More than 3500 jobs are expected to be created in Brimbank following the rezoning of about 72 hectares of land in Deer Park.
It was reported last year that mining explosives company Orica, which owns the land, was looking to sell it 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 hectares, equal to an area half the size of the Melbourne CBD, would have a big 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,” Mr Wise 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 for large-format retail, commercial or office use.”
Economic modelling indicates more than 3500 jobs could be created as a result of the future development of the site.
Mr Wise said Orica had engaged the community in preserving heritage elements of the site and had addressed issues raised by the community.
The Orica Deer Park has been identified as a strategic development site in the Brimbank Municipal Strategic Statement.
Site remediation has already started with development works scheduled to begin in the 2016-17 financial year.
