Local site context
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Refer to corresponding number on images below Map 2 – Preston 2020 local context map (Chopdekar 2020)
Key functional spaces and landmarks: Preston study area
Fig. 5 – Preston Market, Mary St. (Google maps, 2019)
Fig. 6 – Preston Library, Gower St. (Torcasio, J. 2018)
Melbourne’s second largest fresh food market (Salta Properties & Medich Corporation 2020)
Fig. 7 – Ray Bramham Gardens (Ross, L.D., 2016)
Fig. 8 – High Street Medical & Dental Centre Preston, State Rd. 29 (Google maps, 2019)
Fig. 9 – Darebin City Council, State Rd. 29. (Google maps, 2017)
Fig. 10 – Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, Bell St. (Google maps, 2019)
Occupying a total land area of 11.47 sq. km (Nearmap 2020), Preston (comprised of Preston East and West) is bounded on its western and eastern sides by Merri Creek and Darebin Creek respectively (see map 2). Parks and reserves within the precinct (see fig. 7) provide opportunities for natural relaxation spots with relatively flat terrain, low-medium density housing and access to educational and commercial facilities nearby (see fig. 5 and 6). The Northland Metropolitan Activity Centre (see map 2) currently contains largely low-density commercial sites whose access is majorly dependent on car use (ABS 2016). While it complements the Preston Activity Centre (see map 2) in terms of retail and commercial activity, as well as employment availability, it lacks efficient public transport connectivity, leaving pedestrian spaces isolated and inactive.
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