Brunswick Structure Plan FAQs
Why create a structure plan for Brunswick Activity Centre?
The aim of structure planning is to give effect to the key policies and objectives for activity centres in Melbourne 2030, the state government's strategy for the metropolitan area.
The Brunswick Structure Plan will be a long-term plan to guide decisions about development in the Brunswick Activity Centre.
The Structure Plan will guide decisions made by Council about development on both private and public property. It will be used to guide decision making in relation to planning applications, and for amendments to the Moreland Planning Scheme.
What issues will the Brunswick Structure Plan address?
The Brunswick Structure Plan addresses:
- retail, commercial and industrial activities
- housing
- access for all
- Open Space network
- transport and movement
- public realm
- built form
- provision of social services
- land configuration and ownership, and
- municipal and service infrastructure.
What parts of Brunswick will the structure plan focus on?
The structure plan will focus on:
- the corridor of Sydney Road and the Upfield rail line
- the corridor of Lygon Street
- Nicholson Street, and
- Brunswick Central Parklands and Core Industry Precinct.
How long will the planning process take?
The planning process began in February 2006. A draft plan was presented to Council in July 2008.
A final plan is scheduled to be reported to Council in October 2008.
Has Council already decided the future of Brunswick?
No. The structure planning process will give all Brunswick residents and visitors the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of the suburb. Council will not be making any final decisions about the content of the Brunswick Structure Plan until late 2008.
Why has Council allowed high-rise development in Brunswick?
The planning controls that currently apply in Brunswick do not equip Council to manage development adequately. The structure plan process will assist Council in improving its ability to manage change.
How can we prevent more high-rise development?
The preparation of a structure plan will assist with management of development pressures and change. The structure plan process will establish guidelines for building heights and density of development.
Are our heritage areas going to be protected?
The adequacy of the existing heritage controls in Brunswick have been reviewed as part of the project.
How will Council decide how much growth Brunswick can support?
There are a number of issues that will influence how much growth a centre can support:
- Regional Housing Working Groups will play a key role in this process by determining what Council's responsibility is in helping to meet regional housing needs
- economic growth and flexibility to accommodate the changing needs of sectors such as retailing
- the boundary of the centre and its three-dimensional form
- existing conditions such as infrastructure capacity, heritage and urban character
- car-parking/traffic management, and
- Council's own needs to facilitate growth and development to achieve economies of scale and distribution of its services and facilities.
How can I get involved?
Council is seeking your comments on the draft Structure Plan by 22 August.
Attend an information session:
- every Wednesday in August from 9 am – 5 pm, upstairs of Brunswick Town Hall, 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick, or
- Wednesday 6 August 2008 from 1.30 pm – 3 pm, Maternal and Child Health Centre, 318 Lygon Street, Brunswick East.
