Residents are invited to have their say on the proposed sale of the former Hobsons Bay Kindergarten site, located at 122 Woods Street in Newport.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Peter Hemphill said that funds raised from the sale of the three lots would be reinvested into the community.
"We seek feedback from the community on the proposal to sell an underutilised facility and put money back into the community," said Cr Hemphill.
"Half of the money from the sale would be invested in the Western Aquatics facility construction reserve, a quarter into the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre construction reserve, and a quarter for the Hobsons Bay Property Development Fund reserve."
The sale of the property was originally agreed by Council in 2010, with the Hobsons Bay Kindergarten and Toy Library relocating to the Newport Gardens Early Years Centre in 2014.
However, the site could not be sold due to a restrictive covenant registered on two of the lots. This covenant has now been removed through a planning scheme amendment, with the proposed sale aligning with the Council's recently endorsed Property Strategy.
Cr Hemphill said that before proposing the sale, an analysis was conducted to ensure there was sufficient kindergarten services in the area.
"The Newport Gardens Early Years Centre is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility which meets the needs of young families in Newport," said Cr Hemphill.
"In addition, a private childcare service offering integrated kindergarten services is currently under construction on the corner of Maddox and Woods Street."
In reaching its decision, Council also determined there was ample open space within the area, with Loft Reserve located within 300m of the property and Jack Madigan Reserve within a 550m.
All submissions received during this consultation will be presented at a future Council Meeting in 2022, prior to Council making a decision on whether to sell the properties.
Feedback closes Sunday 29 May. To make a submission, visit participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/122woods
