City to sell former Highton Kindergarten

THE City of Greater Geelong council has voted to start the public process of selling the land formerly used as a kindergarten at 257 Roslyn Road, Highton.

The former Highton Kindergarten was a muchloved centrepiece in the community for 60 years but eventually the layout and facilities did not match the growing population’s needs.

The kindergarten was replaced by the state-ofthe- art, $5.5 million Highton Child and Family Centre in Belle Vue Avenue, which opened in March this year.

The now vacant building does not form part of the city’s future plans and is continuing to incur maintenance costs.

The land is zoned for general residential purposes and on a single title, so there is no requirement for rezoning or subdivision to prepare it for sale.

Before a final decision to sell the site is made, the community will have the chance to have its say.

The city will consider any submissions from the public and if requested, they will be heard by a submissions review panel followed by a report to council. If no submissions are received the property will be sold through a competitive marketing process.

Some of the sale options for the property include public auction, sale by expressions of interest or listing.

“The former Highton Kindergarten lovingly served the community for six decades but eventually the suburb outgrew the centre, which is no longer fit for purpose,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“It makes financial sense to sell the vacant and ageing Roslyn Road site, which is surplus to council’s needs, as part of our clever and creative vision for Greater Geelong.”