Wollert precinct structure plan approved

Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, has approved a plan for a leafy new suburb in Melbourne’s north.

To create this plan, Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) collaborated closely with the City of Whittlesea, who played an instrumental role in driving outcomes.

The Wollert precinct structure plan (PSP) covers an area of 1434 hectares and is bounded by Craigieburn Road to the south, Summerhill Road in the north, Curly Sedge Creek in the west and the reservation for the future E6 to the east.

Wollert will accommodate 15,000 dwellings and 42,000 people.

Its key features include:

• A major town centre with integrated community facilities
• two local town centres
• five schools complemented
• several community facilities
• extensive walking and cycling paths along conservation areas.

Development levies will total $408 million, which will be used by local and state governments pay for essential infrastructure and community facilities.

Roads to be built or duplicated include Craigieburn Road, Boundary Road, Summerhill Road, Andrew Road, Koukoura Drive, Edgars Road, Bodycoats Road.

The area will be largely defined by its 340 hectares of open space and its majestic red river gums, which flourish throughout. A network of dry stone walls and heritage buildings as well as a proposed heritage trail will provide future residents with a direct link to the area’s local history.

As well as the large town centre, employment opportunities for locals will be found at a major jobs hub to the east of Wollert, along Epping and Andrew Road. It is envisioned this hub will be a base for thousands of jobs in several industries.

In regards to public transport, the plan sets aside land for the future extension of the Epping Rail Corridor and a future train station in the heart of Wollert.

The community will be a 10-minute drive from the existing train stations of Epping and Craigieburn and future roads will be able to accommodate an extensive bus network.