This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Allan government has announced the next stage in the Activity Centres program, which will see more homes delivered close to hobs, transport and services.
The homes will be delivered across 10 key suburban activity centres across Melbourne: Broadmeadows, Camberwell Junction, Chadstone, Epping, Frankston, Moorabbin, Niddrie (Keilor Road), North Essendon, Preston (High Street), and Ringwood.
The pilot program will see structure planning in activity centres will be fast-tracked from up to 5 years down to around 12 months, allowing homes to be delivered faster.
“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,” said Sonya Kilkenny, minister for planning.
The commercial cores of the activity centres are also proposed to accommodate taller buildings and larger developments but vary under the draft plans.
For example, in Camberwell Junction the proposed maximum height at the core will increase from six to 12 storeys.
With new rules also put into place in the activity centres’ catchment areas to encourage more townhouses and apartments ranging from three to six storeys in height.
“Victorians want more quality homes in areas close to jobs, close to transport, and close to where they grew up,” said Jacinta Allan, premier.
“Busy areas with heaps of transport options like Camberwell shouldn’t be locked up, they should be opened up.”
The government is also set to consult with members of its Affordability Partnership on ways to ensure enough affordable housing is delivered in and around the activity centres.
