Rockbank’s rapidly growing community can look forward to a cohesively planned new town centre in the future, with Melton City Council adopting the Rockbank Major Town Centre Urban Design Framework (UDF) this week.
The framework will ensure that future retail, community facilities and entertainment in the area are high quality, appropriate and consistent, and are located within a set 20 hectare area of commercial land.
Planning permit applications will need to align with the framework and other relevant planning policy to be approved by Council.
The result will be a town centre that provides residents with easy access to facilities and services, and local employment opportunities.
City of Melton Mayor Cr Bob Turner said the framework was a strategic plan that would provide great opportunities and secure liveability for residents.
“As one of Australia’s fastest growing populations, Rockbank needs proper planning to ensure the town centre is easy to use and filled with a mix of uses that will serve the community for years to come – and that’s exactly what this framework aims to achieve,” Cr Turner said.
“Right now, 1500 residents populate Rockbank but in the future, that will grow to a population 22,800. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to deliver a framework that will support the area to grow in a really positive way as it experiences such a significant change.
“This sort of strategic future planning will cement Rockbank’s liveability and ensure it continues to be a place that people want to live, work, and socialise.”
In developing the framework, considerations were made around the road network, pedestrian movement, retail and commercial locations and preferred residential precincts.
The community and stakeholders were consulted through information sessions, social media, Council’s website and via the local newspaper.
