Old and underused council properties could be up for sale

Two worn and “underutilised” City of Melbourne-owned properties in Kensington and North Melbourne are expected to go on the open market, following a community engagement process.

A report tabled at the May 31 council meeting proposed the sale of four properties owned by the council, with two others located on Canning St in Carlton and A’Beckett St in the CBD.

“The current condition of these buildings does not support future needs without rebuilding or significant refurbishment, which is not considered financially viable,” the report read.

The most significant of the four properties is the heritage-listed building located at 505-513 Abbotsford St, North Melbourne.

The premises has been used for child and family health services and is currently leased to Cohealth until the end of June.

In neighbouring Kensington’s old saleyards, the other local property at 30-38 Gatehouse Drive was built in 1998 and currently houses Midwives and Mothers Australia, a non-council service.

This property is in the Local Government Zone and, according to the report, needs further consideration of the most appropriate zoning before any divestment, which could take 12 months.

Pursuant to section 114 of the Local Government Act 2020, councillors voted unanimously on May 31 to authorise public notices of the “council’s intention to sell the land to be placed on council’s website”.

Before deciding to sell all four properties, the council must also seek community input and feedback.

Over a four-week period beginning in July 2022, the council says it will roll out meetings, a survey, a letter box drop and social media engagement targeted at surrounding owners and occupiers of each property, as well as the local community.

Each property will be considered individually on its own merits, taking account of the community engagement response.

If the council decides to sell the properties, it intends to reinvest proceeds into “city-shaping infrastructure projects” and the capital works program to provide vital community services. •

Caption 1: 505-513 Abbotsford Street, North Melbourne

Caption 2: 30-38 Gatehouse Drive, Kensington