By Tate Papworth
Two local schools have shown interest in taking over the former Keilor Park Primary School site.
The Eliza Street site has been the centre of a heated community battle since Development Victoria announced plans to build 72 townhouses.
Earlier this year member for Niddrie Ben Carroll stepped in and the plans were scrapped.
Development Victoria is reviewing its proposal.
The Keilor Park Community Group, which was formed to oppose the development, maintains it would prefer the land be for public use.
Mr Carroll last week confirmed he had held meetings with several local schools about the future use of the site.
“I’ve met with Penleigh Grammar and St Christopher’s who have both ruled out interest,” Mr Carroll said.
“St Bernard’s College have expressed interest for something I believe they’d use with St Columba’s.”
Star Weekly has been told that representatives from the two colleges will meet soon to discuss how they could work in partnership to best use the land.
Mr Carroll said while the schools had expressed interest in taking over the site, a lot of boxes needed to be ticked before that happened.
“I’ve passed on the information that the schools are interested and I’m happy to facilitate appropriate meetings,” he said.
“Obviously the school would need to find the appropriate funding and the area would need to be re-zoned again for education.”
While he was clear nothing had been locked in, Mr Carroll said he was confident a resolution that satisfies the community would be reached.
“I’ve been very clear that I don’t support the plan for 72 townhouses,” he said.
“I’ll continue to fight for a better outcome for the site.”
