By Alesha Capone
Wyndham council has purchased an “iconic site” in Werribee.
The council last week issued a statement which said it had acquired the Discovery Centre building on Exploration Avenue, off the Princes Highway, from Melbourne Water.
A council spokesperson said they could not reveal how much the council paid for the centre, because it was “commercial-in-confidence”.
But Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said the purchase of the Discovery Centre, which was previously used for public displays related to the Western Treatment Plant, was “strategic” given its close proximity to the Werribee city centre.
“We as a council put a lot of thought and planning into strategic purchases like this,” Cr Shaw said.
“Given our community is growing at such a rapid rate, we make purchases like the Discovery Centre, so that we as a council, along with our community, have more control on the future of these sites.
“The decision to purchase the Melbourne Water Discovery Centre is just the latest in our plan to redevelop Werribee and position it as a major regional focal point.”
Cr Shaw said the council was still exploring ideas about potential uses of the Discovery Centre.
“We’re working in partnership with Development Victoria to develop a cohesive plan that activates both the town centre as well as this site,” she said.
“We look forward to having a conversation with the community about what they would like to see established here.”
Cr Shaw said Wyndham council had a “strong history” in strategic purchases.
“We currently have a number of developments underway in the Werribee city centre to re-shape the region,” she said.
“These developments will deliver 1400 new parking spaces, both public and private, as well as 5000 square metres of office space, 2500 square metres of retail and cafe space, 200 residential apartments bringing 700 new residents to the city centre.”
