By Molly Magennis
Close to 3000 dwelling will be built at Highpoint Shopping Centre over the next 30 years, after a new development plans was approved by Maribyrnong council.
The plan sets the planning framework for Highpoint over the next 30 years.
It outlines that over the course of the 30 year timeline, 2,977 dwellings will be created resulting in a population increase of about 6550 new residents.
A six-storey dwelling is proposed to the Highpoint Ring Road (north), Warrs Road (east) and Rosamond Road (west) area of the site with a height range of 6-10 storeys along Aquatic Drive.
The development outlines the construction of commercial and retail space, which it estimates will attract about 9660 jobs.
A 2800 square metre Library & Community Hub facility was also included in the plan, with five possible locations already having been identified. Improved vehicle, pedestrian and cycle connectivity and green spaces are also key objectives.
Deputy mayor Sarah Carter said that while the development was exciting, she did have worries about what the added population would mean for the city.
“[I’m] quite excited by it but also really nervous about the congestion. I think that’s something that has been raised by residents in the area just to, you know, that kind of growth and how we do our transport planning to be able to support that kind of growth,” she said.
Despite this, she is excited about what future prospects the development will bring.
“[I’m] really pleased to say that the interface is soft, you know that the bulk of the height is contained to the middle of the site, really excited about the prospect of the new library space and also the green open space.”
Cr Micheal Clarke was pleased that the development would result in so many job opportunities in the area.
“I think for me importantly, it’s not just the fact that we’re going to see 3000 additional dwellings, but we are going to see some 9,500 additional jobs as well, and that’s what it’s got to be about. People don’t need to move in any significant direction or distance to go to work.”
