Bold new plan to grow Berwick’s health and education precinct

A bold new plan will cement Berwick’s reputation as a cutting-edge health and education precinct and drive infrastructure, jobs and housing.

The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) and Casey City Council have released the Berwick Health and Education Precinct Comprehensive Development Plan for public comment. People can make a submission into the plan until 29 May 2017.

The plan concerns 122 hectares of land located either side of Clyde Road, north of Princes Freeway and south of Berwick village. This precinct will soon be occupied by Federation University and current institutions in the area include Chisholm Institute of TAFE, Casey Hospital and St. John of God Private Hospital.

The plan outlines a vision for the area that will ultimately result in the precinct accommodating:

• up to 11,000 jobs
• 13,000 students
• 700 hospital beds
• 1100 new apartments.

This will be achieved by:

• encouraging development of allied health and educational services
• locating mixed-use development in the heart of the precinct
• improving access to Berwick Station
• encouraging office development along Princes Freeway
• creating a new intersection on Clyde Road
• building extensive cycle paths
• creating an open space corridor.

Alongside the comprehensive development plan, the VPA and Casey City Council are proposing to rezone land on Margaret and Evan streets and some of the land on Jane and Mansfield streets to allow for high-quality residential growth.

The Victorian Government continues to invest in major projects in Berwick, most recently announcing the establishment of Casey Tech School – hosted by the Chisholm Institute – and expanding Casey Hospital.

This plan will complement new and existing institutions: providing a blueprint for infrastructure that will benefit workers, students and residents alike.

A comprehensive development plan is a detailed, long-term plan for urban growth. It stipulates what land uses are permitted in various areas of the precinct and includes wide-ranging guidelines for development.

To learn more about the plan and ask questions, people are invited to attend a drop-in session on 18 May from 4.30pm – 7pm at the Chisholm Institute. There will be two presentations on the night: one at 5pm and another at 6pm.

To view the plan and make a submission, click here.

Quotes attributable to VPA acting chief executive, Steve Dunn:

 “This plan has been released for comment and we are seeking feedback from residents and workers alike.”

 “With Federation University soon to replace Berwick Monash, Casey Hospital expanding, St. John of God opening and a new tech school in the works, Berwick is 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.”