Central Activities Areas and Activity Centres

Sketches, plans and photographs of Activity Centres

 Central Activities Areas (CAAs) and Activity Centres are lively places capable of significant growth, where community life is at its most vibrant, and where people have the best access to jobs, shopping, public transit and other services and facilities.

Urban design advice helps ensure that quality private development is encouraged and that public works improve the safety and appeal of the public environment within the activity centres.

To assist proper planning outcomes the Urban Design Unit provides design advice and support to the Activity Centres and CAAs projects by:
  • ensuring consultant briefs adequately address design issues
  • providing a review of structure plan drafts
  • establishing relationships between key authorities
  • reviewing and assessing the merits of major development applications
  • promoting the importance of design quality
  • developing Activity Centre Design Guidelines
  • identifying key projects that can start early
  • assisting in the development of management strategies
Recently the Unit has provided design advice to Footscray, Dandenong, Ringwood, Broadmeadows and Geelong CAA Programs, as well as various Principal and Major Activity Centres across the metropolitan area.

In Footscray CAA the Unit has negotiated with the Department of Transport and architects to refine the design of the new footbridge, and responding to comments from Heritage Victoria and City of Maribyrnong. Further design and costing work is being undertaken with design consultants in relation to the station forecourts, Irving Street and a new tram ‘super-stop’ on Leeds Street. This project, which will improve the appearance and function of the public spaces around one of Melbourne’s busiest transport interchanges, is due for commencement of construction in the first quarter of 2009.

Through the Creating Better Places program, the Urban Design Unit provides urban design advice to councils to ensure quality design outcomes and compliance with Melbourne 2030 objectives. The program encourages councils to apply for grants for projects that encourage a high quality urban environment; demonstrate innovation; improve amenity and safety; strengthen links between precincts and activities; attract more visitors; and result in more lively and robust public urban environments.

For information on the Activity Centre locations refer to the list of Principal and Major Activity Centres.

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