Planning controls in Epping have been eased to encourage millions of dollars in private investment.
The state government has signed off on the Epping Central Project, one of 11 major development sites in the state earmarked for intensive development.
Whittlesea council Epping project manager Rachel Dapiran said new zoning would enable landholders to do more with their holdings.
“This is about having a longer-term look at the area,” she said.
“Epping is on the doorstep of an enormous amount of growth. There are a lot of people holding land who can’t do what they want with the current zones. This will unlock that potential.”
Ms Dapiran said restaurants, cafes and parks would fill vacant lots along High and Cooper streets.
“We want people to have the option to live and work in Epping without having to leave the municipality,” she said.
“It doesn’t mean there’s going to be big towers in people’s backyards.”
Job opportunities are one of the major drawcards of the new planning scheme.
Whittlesea mayor Ricky Kirkham said the zoning change would allow about a quarter of a billion dollars worth of development to go ahead, creating hundreds of jobs.
“Coupled with the affordable land in the area, these planning controls will give Epping Central the boost it needs to establish itself as an economic powerhouse of the north and as a dynamic activity centre for jobs, housing and services in Melbourne’s north.”
There are plans for large parcels of under-used and vacant land in High and Cooper streets to make way for developments such as a 10-storey complex with a supermarket, retail and office space, a gym, childcare centre, parking and two-bedroom apartments.
Costco will establish its third Melbourne outlet in Jovic Road, a park is being designed for Coulstock Street, an eight-storey building is in the works in Rufus Street, and a $40 million aged-care centre is proposed for 513 High Street.
