NEW HOSPITAL A WIN FOR THE WEST … BUT WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE OLD HOSPITAL SITE?!?
Residents individually and collectively through Reimagining Old Footscray Hospital Community Group have been talking about the potential of the current Gordon / Eleanor Street Footscray Hospital Site for years – visioning a future precinct and seeking to engage meaningfully with the State and Local Government landowners on the vision and masterplan for this important publicly purchased and owned site.
With the new hospital opening, there are no government site development options, as promised to be provided to the community “by the end of 2024” (no Project Reference Group, promised in 2023).
The site will soon be boarded up without a clear plan for its future.
The community developed a vision for a vibrant precinct. This was largely replicated in Council’s advocacy plan (albeit the visionary lake idea is instead conceived as a major park – which RoFH is highly supportive of).
RoFH have heard that there will be no community consultation on a masterplan or site options, that Council land – which forms 1/3 of the precinct – is also not being planned for despite its strategic importance. Housing density and delivering dedicated affordable and social housing are not prioritised despite the housing crisis, and the area in front of the psych building will stay a carpark (despite RoFH’s Pick my Park campaign for this to be a first stage park).
RoFH Community Group is calling for government action and commitment to genuine community consultation on site options and a masterplan, including discussions on parkland inclusions, housing density and diversity, social and affordable housing, accessibility, and community spaces.
With no plan in sight, RoFH are stepping up our advocacy.
RoFH have developed the flyer (below) calling for a government response and have written to Minister Shing, Katie Hall MP and Council. Please consider sharing the flyer on your socials or via email to friends and family.
We also encourage you to write to our local MPs (see emails here) and Council (here) to let them know the community expects genuine consultation and a priority on public benefits given this is public land, purchased by the community over 100 years ago for a public good.
We also have a community gathering early March to discuss further actions. Details below.
Come join other friendly locals for a picnic to share what we know and discuss future ideas for advocating for the best outcomes for the community for the site.
BYO drinks, hats, sunscreen, chairs or picnic rug,
A small contribution of either food to the communal picnic, or cash towards running costs are most appreciated, but not essential.
All very welcome.
There is some shade and play equipment (non shaded), including a basketball court and table tennis table. Berbert Park was a result of local resident advocacy for a park when the former council depot closed and is located on council land that forms part of the hospital site redevelopment opportunity.
Facebook event RSPV here so we have an idea of numbers. We would love as many people as possible to come on the day.