Melbourne Central City Plans $7 Billion Arden Precinct

The Andrews Labor Government has released draft plans to create a new commercial and residential precinct across 56 hectares in North Melbourne, between Macaulay Road, Dryburgh Street and the Upfield rail line.

North Melbourne’s ‘Arden precinct’ will be home to up to 15,000 people and up to 34,000 jobs, with new plans released for development over the next 30 years.

There is already a heritage overlay in place to protect historic buildings and North Melbourne’s character.

The draft plans set out a vision for changing land uses, street and open space design, access for pedestrians and cyclists, and the revitalisation of Moonee Ponds Creek.

The Victorian Planning Authority created the draft vision and framework with the City of Melbourne, and the council is also working on a neighbouring residential precinct, Macaulay.

At the precinct’s heart there will be access to the new Metro Tunnel underground train station which will connect Parkville, the CBD and Melbourne’s west.

Minister for Major Projects Jacinta Allan said the provision of the railway will see a future 15,000 residents have access to turn up and go train services.

“The Metro Tunnel will create 4,700 jobs and space in the City Loop to run more services in and out of the city every day,” she said.

It is envisioned that by 2051 Arden Macaulay will support 45,000 jobs and be home to 27,000 residents.