By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CASEY Council has given the green light for the Fountain Gate-Narre Warren CBD Structure Plan.
The City of Casey approved the blueprint at a meeting on 5 April, which outlines a plan to turn the Fountain Gate area into a retail, housing and civic hub over the next 20 years.
Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said it was pivotal to start planning for the upgrade of the precinct, with Casey’s population expected to reach 490,000 residents by 2041.
“The Fountain Gate-Narre Warren CBD is a designated Metropolitan Activity Centre under the State Government’s Metropolitan Strategy ‘Plan Melbourne’,” he said.
“That classification comes with the expectation that the centre needs to provide for an increase in the number of jobs, housing density and diversity.
“The purpose of the Structure Plan is to establish a simple strategic framework to guide the transformation of the CBD over the next 20 years.”
With the plan endorsed, council will now prepare planning scheme controls.
Springfield Ward Councillor Louise Berkelmans said the new Structure Plan will prioritise job creation.
“The Fountain Gate-Narre Warren CBD has a very exciting future and this plan will bring it to fruition,” she said.
“It places emphasis on creating great places for people, including safe and well-designed streets and open spaces that incorporate the best urban design and sustainable development principles.
“It will also be a highly accessible and connected centre with strong pedestrian, cycle, public and vehicle transport connections.”
View the Structure Plan at www.casey.vic.gov.au.
