Activity Centres

Activity centres are vibrant hubs where people shop, work, meet, relax and often live. Usually well-served by public transport, they range in size and intensity of use from local neighbourhood strip shopping centres to universities and major regional shopping malls.

Linking them to good transport networks (road, public transport, pedestrian and cycle) is crucial as they attract high numbers of people and generate a significant volume of trips in metropolitan Melbourne.

They are a central part of Melbourne 2030, which will encourage more development into activity centres to foster more sustainable, more vibrant communities and will be the focus of major change over the next 30 years.

For further information on the Government's planning framework, the strategies and projects behind Melbourne 2030/Melbourne @ 5 million, and how they are being implemented, visit the Managing Melbourne's Growth web page.

What’s New?

Activity Centre Boundaries and the new Activity Centre Zone
The Minister for Planning has announced the release of a new Activity Centre Zone and approved criteria for establishing boundaries at activity centres.
Creating Better Places Program
Applications for Round 5 of the Creating Better Places Program closed on 26 August 2009. Applications are currently being assessed and will be announced by the Minister for Planning later this year.

Expert Assistance Program 2009-10
A further $1.5 million has been allocated to the Expert Assistance Program (EAP) for 2009-10 and applications for assistance are now being sought. The EAP was launched in June 2007 to assist councils to more effectively drive growth and change in activity centres.

Revised Activity Centre Structure Planning Practice Note
As a result of industry and stakeholder comments on the existing Practice Note, and the recommendations from Planning for All of Melbourne (PFAOM), the Department has taken on board these key messages and revised the Activity Centre Structure Planning Practice Note. For further information on the revised Activity Centre Structure Planning Practice Note visit the Structure Planning web page.

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