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More homes across Melbourne
Metropolitan Melbourne is expected to require significant new housing over coming decades.
The Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program provides a planning framework to support housing growth in and around 60 activity centres across Melbourne by 2051. These centres are generally located close to public transport, employment, services and amenities.
Plans for 60 centres have been finalised, including plans for the Inner Melbourne (City of Yarra) and Inner Melbourne (City of Melbourne) train and tram zones.
Activity centres are in locations that accommodate a range of uses, including housing, employment, retail, community facilities and services. They range from neighbourhood centres around train stations to larger centres that may include hospitals, universities and major shopping centres.
The program provides for housing growth in locations with access to existing transport networks, jobs, services and community infrastructure.
About the program
The Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program offers plans for long-term growth around train stations and tram corridors.
As part of the program, the Department of Transport and Planning:
- identified areas suitable for more housing
- set clear expectations for future development
- consulted with communities early in the planning process
- streamlined planning approvals
- developed plans for each train and tram zone activity centre, providing guidance on where future housing can be located, and the types of housing that are appropriate in a given location
- changed planning controls to support more homes in appropriate locations.
The program does not involve compulsory land acquisition. Planning controls guide where new homes can be built, but property owners and developers will deliver them.
Increasing housing supply
Most new homes will be delivered by private landowners and developers over the next 20 to 30 years. The program provides clear planning controls and greater certainty about where different types of housing can be built.
We are also reviewing State Government landholdings, including opportunities to deliver more homes on land that isn’t needed for other government uses any more.
These sites could include underutilised rail land, institutional uses which have relocated or have a reduced footprint, or vacant/surplus sites.
Expected outcomes of the program
Expected outcomes of the program include:
- more housing diversity and choice in well-connected areas
- better access to jobs, education and services
- support for local businesses and activity centres
- more walkable neighbourhoods
- reduced reliance on cars and other vehicles
- better use of existing infrastructure
- protection of areas further away from activity centres from unnecessary development pressure.
How good building design can improve our neighbourhoods
In this video, Victoria’s Government Architect Jill Garner discusses how well-designed homes and neighbourhoods can improve sustainability, convenience and social connection.
Jill Garner on good design
Stories from here
Where people live is important to them and everyone deserves the opportunity to live in the places they want to.
Find out the benefits of convenience, neighbourhood vibrancy and apartment living from people already living in higher density locations across Melbourne.
Convenience
Neighbourhood vibrancy
Apartment living
Page last updated: 16/10/26