Melbourne is set to expand its housing options with the creation of 50 new 'train and tram zone' Activity Centres designed to increase residential developments near high-frequency public transport hubs. The new zones will focus on areas surrounding major train stations and tram stops, with a goal to deliver over 300,000 additional homes across the city by 2051.
The first 25 zones are set to be located around stations benefiting from the Metro Tunnel, as well as the Frankston, Sandringham, Belgrave/Lilydale, and Glen Waverley train lines. These areas will experience a mix of new high-density housing close to transport hubs, while maintaining lower-density residential developments in the surrounding areas, making it easier for people to live close to where they work, shop, and access essential services.
In addition to the Metro Tunnel, which is due to open next year, improvements have been made across the entire Melbourne train network in the last decade. The upgrades include the removal of over 80 dangerous and congested level crossings, more frequent services, and the creation of new or upgraded stations, providing more reliable and faster connections to Melbourne’s suburbs.
The new 'train and tram zones' will feature taller buildings near stations, with lower-rise apartments and townhouses planned for surrounding neighborhoods. This approach aims to offer greater diversity in housing types while making sure that existing local character and community preferences are respected. Residents will have opportunities to provide feedback on planning controls, and there will be clear timelines for when these developments will take shape.
This initiative is part of a wider effort to meet the city’s growing housing demand while making it more affordable for people to live in well-connected areas. The remaining 25 zones will be announced later in 2024, with full development expected to be completed by 2026.
For more details on the Activity Centre plans and how communities are being involved in the process, visit engage.vic.gov.au/activitycentres and for more about the broader housing initiatives, visit vic.gov.au/more-homes.