The former City West Water headquarters in Sunshine could soon be home to a mix of houses and businesses if plans to rezone the 13.1-hectare site are approved.
Planning Panels Victoria has recommended that plans to subdivide the site into two lots and rezone the site from ‘public use zone 1’ to part ‘mixed use zone’ and part ‘general residential zone’ be approved.
The panel report outlined plans to offer a mix of apartment blocks and other residential options – including an aged-care facility or retirement village – and a range of commercial and industrial businesses on the land fronting St Albans Road.
Plans for the second lot, backing onto Stony Creek, include about 119 residential properties, with a pedestrian and vehicle bridge over Stony Creek for future residents to be able to access Lloyd Reserve, Albion North Primary School, the Western Ring Road and bus routes along Furlong and McIntyre roads.
City West Water, which owns the site, moved operations to Footscray at the end of July. The site is currently vacant.
Council city development director Stuart Menzies said the site had significant redevelopment potential.
“An effective reuse of the site will be beneficial to the area.” Mr Menzies said the council would consider the panel’s recommendations and vote on the proposed subdivision at a future meeting.
The plans would also need to be approved by the state planning minister for the rezoning to take effect.
