Horsham Rural City Council has secured a Victorian Government grant that will unlock opportunities for the urban renewal of parts of the city suitable for commercial and residential development.
The $70,000 funding from the Victorian Planning Authority will be used to deliver a plan for up to 100 new dwellings, 10,000m2 of apartment space and 10,000m2 of office and retail space through the Horsham Urban Renewal Project.
It will aim to replicate the success of the former saleyards redevelopment during the 1990s which saw industrial land transformed into what is now the Hamilton Street retail precinct and the City Gardens estate.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said Council the study area extended from Wilson and Firebrace Streets south to the Botanic Gardens.
It includes the Council depot site and land to the north of Selkirk Drive as potential areas for future redevelopment.
“Through strategic planning, a number of existing precincts suitable for urban renewal for residential, mixed use and commercial use and development have been identified. The project seeks to facilitate the development of these precincts through market analysis, rezoning, setting a clear vision and design guidelines,” Cr Gulline said.
“With growth planned in the region population will continue to increase, as the City develops as a significant regional centre.
“Council is committed to ensuring that our local quality of living is preserved for existing residents and new development is well planned as we continue to welcome new residents. The best way to achieve this goal is to get it right from the start and Council will partner with the Victorian Planning Authority and landowners to deliver the highest standard of development.
“Council actively seeks opportunities to work with government to achieve great outcomes for our residents, and we are pleased that the State Government has recognised the importance of supporting our rapidly-growing shire with a grant to fund this quality planning project,” she said.
Council will deliver the project in partnership with the Victorian Planning Authority and consultants with experience in commercial and property feasibility, town planning, urban design and infrastructure.
The project will be delivered in a number stages involving landholder engagement, feasibility, options assessment and concept plan to ensure the future development of Horsham City Urban Renewal is feasible and delivers on the future needs of the city.
