Council-owned Canning St property to go on the market

A disused and declining council-owned property in Carlton could potentially go up for sale, pending approvals.

Built in the mid-1950s, the property at 47-49 Canning St was later refurbished to become an aged care day centre, before all community uses on the premises ceased in 2012.

The building has been empty for nearly 10 years, and is one of four properties in the municipality that the City of Melbourne is proposing to divest.

“The current condition of these buildings does not support future needs without rebuilding or significant refurbishment, which is not considered financially viable,” a report tabled at the May 31 council meeting read.

Before deciding to sell these lands, the council must seek community input and feedback.

During a four-week period starting in July 2022, the council says it will roll out meetings, a survey, a letter box drop and social media engagement targeted at surrounding owners and occupiers of each property, as well as the local community.

Each property will be considered individually on its own merits, taking account of the community engagement response.

If the council decides to sell the properties, it intends to reinvest proceeds into “city-shaping infrastructure projects” and the capital works program to provide vital community services.

The other three properties the council has propsed putting on the market at located at 100-104 A’Beckett St, Melbourne, 505-513 Abbotsford St, North Melbourne and 30-38 Gatehouse Drive, Kensington. •