STAR NEWS GROUP: FARM VIGANO

SOUTH Morang’s historic Farm Vigano will be restored to its former glory if $4 million can be found.

The Friends of Farm Vigano last week revealed part of the master plan for redevelopment, which will transform the dilapidated homestead into a commercial and community hub.

A work in progress, the master plan is on display in the foyer of the City of Whittlesea Civic Centre for a period of community consultation.

It includes elements of the original uses for the farm, such as food production, arts haven and entertainment areas, while incorporating a community health area, function centre and cafe.

Friends president Giuliana Mecoli said the group was delighted to see their plans coming to fruition.

“To begin to see the vision, being able to visualise the project is just fantastic. The potential here is immense,” Ms Mecoli said.

The master plan, backed by a $20,000 State Government grant, follows a feasibility study and business plan completed earlier this year.

Farm Vigano is a six-hectare heritage property featuring a three-storey mansion, cottages and gardens, established by Italian migrants Mario and Maria Vigano in 1934.

The farm played a significant role in the family’s pioneering contributions to Melbourne’s cultural, culinary and artistic life, including the eminent Mario’s restaurants.

Master plan architect Peter McDonald told Star the challenge of the redevelopment was to come up with new ways of using Farm Vigano that were sympathetic with its heritage and cultural values.

“This has to stand up as a commercial venture, which is where the cafe and convention centre come in, but we’ve also tried to weave in a number of distinct threads of activity through the site that were there previously,” Mr McDonald said.

A combination of private and community use, the plan outlines produce gardens, a market area, open lawns, a car park and a potential environmental learning centre, all surrounded by picturesque parkland and the Plenty River.

The farm will be significant in the City of Whittlesea’s cultural tourist trail, while a new Parks Victoria bike path along the Plenty Valley Gorge will run through the site.

Mr McDonald said the redevelopment would require up to $4 million.

Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio, a long-time supporter of the project, hinted that feverish behind-the-scenes work may eventuate in “some positive developments”.