School site update

As part of the original Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) gazetted in 2014 that governs Elements, an area within the community was designated as a non-government school site in consultation with, and at the request of, the Catholic Education Office (CEO).

ID_Land was committed to working with the Catholic Education Office to bring this school to life, identifying the significant benefits this would bring to the residents of Elements, and the wider community.

However, after several years of negotiations and, following that, a national sales campaign approaching hundreds of other private school entities, CEO has sadly withdrawn from an agreement to purchase the site, and its position is they no longer wish to pursue the site as part of their school footprint.

In order to secure the school, ID_Land had offered to sell the land at a significant discount from market value, but we were still unfortunately unable to change CEO’s position.

In addition, despite a lengthy process, ID_Land has been unable to find a buyer through the non-government school networks.

The Elements team has now engaged the Department of Education in the hope that a state-run school can utilise the site, however these discussions are ongoing.

Although it is ID_Land’s strong preference to deliver a school site for the benefit of the community, in the event that a buyer, government or otherwise, cannot be secured for the site, ID_Land has applied through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT),  for approval to develop the land into 227 residential lots.

ID_Land is bitterly disappointed that the CEO has withdrawn its interest in the site and at the outcome for its residents, and will continue to pursue the State Government discussions in the hope of finding a resolution that will see the site utilised as a school, just as it was intended.

We will continue to update you via email, and be sure to keep an eye on the Elements website for the most up-to-date information.

FAQ

Why doesn’t Elements just build a school anyway?

ID_Land is not an education provider and is therefore not able to build or operate schools. If land is earmarked for school sites, developers sell these sites to schools who then build, manage and operate the facilities themselves.

Does the VCAT case mean there will definitely be 227 lots added to Elements?

No, this is just an application for a worst-case scenario in the event that a buyer for the  school site cannot be found.

I bought a lot specifically because of the school site, what options do I have?

ID_Land is doing everything it can to explore all options as it is our strong preference to find a buyer and deliver this important amenity for residents.

Does this mean there definitely won’t be a school at Elements?

The team at Elements is still in discussions with the State Government, and is hopeful that the site will still one day become a school. At this stage the Department of Education has expressed initial interest in earmarking the site for a future Primary School, however these discussions are still in preliminary stages. We are hoping to seek a resolution to these discussions by the end of 2020.

Who can I contact for more information?

You can email the team at [email protected]

When will we know the outcome?

ID_Land is hopeful the State Government can confirm its interest in the site before the end of 2020