The Victorian Government has released a first draft of plans for new housing in ten different suburban centres across Melbourne and is calling on communities to provide feedback as it looks to create more homes close to jobs, transport and public services.
The newly released maps offer a glimpse into what the future could look like across the activity centres set out in the Victorian Government’s landmark Housing Statement: Broadmeadows, Camberwell Junction, Chadstone, Epping, Frankston, Moorabbin, Niddrie-Keilor Road, North Essendon, Preston-High Street, and Ringwood.
These initial ten suburban centres were chosen for their potential to accommodate more homes while ensuring access to vital amenities such as train stations, tram services, town centres, job opportunities, and public services.
As plans for the activity centres develop, the government will work closely with communities and councils to review design requirements and building heights – with residents encouraged to have their say on what they love most about their area, to help shape the future of their communities.
The State Government said that building more homes up, not just out, in established suburbs is one of many initiatives outlined in the Housing Statement, which is part of work to prepare for 800,000 new homes to be built over the next decade to improve housing and rental affordability.
With Victoria being the fastest growing state in the country, these changes are crucial to accommodate Melbourne’s growing population, which is set to be the size of London’s by the 2050s.
Across the ten suburban centres, the Victorian Government will work with communities to enable 60,000 more homes to be built, while maintaining the features that communities love about their neighbourhoods.
Feedback will also guide investment in the things a thriving, liveable and growing suburb needs like community facilities, public spaces and parks.
Victorian Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, said, “We want to hear from communities on how best we can accommodate more housing choice, while ensuring their suburbs maintain their liveability.”
