By Christine de Kock
DEVELOPERS the De Group has approached Maribyrnong City Council to rezone the Bradmill textile site in Yarraville from an industrial to a residential and business zone.
The group hopes to develop homes in addition to community and commercial services on the site such as a supermarket and specialty shops.
Their proposal estimates that the development will result in about 387 jobs, a mix of short-term jobs directly relating to construction and long-term jobs such as those resulting from employment at the suggested supermarket and other facilities.
The site is located to the south of Francis St and west of McIvor Reserve and is used by Bradmill and part of it is also being used by a transport company.
Developers expect the proposal will reduce truck traffic in the area by 1500 movements per day.
The De Group proposal said: “Given that these truck movements are not subject to the existing truck curfew on Francis St, the reduction in truck traffic would provide significant benefit to the local residents through reduced noise, air pollution and accident potential.”
An iconic boiler house in the south east section of the site will be offered to the council or a community group.
Those interested have the option to use it as a library, a multi-purpose community facility, a community arts complex, an interpretive museum or a combination of purposes.
The company’s planners have earmarked the Bradmill site for an aged care facility, medical centre and childcare facilities- subject to market conditions.
De Group acknowledges that public transport to the site would need to be improved.
The proposal is with council now but there is no indication when a decision will be made.
