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The Victorian government has taken a significant step forward in addressing Melbourne’s housing challenges by implementing new planning controls across 25 inner and middle-ring suburbs. Premier Jacinta Allan, alongside Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny, announced these changes, which aim to facilitate higher-density developments in strategically chosen ‘activity centres.’
These newly designated areas are set to accommodate four to six-storey apartment buildings, contingent on their proximity to public transportation. The objective is clear: to provide more Victorians, particularly those priced out of the market, with the opportunity to invest in well-connected neighborhoods.
Premier Allan expressed a commitment to reforming the existing framework, acknowledging that previous measures were inadequate. “We realized that maintaining the status quo was ineffective. It was imperative to undertake the necessary, detailed work to reform planning rules and controls, thus enabling the construction of more homes in these prime areas,” Allan stated.
In an ambitious move, the government has also sanctioned the development of towers reaching up to 20 storeys near train stations in Brunswick and Coburg. This decision underscores a broader strategy to maximize residential opportunities in areas with robust public transport links.
Towers up to 20 storeys high have been given the green light near train stations in Brunswick and Coburg.
Parts of Hampton, Oakleigh, Hawthorn and Kew will have 16-storey buildings.
“These reforms cut delays and give clear rules – so more millennials get into a home faster,” Allan said.
Seven of the ’Train and Tram Zones’ are perched along the new Metro Tunnel corridor, near Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Hughesdale, Oakleigh, Middle Footscray, West Footscray and Tottenham stations.
Another six sit along the Glen Waverley line, surrounding stations such as Tooronga, Darling, East Malvern, Holmesglen, Gardiner and Glen Iris.
Apartments 12 storeys tall will be allowed along the Sandringham line in North and Middle Brighton – despite recent protests.
Along the Sandringham lines, activity centre plans have been finalised for North Brighton, Middle Brighton, Hampton and Sandringham stations.
Hubs will also enfold Hawthorn, Glenferrie and Auburn stations on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines.
A zone surrounding Heidelberg station between Bell Sreet and Lower Heidelberg Road will have height restrictions between three and 10 storeys.
Three major tram corridors have also been identified as activity centres, with St Georges Road and High street in Thornbury and Kew Junction outlined for builds up to 10 storeys high.
“We want more Victorians to live in places that have great trains, trams, schools and jobs nearby – that’s why we’re making it easier to get more homes built,” Kilkenny said.
The state government says the train and tram zones will unlock capacity for more than 300,000 homes in the outlined areas by 2051.
The Victorian opposition says it will tear up the plans if it wins the state election in November.
“Thousands of people have protested in my community and what the government has said is ‘we’re going to stick the middle finger up to you because we don’t like your suburb’,” Opposition spokesperson James Newbury said.
Kilkenny said public consultation for the activity centres was “the biggest consultation ever undertaken in this state’s history”.
Another 25 areas are still being planned, with the final plans expected to be released in the middle of the year.
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