By BRIDGET COOK
CLYDE North is set to be Casey’s next boom town after visions for the suburb’s future were released this week.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy visited the area on Friday to announce the approval of three new precinct structure plans in Clyde North, which could create up to 16,000 jobs and 21,000 homes for Casey.
The three plans – Thompsons Road, Clyde Creek and Casey Fields South precincts – set out the future development for three estates in the area which include creating a major town centre, commercial space, housing development and an innovative new health precinct.
The Thompson Road precinct would be home to a major town centre, off Hardys Road, to be called St Germain Village.
Draft plans for the Thompsons Road precinct also set out the early delivery of medical services, commercial and retail development, 23 hectares of space for parks and sports facilities and medium density housing around the new town centre.
“More than 120 hectares of commercial and industrial land is set aside in the Thompsons Road plan, including a town centre on Hardys Road and land for private medical facilities, to create 8500 jobs,” Mr Guy said.
“The plan also sets out a residential development of approximately 6000 homes and future schools.
“Construction of commercial, medical and industrial hubs early in the precinct’s development will provide Casey’s large and educated workforce with access to a wide range of jobs close to home.
“The Metropolitan Planning Authority is preparing to work with landowners to identify partners for a demonstration project focusing on the early delivery of private medical services and commercial development to create more professional employment opportunities in Casey.
“This project will also showcase quality parks and sports facility design and a mix of housing options.”
City of Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said such plans helped growth areas like Casey face the challenge of provisions for quality infrastructure and services to meet a growing population.
“Developing Casey’s economy is one of council’s key priorities,” he said.
“Each day over 70 per cent of the region’s working residents leave the area to travel to work.
“This has a big impact on their family life and their ability to participate in the community.
“It also has a flow on effect for the local economy – with so many residents leaving each day, there are less people to visit our local shops and eat at our local cafes and restaurants.
“Council welcomes opportunities, such as this one, which create the potential to improve local employment prospects.
“This project, together with opportunities for investment in key employment areas such as Cranbourne West, Cranbourne North and the Thompsons Road corridor will help to address these issues.”
The public will also have an opportunity to view and comment on new precinct plans for Clyde Creek and Casey Fields South, which set out future development to support 7500 jobs and about 15,000 homes as well as infrastructure, services and open space.
Plans were released for community consultation on Monday and will be open for comment until Friday 4 April.
For more information or to view the plans, visit www.mpa.vic.gov.au.
