding community,” he said.
“The rezoning has the potential to provide new local employment creation as the property represents a unique and attractive urban infill development opportunity. This could include use of the land as large format retail, commercial or office use.”
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Economic modelling indicates more than 3500 jobs could be created as a result of the future development of the site.
He said Orica has engaged the community regarding the preservation of heritage elements of the site and addressed issues raised by the community.
The Star Weekly reported in February an independent panel received 14 submissions about Orica’s plans to rezone from industrial to commercial, with two state government agencies advising against it.
The state Development, Business and Innovation Department said it feared the panel’s approval could eventually lead to a school being built 200 metres from a plant involved in “significant chemical production”.
The Orica Deer Park has been identified as strategic development site in the Brimbank Municipal Strategic Statement.
Site remediation works have already started with development works scheduled to commence in the 2016-17 financial year.
