Tara Murray
Residents and Brimbank council are calling for heritage buildings at the old Sunshine Secondary College sites in Sunshine to be saved.
As reported by Star Weekly, the state government has issued an advanced tender notice for demolition in relation to the former Sunshine Secondary School sites due to vandalism and antisocial behaviour on the sites.
The decision has angered residents and the council, who want the heritage buildings at the Sunshine site on 111 and 129 Derby Road saved.
Trevor Cunningham said some of the buildings, which were designed by the renowned architect Percy Everett, were linked to the history of Sunshine.
“The technical school was the idea of H V McKay and he donated the land upon which the school was constructed,” he said.
“He also donated a sizable portion of the cost to build the school.
“My view the school was integral to the success of the manufacturing enterprise after which the suburb was eventually named.
“My contention is that the Everett-designed buildings at the school site are intrinsically linked to the local, state and national history, even apart from their architectural merit.
“To allow them to be demolished would remove forever one of the pillars of the history of Sunshine.”
Brimbank city development director Kelvin Walsh said council had already been in touch with the state government seeking assurances that the heritage buildings would be saved.
He said the two sites sit within heritage overlays.
“Brimbank City Council has a responsibility to protect Brimbank’s heritage through legislation available to us,” he said.
“Landowners also have a responsibility to conserve, protect and maintain their heritage places.
“Council recently became aware of an advanced tender notice for demolition in relation to the former Sunshine Secondary School by the department of education.
“The buildings are very important from a built form and cultural perspective.
“Council expects these buildings to be retained and is seeking assurances from the state government that the heritage buildings are retained and protected.”
