The Victorian Labor Government has announced 25 areas across Melbourne as new high-density zones. These are set to kick-start the building of thousands of homes. Another 25 areas are set to be announced at the end of the year.

Premier Jacinta Allan announced an overhaul of planning rules across 50 inner-Melbourne suburbs, which are set to be around train and tram stops to allow for greater density giving these suburbs a brand new look.

The “activity centres” will include the construction of new high-rise buildings with “gentler, scaled height limits”, as well as low-rise apartments further back from the stations.

The plan is clearing the way for taller buildings between 10 and 20 stories near the stations, as well as low rise apartments and townhouses between three and six stories high. These will be located alongside existing homes that are up to 800m away.

Majority of the first 25 areas are located across Melbourne’s south-east along the Frankston, Glen Waverly and Sandringham train lines.

The government estimated that the zones would create 300,000 more homes in metropolitan areas by 2051. The areas were recommended by the Department of Transport and Planning based on their proximity to transport, jobs and services.

Allen reminded the state that she’s “a builder, not a blocker”.

“Too many blockers have stopped younger Victorians getting into their homes,” she said.

Allan believes young people have been “locked out” of these areas due to high property prices and low availability. The plans follow a similar move which came out of New South Wales, where the state government has also rezoned land around train stations.

Photo: Xtrapolis arrived at Glen Waverley Railway Station by Phillip Mallis is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons License. This image has not been modified.