The Victorian Government has released final height maps for higher-density development in some of its Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres in Boroondara.

Fact sheets were published for areas around Kew Junction, and Hawthorn, Glenferrie and Auburn train stations.

Council’s strategic planners compared the final maps with the Phase 2 consultation maps and identified: 

• height reductions of 2 to 4 storeys in some areas of the core of both Kew and Hawthorn, Glenferrie and Auburn activity centres
• amendments to the inner and outer catchments. 

While the full extent of the Victorian Government changes won’t be known until the detailed planning controls are gazetted into the Boroondara Planning Scheme, the final height maps indicate: 

• Kew Junction: Predominantly up to 8 storeys in the core, with some sites allowing up to 12 and 16 storeys.
• Hawthorn, Glenferrie and Auburn cluster: Building heights are generally 8 to 12 storeys, with a small pocket of 6 storeys and some areas allowing up to 16 storeys.

What happens next?

The Victorian Government will amend the Boroondara Planning Scheme to implement the heights and catchments shown in the recently published maps. 

Many factors will determine how the government’s vision for activity centres actually takes shape. Market forces will influence how and when they develop. 

Riversdale-Willison and Ashburton consultation

The government’s final consultation – on draft plans for areas around Riversdale-Willison train stations and the Ashburton activity centre – closed on 22 March. Council ran online and in-person information sessions in addition to the government consultation. Council’s submission is now available on the webpage below.

Stay up to date

Council will keep working to help shape the best possible outcomes for our community. Stay up to date on all state-led planning changes at our Victorian Government planning reform page.