Contentious $3b village in play as Mount Scopus rezoning goes on show
The relocation of Mount Scopus Memorial College’s Burwood campus could deliver a $3 billion apartment-based mixed-village able to accommodate about 9000 people, following a surprise application by the state government.
The proposal – for more than five years it has been speculated the 10.6-hectare parcel would be bought for Deakin University next door – is being channelled through the state government’s Development Facilitation Program.
Engage Victoria has just exhibited an amendment to the Whitehorse Planning Scheme.
Mount Scopus announced in late 2024 it would relocate to a new campus on seven hectares it has secured the right to buy – the western edge of Caulfield Racecourse – for c$195m from the Melbourne Racing Club.
Value-adding at work
The application affects four precincts across 245, 247 and 249 Burwood Highway and 7,9 and 11 Milford Avenue, within 500 metres of the proposed Suburban Rail Loop station Burwood station,
The masterplan allows for residential buildings between three and 20 levels containing 3900 dwellings.
Applying an average worth of $650,000 per unit, the end-value of the residential component would circle $2.5 billion.
Adding commercial elements – hotels, offices and shopping centres including a 2000 square supermarket – this could approach $3b.
A portion might also be allocated for Deakin, which has been gradually expanding across what was once the Burwood (commonly called Bennettswood) Teachers’ College.
This pocket of Burwood, near Warrigal Road, where Toorak Rd becomes Burwood Hwy, is about 14 kilometres east of Melbourne’s CBD (continues below).
Public bypassed and taxpayer put at risk
Planning material identifies the Mount Scopus land as a major development opportunity beside the future Suburban Rail Loop Burwood station.
The project’s construction cost has been put at $34.5b.
Whitehorse City Council this week raised concerns about the development intensity; school ovals will be replaced.
The Besen Centre is also expected to be razed.
“Council is also disappointed by the limited community consultation undertaken by the state government,” a spokesperson added.
The planning scheme amendment will be displayed until September 1.
Planning minister Sonja Kilkenny is speculated will approve it next quarter.
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