By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A development plan that seeks to transform the vacant blocks and bucolic paddocks off Berwick’s Clyde Road has been released.
The Berwick Health and Education Precinct Comprehensive Development Plan applies to 122 hectares of land, some of which is occupied by Chisholm Institute, Nossal High School, Casey Hospital, St John of God Private Hospital and in the near future, Federation University.
The vision released by Victorian Planning Authority and Casey Council describes a 15-year-plan for a precinct that’s home to up to 11,000 jobs, 13,000 students, 700 hospital beds and 1100 apartments.
Its future is a mix of multi-storey health clinics, education institutions, apartments, offices and small-scale retail.
Part of the plan is to improve access and the profile of Buchanan Park, as well as retain an open-space corridor and build wetlands and a network of cycle paths.
There would be improved access to Berwick station, and plans for an extra intersection on Clyde Road for the precinct’s traffic.
Separate to the plan, the VPA and Casey council are also proposing to rezone land on Margaret, Evan, Jane and Mansfield streets for “high-quality” residential growth.
VPA acting chief executive Steve Dunn said Berwick was already “cementing its reputation as a health and education hub”.
“This plan provides a blueprint for great infrastructure, considered development and lively amenity, so students, workers and residents can enjoy all Berwick has to offer.”
In recent years, the State Government has announced the creation of Casey Tech School and the expansion of Casey Hospital within the precinct.
Drop-in information sessions on the plan will be held at Chisholm Institute, Berwick, on 18 May at 5pm and 6pm.
Public submissions are open until 29 May. Details: vpa.vic.gov.au/project/berwick-health-education/
