By JASON TURNER
RESIDENTS near Springvale’s former depot site appear to have been the last to learn of Greater Dandenong Council’s plans to sell the large tract of land.
Last week, the council received a petition with 229 signatures against the sale of the site, estimated to be 20,220 square metres of disused vacant land between Springvale Town Hall and View Road, opposite the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club.
McDonald Real Estate Springvale director Harry Li estimated the site’s value at more than $10 million if it was zoned commercial, or up to $6 million if used for low-density housing.
When the Journal spoke to residents near the property, most were unaware of both the petition and the council’s plans to sell the site.
Nearby resident Arena, who did not want her surname published, said: “We haven’t heard anything about it, haven’t been advised by anyone.” However, she added “there’s no use in leaving it [the site] like that”.
The depot site borders the rear of her property. She said she would not be against the sale but wanted the proceeds directed to the Springvale area. Other residents suggested the land could be turned into shops or public housing.
Lightwood Ward councillor Youhorn Chea opposed the sale because he believed the land should be used by the community. “I believe that in Springvale, especially Springvale central, there’s not much open space and nice gardens would be good,” Cr Chea said.
He said that when the council moved to the new municipal building in Dandenong, the old Springvale offices could be turned into a larger community centre with a renovated library, and part of the depot land incorporated into it.
His fellow Lightwood Ward councillor Sean O’Reilly was undecided, adding that the matter was yet to be discussed by the newly elected council.
The council’s engineering services director Bruce Rendall said upgrades to the city hall and library would be discussed when draft ideas for the site were presented in the first half of this year.
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