Future Preston Central

April 2025 Update

In April 2025 the State Government announced new rules for what can be built in the Preston Activity Centre, the area around High Street with lots of shops, homes and businesses, to help create more housing close to public transport, retail and services.

We’re happy to share that the new rules align with Council’s Preston Central Structure Plan, shaped by community input, and will help create a greener, more connected precinct with well-designed development.

This outcome shows that local advocacy can make a real difference, helping ensure Preston grows in line with our community’s values and shared vision for the future.

Here’s what the new rules do:

  • Set limits on how big buildings can be, so they fit in well with the area.
  • Protect important places like Preston City Oval from losing sunlight in winter.
  • Make sure streets like Bell Street feel more welcoming to walk along.
  • Encourage better designs that include gardens and eco-friendly features.
  • Change the zoning of land so different areas can be used in the best way.
  • Plan for about 10,200 new homes in the Preston area over time.

What’s next:

  • More work will be done to plan things like roads, parks and local services.
  • From 2027, developers will have to help pay for these improvements.

Where to find out more: 

 

 

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