Executive summary

The purpose

This report aims to deliver a 30-year urban redevelopment structure plan for Preston, Melbourne, starting from 2021.

Preston provides an unprecedented opportunity for public space activation and urban renewal in outer-Melbourne residential suburbs, due to the presence of key Metropolitan and Major Activity Centers within its boundary and close proximity to La Trobe National Employment and Innovation Cluster (State Government of Victoria 2020).

Presently a growing socio-economic suburb in North-East Melbourne, Preston will play a major role in the urban development of City of Darebin and will provide a precedent for Melbourne’s residential suburbs as a leading Activity Centre Hub, comprising of efficient and accessible residential, employment, transport and leisure facilities.

The methodology

Current planning schemes and policies from City of Darebin, Melbourne and Victoria. Reference situation analysis.

Planning brief, current demographics, built and natural environment analysis

Scenario planning, strategic direction and indicators

Site constraints, budget limitations, stakeholder implications Vision / intervention aim

Plan design proposal

Community and council aspirations

Sub-precinct character and sectoral development plan designs

Action plan prioritization Implementation

(Will require active participation from community and related stakeholders throughout the process) Subject to changes under unexpected/ unprecedented circumstances (e.g. global pandemic)

Table 1 – Preston 2020-2050 Planning methodology (Chopdekar 2020)

Preston 2020-2050 Structure Plan utilizes the ‘Sustainable City’ framework (Global Platform for Sustainable Cities 2020) and comprises of six broad objectives centered around Preston’s public realm, transport connectivity and urban economy.

Its action plans, informed by current issues, forecast development and opportunity site analysis, provide urban redevelopment policies and strategies for each sub-precinct within Preston. This report also provides a broad implementation schedule that specifies different timeframes, budget and stakeholder details for each action plan.

Altogether, this report will guide future planning processes and developmental changes within Preston to form a sustainable community (Institute for Sustainable Communities 2020).