01/10/2026
A Unified Vision for Jacksons Hill:
Turning Our Heritage into a Thriving Tourism and Cultural Hub
As someone who has dedicated time to walking the grounds of Jacksons Hill, sharing its deep history, and keeping the memories of those who lived, breathed, and sadly lost their lives there alive through Sunbury Historical Tours, I want to share a transparent & grounded update on what is happening with the site, alongside a hopeful and ambitious vision for how our community could possibly work together.
The Facts of the Sale
The Buyer & Purpose: Official land title and planning records confirm that the property was sold by the Victorian Minister for Planning to Micjoy Pty Ltd (an entity associated with Nine Entertainment Co.) to transform three vacant historic buildings:
Building 1: the former Female Infirmary Ward
Building 2: the Female Admission and Special Wards
Building 3: the former hospital buildings into the filming location for its season 23 of The Block.
The Sale Price: Land transfer records show a registered consideration (sale price) of $1,100,000.00. (Unbelievably cheap considering)
Timeline & Status: The transfer was lodged and registered under dealing number BA861853H.
How to Oppose: For community members who wish to contest the redevelopment, the formal avenue is through the Heritage Victoria permit application process.
Detailed architectural plans and structural proposals have been lodged, and public submissions are open until October 6, 2026.
My Personal Perspective:
Why I Do Not Oppose this personally but do still respect why others understandably do wish to fight the project.
For years, anyone who has walked the grounds could see the tragic reality of these magnificent historic buildings just sitting abandoned, falling victim to weather, water, possums and cockatoo damage & vandalism, sliding closer and closer to becoming literal rubble.
When heritage structures are left to rot, we don’t just lose the bricks and mortar; sadly, we lose the tangible, physical connection to the past forever.
At the end of the day, a building left to decay serves no one. If this high-profile project serves as the catalyst to finally stabilise, rescue, and breathe some much needed life back into these magnificent historic buildings under strict heritage protection, then seeing them saved from destruction is what matters most.
A Next-Level Tourism Precinct: Uniting The Council, Sunbury Asylum Alliance, and Sunbury Historical Tours to play a role in bringing something special to this site for the whole community to enjoy.
We don’t need a bitter division; we need to leverage this moment to create something extraordinary for Sunbury.
By strategically linking our assets, we can build a next-level regional tourism and cultural destination:
Integrating Council Assets & The Arts Precinct:
Hume City Council already holds and manages vital spaces on the hill, such as the historic former women's reformatory/refractory prison building, which can anchor a vibrant arts precinct, celebrating local creativity and culture.
Fulfilling the Sunbury Asylum Alliance’s Vision
Transform the remaining historic buildings into a public community, cultural and education hub, providing:
Arts and culture: Spaces for artists, performers and existing tenants such as Boilerhouse Theatre Company and 3NRG.
Education and training: Trade training, youth programs, TAFE and tertiary education.
Community and enterprise: Spaces for community groups, social enterprises, cafés and small businesses.
This approach preserves the precinct’s heritage, public purpose and educational legacy while creating a sustainable community hub.
Catalyzing Local Business and Commercial Growth:
National television exposure through The Block acts as an unprecedented magnet, putting Sunbury firmly on the map. This high-profile spotlight creates the exact economic foot-traffic needed to entice independent cafes, artisan restaurants, and local small businesses to open up on the hill, turning a neglected historic pocket into a vibrant weekend destination.
A Permanent Home for Education and Independent Tours:
With the site rescued from vandals, structurally secure, and buzzing with visitors, we can thoughtfully designate specific areas for permanent, high-quality historical displays & allow me to independently run my historical tours once again and educate the public, honouring the true stories of those who passed through, and driving ongoing, sustainable tourism that directly benefits our local traders and non-for-profit initiatives.
By moving past conflict and focusing on our shared love for Sunbury, we have a rare window to rescue these buildings from becoming rubble and forge a connected, thriving future where everyone in our community can benefit, visit, and take pride in Jacksons Hill.
