Proposed Amendment C270 – Shaping Melbourne’s Central City

The State Government has released proposed changes to central city planning controls for consultation. These changes, once they have undergone the formal panel process, will continue from the C262 interim controls which finish in September in accordance with DD10.

Protecting Melbourne’s unique urban character is the Property Council’s top priority. It is important to ensure Melbourne remains Australia’s most attractive city. This is achieved by maintaining the balance between the freedom to innovate and quality building design.

The Property Council embraces many elements of the Government’s Central City reforms (C270), however there is a great deal of detail to investigate. The Victoria Division is currently preparing a submission, which is due on 30 May.

Key concerns include the prescriptive nature of some elements, and the likely impact on property values. We have raised concerns regarding the ability to create feasible projects, having regard and responding to site constraints given the restrictive nature of some of the controls, including plot ratios.

We however welcome the flexibility built into the floor area uplifts for commercial office development and other public benefits.  These uplifts send a positive message about delivering economic benefits and social amenity outcomes through good design.

We also recognise that the proposed floor area uplifts have no height limits, meaning that the City will continue to be an attractive city for investment.

The Property Council will work closely with the Government on these reforms to help deliver jobs, investment certainty and economic activity for Melbourne. If you would like to provide input to the submission, please contact our policy staff on 03 96 8300.

Links

Central City Built Form Review
How to Calculate Floor Area Uplifts and Public Benefits
Media release: City shakeup will change Melbourne