In a highly contentious move, Yarra Council is preparing to send a demolition squad next month to Alphington Grammar School, aiming to remove a longstanding and controversial set of gates that block access to a public road. The dispute, which dates back to 2019, centers on the school’s alleged illegal construction of brick and wrought iron gates at the end of Old Heidelberg Road, a section that has been part of the school’s grounds for over 70 years.
The Road to Controversy
Old Heidelberg Road leads to Darebin Creek and connects to the popular Darebin Creek Trail, which has been a focal point for locals and walking enthusiasts since its $18 million completion in 2018. However, the absence of an official access point within Alphington has escalated tensions. The school fenced off the road in 2019, citing concerns over student safety. This move was met with significant backlash, culminating in the council forcing the school to remove a pedestrian gate in 2022 to restore access for walkers and cyclists.
Now, Yarra Council plans to spend approximately $400,000 to forcibly dismantle the entire gate structure, allowing public vehicular access. Principal Vivianne Nikou insists this poses risks to the safety and welfare of students. “Our sole concern is the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff,” she remarked in a statement.
Community Divided Over Trail Access
The planned demolition has sparked a divisive debate among Alphington locals. While the council champions the removal as a necessary step to improve public access, the school and its landlord, The Greek Community, argue otherwise. They even offered $1.4 million to purchase the disputed section of Old Heidelberg Road, but their proposal was rejected by the council.
In a public consultation process, over 270 submissions supported the gates’ removal. Yarra Council asserts that the overwhelming majority of locals back their stance. Mayor Steven Jolly was resolute, stating, “The fact is that it’s a public walkway that leads to Darebin Creek. We need to learn to share. We can’t just have people putting up gates because it’s in their interest.”
Safety Concerns and Proposed Solutions
Access to the Darebin Creek Trail has been a recurring safety concern. The current unmarked footpath through the school grounds, along creek banks and under a bridge, is labeled by the school as “dangerous.” To address safety issues, the council plans to install a raised pedestrian crossing at the site of the demolished gates. Additionally, VicRoads is acquiring land from the nearby Latrobe Golf Club for a new $9 million access route from Farm Road, approximately 500 meters south of Alphington Grammar. Construction is scheduled to begin next year.
Principal Nikou also highlighted the school’s petition, featuring over 4,000 signatures, to counter the council’s efforts. “Over 4,000 people believe this road is redundant. It terminates entirely within the school property with nowhere for cars to go or turn around. What pedestrians want is access to the bike path, which Farm Road will provide,” she argued.
Final Pleas Fall on Deaf Ears
Despite passionate pleas from Principal Nikou, students, and Greek Community representatives at a recent council meeting, Yarra Council remains adamant. Mayor Jolly emphasized the population growth in the area, pointing out the state government’s push for 44,000 new homes in Yarra as a driving force behind the decision. “The population is set to double. We must adapt and ensure public spaces work for everyone,” he added.
One local resident, speaking anonymously, voiced frustration, saying, “It’s a public road. They’ve built the gate and fence illegally. It’s coming down.”
As the demolition date looms, this outcome marks a definitive chapter in the ongoing saga between Yarra Council and Alphington Grammar School. Both sides remain unwavering in their stance, with safety, access rights, and community interests continuing to drive the heated debate.