10 Melbourne suburbs to see housing boost
High-density development will be welcomed in 10 major urban centres across Melbourne, as part of the Victorian government’s planning revamp.
The state’s long-awaited Activity Centres program has reached a new stage, with the locations of the planning initiative finally being unveiled.
The 10 suburbs named as recipients of the pilot program are: Broadmeadows, Camberwell Junction, Chadstone, Epping, Frankston, Moorabbin, Niddrie (Keilor Road), North Essendon, Preston (High Street), and Ringwood.
In these 10 suburbs, long and complicated planning processes will be fast-tracked from five years to around 12 months, with the goal of speeding up housing delivery.
New height rules and boundaries have been created for each suburb, with the commercial centres set to receive taller buildings and larger developments of up to 12 storeys.
Meanwhile, townhouses and medium-density apartments of three to six storeys will be permitted within a 10-minute walking radius of the activity centres.
Following the release of the draft plans, consultations are now open for local community members to have their say on the future direction of their neighbourhood.
Premier Jacinta Allan stated: “Victorians want more quality homes in areas close to jobs, close to transport, and close to where they grew up.”
“Busy areas with heaps of transportation options like Camberwell shouldn’t be locked up, they should be opened up,” the Premier said.
According to the government, Camberwell Junction “is well suited for more homes”, with frequent services now running along the Lilydale train line, and in the wake of recent upgrades to local high schools and primary schools.
The government stated it would “continue the conversation with councils about infrastructure support that communities need”.
Sonya Kilkenny, Minister for Planning, expressed optimism about the future of local communities under the new plans.
“Through these plans, we’re looking at how to deliver more homes – and more affordable homes – within walking distance of local shops, schools, services, parks and public transport.”
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