A new major residential precinct in Melbourne’s west has been approved, which will include more than 8,000 homes for over 22,000 residents, a public plaza, schools, sports reserve and a train station.
Victorian Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, approved the 752-hecatre Rockbank Precinct Structure Plan, which will be bound by the Western Freeway to the north, Paynes Road to the west, Greigs Road to the south and the future Outer Metropolitan Ring Road corridor to the east, beyond Troups Road North.
“This is good planning in action, we are supporting a new community by making sure there is infrastructure in place as the suburb develops,” Mr Wynne said.
Rockbank is about 30km west of Melbourne’s CBD and will have a major town centre and public plaza built around the existing train station.
Future residents will be able to take the train to employment precincts around Caroline Springs, Sunshine and the future jobs hubs in Toolern and Mt Atkinson.
The existing platforms at Rockbank Station will be extended and a sealed car park will also be built on the south- side of the station.
Member for Kororoit, Marlene Kairouz, said, “More and more people want to call the west home and they deserve the opportunity to buy affordable land and build their homes.
“Approvals like this keep the dream of a new home within the reach of many Victorian families.”
Earlier this year, the Victorian Government announced it was investing $518 million to duplicate the Ballarat Railway Line from Deer Park to Melton, with works to begin early 2017.
Development levies will raise a total of $220 million for infrastructure, including a new six-lane arterial road connecting the Western Freeway and Greigs Road.
Land has also been set aside for three government primary schools and a non-government primary school, as well as a government secondary school.
Residents will enjoy four new local sports reserves, all with pavilions, and a regional sports reserve to serve the wider growth corridor.
Neighbourhoods will be connected by waterways and wetlands, including a dedicated conservation area along Paynes Road.
