Bunjil tipped to stay in Docklands

*This article was published 10 years ago

Lendlease wants Bunjil to remain part of the Batman’s Hill precinct after it is developed.

Lendlease secured development rights for the 2.5-hectare site in August, prompting concerns about what would happen to the statue.

Speaking at the Docklands Community Forum on September 25, Places Victoria’s senior development manager Ronan Mellan said Lendlease’s preference was for the sculpture to remain on the median strip but be moved five metres south.

Mr Mellan said he had been inundated with enquiry from around Australia from places and organisations wanting the sculpture.

Lendlease’s project director Brian Herlihy said: “We’re currently consulting with stakeholders including the artist Bruce Armstrong, Places Victoria and others to determine the most appropriate location for the eagle.”

“One of the options being explored is to keep the eagle within the median strip of Wurundjeri Way.”

“Any relocation will respect the eagle sculpture appropriately, so the community can enjoy this significant landmark.”

Places Victoria owns the sculpture and Mr Mellan said the authority would assess the visual impacts of relocation on the median strip to determine if this was appropriate.

He said Places Victoria expected a strong response on the Bunjil sculpture during the community consultation process, which is running this month.

Public information sessions on the Batman’s Hill project will be held on Monday, October 28 and Tuesday, October 29 between 6pm and 8pm. The sessions will be held at the Lifestyle Working building at 838 Collins St, Docklands.

Attendees will be able to meet with members of the Lend Lease project and find out more about what is being proposed for the site. •