Dean Montgomery and his brother Adam, directors in the Asian Pacific based company Volume Group Limited, took ownership of the 32-acre site and have already announced plans for significant development.

Mr Montgomery said he had already been in discussion with council in relation to the existing accommodation units and he was eager to work towards ensuring they are made compliant for occupancy purposes.

At present, there are a number of accommodation units at the rear of the site, along with hostel style accommodation. The hostel was used mainly by nursing staff during overnight stays when Pleasant Creek was operated as a Training Centre for children with intellectual disabilities.

Mr Montgomery said he was excited by the potential for development at the Pleasant Creek site.

"We are busy working with council at the moment to gauge just what we can and cannot do at the site," he said.

"There are a lot of options available to us, but we need to ensure any development there fits in with the relevant zones and is compliant with council's requirements."

Mr Montgomery said the accommodation buildings would definitely require an upgrade.

"There are a lot of accommodation buildings on the site, which certainly could be utilised," he said.

"Some of the units are already occupied by employees at the abattoirs, but we are aware they need a little work. We are in discussions with council at present to get all that compliant to their requirements for occupancy.

“If we can get them up to scratch, then they will still be able to be occupied by the abattoir workers.

We’re keen to ensure they have that accommodation available to them still, it will just mean the standard of accommodation will be better once the upgrades have been complete and the units are all made compliant.”

Mr Montgomery said at least four houses and the hostel-type accommodation would be handy for people seeking a place to stay that is relatively close to work.

He said the hostel alone had sleeping capacity for about 16 people, which would be ideal.

“We are more than happy to have those workers stay there. In the near future, we will be meeting with council to discuss our options and see what is required to make the accommodation houses and the hostel compliant,” Mr Montgomery said.

Mr Montgomery said he planned to fl y over from China to meet with council personally and discuss the development options for the entire Pleasant Creek site.

One of the key aims is to attract new business to Stawell, or provide assistance to any existing businesses that may wish to relocate to the Western Highway site.

The Pleasant Creek site was home to the Pleasant Creek Special School, training centre and hospital.

The facility accommodated children with intellectual disabilities from 1937 until its closure in 1999. It has remained on the market for more than a decade before being purchased by the Montgomery brothers.