Strategic Planning

Preston Market Cultural Heritage Study

Darebin Council is completing a heritage study to better understand the cultural and social significance of the Preston Market.

The Preston Market heritage study will build on the previous Heritage Victoria study titled ‘Victoria’s post 1940s migration study’ (prepared in 2011), and also evaluate associated literature, historical records and related material.

Further information about the Preston Market Cultural Heritage study can be found here.

Please contact Strategic Planning on 8470 8888 or email planningservices@darebin.vic.gov.au if you have any further questions. 

Our Fairfield Village

Our Fairfield Village is a visionary project to deliver enhanced public spaces, manage development and improve transport in and around Fairfield Village activity centre. Council officers across several disciplines are working together produce a streetscape masterplan, design guidelines for new development and integrated local transport solutions.  The work is timely in light of the major redevelopment of the former Amcor Paper Mill site in Alphington, which is expected to bring increased economic competition and transport pressures to nearby Fairfield Village. 

Community involvement, including residents and businesses, is vital to ensure improvements maintain the neighbourhood village feel of the area, while revitalising and upgrading vital services and infrastructure to position Fairfield Village for long term, sustainable success. Council began consulting on issues and ideas for Fairfield Village in late 2016 and there will be further opportunities for broad community involvement when draft documents are exhibited later this year. 

More information and opportunities to have your say are available at the dedicated project website at www.yoursaydarebin.com.au/our-fairfield

Enquiries to: our.fairfield.village@darebin.vic.gov.au or call 8470 8214

Northland Urban Renewal Precinct

The Northland Urban Renewal Precinct will transform an area of low density industrial sites into a well-connected, people-focused compact neighbourhood that models sustainable urban living.

Context

The Northland Urban Renewal Precinct (NURP) is located in East Preston,  and is generally bounded by Albert Street, Bell Street, Murray Road and the Darebin Creek to the east. 

In a regional context the area is part of the La Trobe National Employment Cluster, an area of high concentration of jobs as identified in the Metropolitan Planning Strategy Plan Melbourne.

The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) is currently developing a high level framework to guide the region’s way forward. Further information about the work of the VPA can be found here.To find specific information about the La Trobe National Employment and Innovation Cluster, please click  here.

Working Vision

Council is completing a number of foundation projects that will support a Structure Plan and Renewal Strategy that guides changes in the Precinct. These documents spell out a clear direction for the complete make-over of the existing area in the long-term. First signs of this change may start occurring within the next 5 years.

The current working vision:

 Northland, East Preston is:

 An inclusive place for people to gather and exchange, a place that attracts people by the diversity and the choices it offers. 

 Harnessing local and global knowledge to create, innovate and learn while supporting health and wellbeing. 

 A sustainable place that connects people with each other, with new opportunities, and with the environment around it.

 The Vision will be rolled out over a long period and there are many stakeholders.

This renewal project has hundreds of smaller components and multiple government agencies involved apart from Council, the community and the private sector. 

The challenge for Council is to find solutions to the many complex issues in a way that is inclusive and allows everyone to participate,.

A multi-framework approach that draws on the;

• One Planet Framework
• Transit - Oriented Development / Placemaking; and
• Human - Centered Design

is being taken to prepare the implementation plan and a set of guiding principles

In essence these three frameworks break with business-as-usual planning practices to put people and the community at the starting point of all design considerations.

Using these approaches to guide the transformation process, Council’s leadership will ensure local communities have lots of opportunities to contribute and identify how benefits can be generated. 

Once Foundation Phase projects and other background studies are complete, Council is committed to sharing information with the community and seeking more ideas and views to help shape the future of NURP.

Currently, the various strategies proposed to achieve the Vision are grouped into five outcome themes:

1. Sustainability;
2. Active Places;
3. Resilient Economy;
4. Creativity and Diversity; and 
5. Health and Wellbeing

The three frameworks and how to achieve the five outcome themes was presented to the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA). The OVGA was very supportive in its report and endorsed Council's approach.

Council is seeking community involvement and feedback into helping us develop the plans and strategies for NURP. You can find out more about the project by going to yoursaydarebin.com.au.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us at 8470 8768 or email planningservices@darebin.vic.gov.au.

 
T.W. Blake Renewal Concept Plan

Council is creating a vision for the future of TW Blake Reserve in East Preston, accommodating a range of uses, facilities and spaces that will help improve the quality of life, health and wellbeing for current and future communities.

The Reserve is part of the long term plan to transform the East Preston industrial area into a new urban neighbourhood as part of the Northland Urban Renewal Precinct (NURP) project.

A draft Concept Plan is currently being prepared, based on the results of preliminary consultation with immediate residents and the reserve’s regular users. A wider public consultation will be conducted later in the year to gather views and input on the draft Concept Plan from the broader community.

For more information on the TW Blake Renewal Concept Plan or the Northland Urban Renewal Precinct contact Planning Services on 8470 8768 or email planningservices@darebin.vic.gov.au.

Melbourne Water proposed rezoning of Part 48 Rona Street Reservoir
Melbourne Water has requested that part of the site at 48 Rona Street Reservoir be rezoned from Public Use Zone – Service and Utility to a General Residential Zone – Schedule 2. The proposal is being considered by the Government Land Standing Advisory Committee via the Fast Track Government Land Service process. For more information go to www.delwp.vic.gov.au/fast-track-government-land.

Darebin and Manningham Amendment GC42 - Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) Local Planning Policy

Introduces an Environmentally Sustainable Development local planning policy into the Darebin and Manningham Planning Scheme on an interim basis until 30 June 2019. Amendment GC42 was approved and came into effect in the Darebin and Manningham Planning Scheme 31 August 2017.

• View approved Amendment GC42 documents

For more information visit the Amendment GC42 webpage on yoursaydarebin.com.au, the Planning Services Online Consultation hub at:

• Amendment GC42 - Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) Local Planning Policy

Amendment C160 - Preston Market Interim Controls
Replaces Schedule 1 to Clause 37.06 (Priority Development Zone) with a new schedule to introduce mandatory height controls to the existing footprint of the Preston Market site on an interim basis until 30 June 2019. Approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme 11 August 2017.

• View approved Amendment C160 documents

Amendment GC64 - Surplus Government Land Rezoning
Rezones the former Lakeside Secondary College site at 31 Radford Road Reservoir from Public Use Zone 2 to part Industrial 1 Zone and part Public Park and Recreation Zone. Rezones the former Ruthven Primary School site at 74-76 Glasgow Avenue, Reservoir, from Public Use Zone 2 to Public Park and Recreation Zone. Approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme 30 June 2017.

• View approved Amendment GC64 documents

Amendment C137 - Plenty Road Land Use and Urban Design
Implements the land use and built form directions of the Plenty Road Urban Design Framework 2013. This includes rezoning of some properties fronting Plenty Road and on side street corners, application of design and development overlays to guide future development along the entire corridor including the Junction precinct, application of environment audit overlays and updated local planning policies.

Amendment C137 was approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme 1 June 2017.

• View approved Amendment C137 documents

For more information about Amendment C137 visit the project webpage at yoursaydarebin.com.au, the Planning Services Online Consultation hub.

Amendment C153 -  Corrections to Residential Growth Zones Schedules
Corrections to Schedules 2, 3 and 5 to the Residential Growth Zone (RGZ) to ensure setback and boundary wall requirements are consistent with the Residential Built Form Guidelines, 2014 reference document.  Approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme on 9 February 2017.

• View approved Amendment C153 documents

Amendment C136 - St Georges Road Land Use and Urban Design
Implements the land use and built form directions of the St Georges Road Urban Design Framework 2013. This includes rezoning of some properties fronting St Georges Road and on side street corners, application of design and development overlays to guide future development along the entire corridor, application of environment audit overlays and new and updated local planning policies.

Amendment C136 was approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme on 15 September 2016.

• View approved Amendment C136 documents

For more information about Amendment C136 visit the project webpage on yoursaydarebin.com.au, the Planning Services Online Consultation hub.

Amendment C148 - Extension of Darebin Development Contributions Plan 2004-14
Amends Schedule 1 to the Development Contributions Plan Overlay (DCPO1) and the Incorporated Document City of Darebin Development Contributions Plan, June 2004 to provide a mechanism to expend unspent funds following completion of the collection period of the Darebin Development Contributions Plan 2004 in June 2014. The amended DCP facilitates the expenditure of the unspent funds on the Outdoor Multi-Sports Stadium project which will have a municipal wide benefit.

Amendment C148 was approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme on 5 May 2016.

• View approved Amendment C148 documents

Amendment C147 - Residential Growth Zone
Applies the Residential Growth Zone (RGZ) to specified land in the Northland Urban Renewal Precinct, Reservoir, Fairfield and Preston Central, along with Design and Development Overlays and updates to local planning policies.

Amendment C147 was referred to the Residential Zones Standing Advisory Committee for consideration. The Amendment was exhibited in October 2014 and a public hearing of submissions held in November 2014. The proposal was approved by the Minister for Planning in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme on 15 October 2015. 

• View approved Amendment C147 documents

Amendment C144 - New Residential Zones Stage 1
Applies the new Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ) and General Residential Zone (GRZ) to local areas across the municipality as the first step in a staged implementation of the new residential zones in Darebin. 

Amendment C144 was referred to the Residential Zones Standing Advisory Committee for consideration. The Amendment was exhibited in April 2014 and a public hearing of submissions conducted in May 2014. The proposal was approved by the Minister for Planning in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme on 30 October 2014. 

• View approved Amendment C144 documents

Amendment C138 - Local Planning Policy Changes
Replaces the existing Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) at Clause 21 of the Darebin Planing Scheme with a new format MSS. The new MSS  includes provisions for the implementation of the Darebin Housing Strategy 2013, Darebin Economic Land Use Strategy 2013 and Reservoir Structure Plan 2012. Amendment C138 also includes updates to local planning policies at Clause 22.

Amendment C138 was approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme on 15 October 2015.

• View approved Amendment C138 documents

Looking for an Amendment that is not listed here?  A complete history of amendments to the Darebin Planning Scheme is available online from the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning at http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/updates-and-amendments

Darebin Economic Land Use Strategy 
The Darebin Economic Land Use Strategy responds to Darebin’s vibrant, changing economy and the need to better support businesses, industry and jobs. The Strategy provides a framework for industrial, retail and commercial land use in Darebin over the next 20 years.  

• Darebin Economic Land Use Strategy 2014
• Literature Review and and Background Report

Darebin Housing Strategy
The Darebin Housing Strategy is helping make Darebin fairer, more liveable and sustainable. The Strategy addresses current needs for affordable housing; population growth and development pressure, and the need to protect Darebin’s unique heritage and natural environments.

• Darebin Housing Strategy 2013 (Revised 2015)

High Street Study
High Street is the spine of Darebin and one of the longest, vibrant commercial strips in Melbourne. The High Street Study will improve community and transport links along High Street creating vibrant, liveable communities.

• High Street Precinct Guidelines
• High Street Study Urban Design Framework

Junction Urban Master Plan
The Junction Urban Master Plan will transform the existing Junction Precinct in Preston into a place that is green and attractive with a unique urban character. The Plan focuses on re-claiming public spaces, developing businesses and communities and making the Junction more liveable.

• Junction Urban Master Plan and Reference Document

Northcote Structure Plan
The Northcote Structure Plan outlines how Northcote can grow and remain a great place to live, work, shop and relax. The Plan was developed with considerable community consultation and is a key product of the Northcote-Place Making Project undertaken in 2007. It developed a shared vision for Northcote owned by the community, key stakeholders and Council.

• Northcote Structure Plan

Preston Central Structure Plan
Preston Central is one of the largest traditional, multi-dimensional activity centres in northern Melbourne and a major focus for business, shopping, community, culture and recreation. The Preston Central Structure Plan guides land use and development to enable a mix of land uses which stimulate economic growth and maintain the regional significance of the centre, and provide well designed housing and improved streetscapes for residents and visitors.

• Preston Central Structure Plan

Reservoir Structure Plan
Multicultural, open hearted and ‘beautifully ordinary’ the suburb of Reservoir is ready to shine. The Reservoir Structure Plan is a 20 year Plan to make Reservoir a more connected, diverse and attractive place with upgraded services, facilities, transport, public space, buildings and environment.

• Reservoir Structure Plan

St Georges Road and Plenty Road Corridors Urban Design Framework
St Georges Road and Plenty Road are in transition as Darebin grows and evolves as a popular place to live. The Framework sets clear directions for residential and mixed-use growth along the corridors with an emphasis on achieving well-planned intensification through high quality design responses.

•  St Georges Road and Plenty Road Corridors Urban Design Framework

Looking for another document?  Try the Darebin Planning Scheme Reference and Incorporated Documents or the Council Strategies sections.

Doing research or needing statistics? Visit the Facts and Figures section for demographic profiles, projections and other useful data and research on the City of Darebin and its suburbs.