Tate Papworth
There are growing concerns over the future of Sunshine’s iconic silos.
The Greater Sunshine Community Alliance believes the silos are potentially in danger of damage or demolition as a result of an imminent sale.
Alliance convenor Stephen Torsi last week sent a letter to Planning Minister Richard Wynne, requesting protection for much-loved silos.
“We are writing to you to request urgent Interim Heritage Protection Order action, in relation to the Bulk Grain Store buildings, known as the ‘South Sunshine Silos’… which play a vital role as an urban landmark within the City of Brimbank, especially for the Sunshine community,“ Mr Torsi said.
“Our understanding is that the silos are potentially in danger of damage or demolition, related to the imminent sale of the site, from current public ownership to likely private ownership.
“Expressions of interest for the purchase close on 28th August 2020 so immediate action is required.“
He said that Brimbank council was looking into the matter, but was constrained in what it could do during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We understand that preliminary heritage investigations are underway by Brimbank council but that they are unable to be completed due to COVID-19 restrictions,“ Mr Torsi said.
“Whilst the heritage and cultural significance of the iconic silos is anticipated to be clear, we also wanted to add a focus on the future, and the desirability of thesSilos being a key feature of our city, going forward.“
In 2018 the silos played host to a festival of projections after a Sunshine local’s idea to turn them into an outdoor cinema was given the green light by the state government’s Pick My Project initiative.
