Al Iman Islamic School is the newest tenant at Victoria University’s Melton campus.
The new school has signed a five-year lease with VU and will offer prep to grade 6 classes from next year and secondary classes from 2017.
VU chief operating officer Jonathan Tribe said the signing followed a public expression of interest process and discussions with the state Education Department about potential uses for the site.
“We have determinedly sought an ongoing educational use for the on-campus site since university teaching functions finished there,” Mr Tribe said.
He said Al Iman Islamic School had submitted an impressive business case.
Mr Tribe said the university was working with Melton council to work out potential tertiary education options in the municipality, “perhaps by establishing a Learning Link facility”.
Expressions of interest
The Islamic school’s director, Ifham Samsudeen, said more than 50 parents had expressed interest in enrolling their children.
“We didn’t want to go public until we secured the site, but there’s somewhere between 120 and 150 students who are already enrolled,” Mr Samsudeen said.
“Most are from the Melton area, but there are some from around Taylors Hill and Caroline Springs.”
An Education Department spokeswoman said VU had assured the department it would ensure tertiary and training opportunities would continue to be offered in Melton.
“The university determined this proposal [by Al Iman Islamic School] offered the best outcome for the community after consultation with the department and local constituents,” she said.
Melton community services general manager Maurie Heaney said the council was pleased the site was to be used for educational purposes.
“Council’s view is that any investment in education for our community is a good thing, and we believe it’s absolutely positive that the VU facility is used for that purpose,” he said.
VU stopped offering classes at its Melton campus several years ago.
