By BRIDGET SCOTT
CRANBOURNE was one of five towns across Melbourne to be announced as a designated activity centre last week following a new State Government initiative.
A spokesperson for the State Government said Activity Centre Zones were intended to replace the many zones and planning controls with the one zone, to allow councils to take a holistic approach to developing key urban centres.
Spokesperson for the Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said the minister was “unlocking jobs and investment in Cranbourne, one of five one-stop zones being created across Melbourne.”
“This zone will attract business growth to Cranbourne by applying the Activity Centre Zone to the town centre in the City of Casey,” he said.
Background information provided to the News from the State Government about zoning indicated that the Cranbourne Zone would encourage a mix of uses and intensive development of an activity centre which focused on businesses, shopping, working, housing, leisure, transport and the community.
It will also support sustainable outcomes and maximise the use of infrastructure and public transport and also allow for higher density housing.
Local Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera said this was a great outcome for Cranbourne.
“Finally, after waiting for too long under Matthew Guy, Cranbourne’s town centre can now be planned as a cohesive place rather than an ad hoc amalgamation of individual sites,” he said.
“This decision by the Andrews Labor Government means Cranbourne is ripe for transformation.”
City of Casey mayor Mick Morland welcomed the new zoning for Cranbourne, which supports the City of Casey Council’s Cranbourne Town Centre plan, and guides the area for future growth and development.
“The State Government rezoning, together with council’s Cranbourne Town Centre plan, will help Cranbourne to develop into one of the most attractive, active and accessible areas of Melbourne,” he said.
“As a designated activity centre, Cranbourne is set to attract more commercial, residential and retail development, which will lead to an increase in local employment for our residents.”
