Melbourne’s missing central set will be tightened

Victorian state The government has announced the creation of 50 new “train and tram” activity centers, aiming to deliver more than 300,000 homes across Melbourne by 2051. The proposal represents an expansion of ten government activity centers in Broadmeadows, Camberwell, Chadstone, Epping, Frankston, Moorabbin, Niddrie, North Essendon, Preston and Ringwood, released in April 2024.

TThe locations of the proposed centers were recommended by the Department of Transport and Planning based on a review of transport options, access to jobs and services, and environmental considerations. TThe first 25 centers focus on stations that use the Tube Tunnel and High Frequency lines from Frankston, Sandringham, Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley. All but one are based directly on their proximity to a train station.

Prime Minister Jacinta Allen commented: “Building more homes around 50 commuter train stations means there will be more opportunities for young people to rent or buy homes that are directly linked to public transport.” In an independent analysis, advocacy group YIMBY Melbourne noted that 23 of the 25 announced centers were in areas of declining child populations. According to the organization, the new centers will “allow more young families to gain a foothold in areas where they have been systematically and demonstrably blocked.”

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In terms of form and structure, the State Government noted that the planning for each Activity Center will be unique to each community. According to their press release, the government intends to engage with councils and local residents to understand their priorities and help improve what is important in their area before gradually introducing new planning controls.

“In general, the concept for rail and tram zones is to build taller buildings in the immediate ‘core’ of the station, with smoother, reduced height restrictions and more low-rise apartments and townhouses next to existing houses in the pedestrian areas around,” – notes to release. The heritage and landscape overlays will remain in place and local residents living within 800 meters of the stations will retain their right to know, have their say and appeal on the new proposals.

The policy has been welcomed by YIMBY Melbourne, whose October 2023 proposal for Melbourne’s missing center outlined the concept of mixed-use density centered around fixed rail infrastructure. As of October 28, 2024, they have selected an additional 25 stations to be prioritized for zoning based on their model, which favors proximity to the city and the potential for new housing to be built near the station.

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Next 25 Lead researcher Paul Spasojevic argued, “A big part of better, more transparent policy is measurement and visualization.” Jonathan O’Brien, lead organizer of YIMBY Melbourne, added: “The ambition of the Activity Centers program is admirable. Our research shows that this could be doubled in the near future, from 50 to 100 stations on the network.”

The State Government’s remaining 25 “train and tram” activity centers will be announced in late 2024 with the release of the Victorian Plan.