Three parcels of land in Sydenham could soon go under the auctioneer’s hammer – but at least one resident has other plans.
Brimbank council has announced its intentions to sell adjoining blocks 541, 545 and 547 beside the Melton Highway.
The three blocks, with a combined area of 8121 square metres, was site of the Sydenham public hall in the 1930s.
The hall was demolished in the early 1990s after falling into disrepair, and the site has been vacant since.
Richard Carthew, of the newly formed Sydenham Bowls Club, said he would like to see the Melton Highway blocks turned into a synthetic bowling green, clubhouse and carpark.
Carthew said that under his plan, the proposed bowls club could also be used by other community groups.
“We’d like to see part of Sydenham used for community facilities. We don’t need another 30 units.
“The council talk about it as a council asset. To us, it’s a community asset.”
Land at 545 Melton Highway was originally set aside for another public hall, and the adjoining blocks at 547 Melton Highway were designated for a church, under the terms of a Crown grant.
But in 2004, Brimbank council successfully applied to the then-department of sustainability and environment to move any restrictions on the titles.
The council’s corporate and community relations director, Helen Morrissey, said the three sites were considered surplus to the council’s requirements.
Council administrator Jane Nathan said the original use of the site should not be lost to history.
She said the council would “look to make sure that recognition of this site is tangible into the future”.
Surplus land sales have netted Brimbank council alamost $10 million in the past five years.
Residents can have their say about the sale of the blocks until May 26.
For more information, go to www.brimbank.vic.gov.au.
