Reference
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The vision for Caulfield
The following vision for the Caulfield train and tram zone activity centre is built from the Statement of Advice prepared by a Community Reference Group (CRG) made up of local comunity members.
Caulfield will continue to evolve as a thriving and well-connected hub, supported by places that shape local identity, including Derby Road, Monash University, Caulfield Racecourse Reserve, Caulfield Village and Caulfield Park.
More housing diversity across the core and catchment will help to ensure housing opportunities for existing and future residents. Locating homes close to Caulfield Train Station, tram or bus stops, or within walking distance of open spaces will ensure that people can enjoy high quality places to live, work, study and visit with minimal travel time.
Green spaces, tree-lined streets and a sense of openness will remain defining elements of Caulfield, contributing to a human scale environment with access to daylight, sky views and green outlooks. The local community will be connected to the area’s local destinations through people-friendly streets, convenient public transport options and a built form character that blends new development with its distinctive history and heritage built form.
New development will contribute to a cohesive urban form, where contemporary buildings sit comfortably alongside heritage and established streetscapes.
"I currently live with my parents near this area and would love to live in this area in the future to be close to family, the parks and wildlife. I love the place I grew up, and have good access to public transport (especially for access to my work)."
What we understand about the place and how we’ve addressed it
Caulfield is a well-established centre known for its transport connections and key destinations such as Monash University’s Caulfield campus and the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve. These key elements are supported by a mix of residential and commercial activity, including Caulfield Village and the Derby Road precinct.
Given the centre’s diversity in offerings and wide range of public transport options, building heights between six to 20 storeys have been applied within the Caulfield core with the greatest heights directed to land near the railway. This reflects the centre’s capacity to accommodate population growth, supported by its strong access to train, tram and bus services.
The Community Reference Group noted how important it is to focus development near the train station, shops and racecourse and for Dudley Street sites to accommodate greater heights. That is why we have planned for most of the residential growth to occur in these locations within the core.
We heard that the community is generally supportive of growth focused in areas close to Caulfield train station, Derby Road and the Caulfield Racecourse.
As part of our work, we've:
- applied key pedestrian street designation to Derby Road, recognising the importance of maintaining daylight access to the main commercial strip
- applied between six to 20 storey heights within the Caulfield core, with the greatest heights directed to land near the railway. This reflects the centre’s capacity to accommodate population growth, supported by its strong access to train, tram and bus services
- aligned building heights with the draft heights proposed by Council’s Structure Plan where appropriate
- applied controls for high solar protection and increased activation along Derby Road to ensure a safe and lively pedestrian environment.
Caulfield core and catchment map
View the Caulfield to Bentleigh and Elsternwick core and catchment map.
Caulfield core and catchment explained
The core is the central part of the train and tram zone activity centre, closest to public transport, jobs and services. This area is best suited to accommodate more homes.
The catchment is the surrounding area within approximately 10 minutes’ walk of the core (around 800 metres).
As you move away from the commercial and community core of the train and tram zone activity centre, we expect that the proposed building heights will gradually decrease. This will allow a transition between the activity centre and the surrounding suburb.
In Caulfield, the inner catchment responds to the tram line and Caulfield Station.
The outer catchment is applied to Heritage Overlay precincts, such as part of Gascoigne Estate.
Visit the How we’re planning page to find out more about core and catchment areas, new planning tools, streamlined planning processes and the approach to delivering more homes in train and tram zone activity centres.
Activity centre plans
The built form outcomes and building heights for the activity centre core are set out on the following plans:
Plan 3: Caulfield typology, activation and setbacks.
Plan 4: Caulfield building heights and sun protection.
The plans support the right types of homes being built in the places they fit best.
Page last updated: 22/07/26