Victoria sold heritage hospital land to Channel Nine for A$1m; MPs seek answers
The sale of Jacksons Hill, a historic psychiatric hospital, to Channel Nine for A$1 million has sparked significant debate. Critics argue over the valuation and the absence of a competitive bidding process. With three heritage-listed buildings included, any redevelopment will demand meticulous restoration to comply with heritage regulations. The government's intent is to maintain the site's…
The Victorian government sold a historic former psychiatric hospital site in Sunbury to Channel Nine for A$1 million, sparking questions regarding the valuation, transparency, and public interest in the deal. Channel Nine plans to convert the 2.6-hectare Jacksons Hill property into six residential properties for its renovation reality show set to air in 2027.
Concerns over the A$38 per square metre sale price have been raised by politicians and community members, who question whether the state secured the best possible return for publicly owned land. The transaction, which includes three heritage-listed buildings, has drawn scrutiny from Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank, who requested the government disclose the property's valuation and explain why it was not offered through an open, competitive sale process.
The housing, building, and precincts minister, Nick Staikos, explained that an exemption from the usual public sale process was granted due to years of unsuccessful engagement with potential buyers. The government maintains that Channel Nine's proposal offers an opportunity to restore the deteriorating heritage buildings while encouraging investment in the wider precinct.
However, some argue that a private television production was not the best available route, especially without an open sale process.
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