Merrifield North
The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) is currently preparing a threshold assessment to determine whether a Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) will be prepared for Merrifield North. The investigation area covers 991 hectares in the City of Hume and Shire of Mitchell.
The assessment is being undertaken in consultation with Hume City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, various government agencies, service authorities, and landowners.
The purpose of the threshold assessment is to resolve many complex matters impacting the future development of Merrifield North and the decision whether or not to proceed with preparing a PSP. These matters include:
- Determining an alignment or corridor for the extension of Aitken Boulevard and the western arterial through the precinct.
- Developing guiding principles to inform the PSP planning of the Merrifield Park, waterways, and pre-European wetland located within the precinct.
- Preparing a high level concept plan for the Merrifield Park that is a part of the PSP project.
Over the coming months the VPA will work to conclude the assessment and determine whether a PSP can formally commence in 2025.
Interactive map of Merrifield North Precinct
Project Status Update – November 2024
The Premier and Minister for Planning have announced a 10-year plan for Melbourne’s greenfields, and Merrifield North is a part of that plan.
A 10-year plan for Melbourne’s greenfields
The Victorian Government has released Victoria’s longest ever pipeline of new land for homes and jobs in Melbourne’s greenfields, with 27 additional greenfield areas to commence planning over the next 10 years. This pipeline gives developers the confidence to invest early and get shovels in the ground sooner to deliver more homes.
The 27 new plans will be developed over three horizons. The horizons provide a program of work to deliver the new PSPs over the next 10 years, balancing the delivery of residential and employment areas as well as infrastructure capacity.
Find out more about the 10-year plan for Melbourne’s greenfields.
The Minister for Planning also approved the VPA Business Plan 2024-25, outlining our work program and priorities for this financial year.
What this means for Merrifield North
Merrifield North is on Horizon 2 of the Government’s 10-year plan for Melbourne’s greenfields, meaning it is targeted for commencement between 2025-26 and 2028-29.
Merrifield North is on the VPA work program for 2024-25 as a due diligence project. This means we are testing and proving the conditions that need to be in place before it can commence as a planning project. We will progress this important work to ensure the project is ready to commence in Horizon 2, as targeted in the 10-year plan.
The 10-year plan represents the longest ever pipeline of new land in greenfield areas, and Merrifield North’s inclusion in the plan provides concrete timelines for industry and community about when planning for this precinct will commence.
Thank you for your interest and engagement in our planning for Merrifield North. We will provide our next update once the project formally commences.