Baldasso Cortese was engaged to review the development options and apply for planning approval, to redevelop a 1.3 Ha property at the intersection of Oakover and Railway Place, Preston.

Our design proposal was developed for a retail, commercial and residential mixed-use development incorporating significant community functions and public open space. The proposal comprised:

• Up to 400 dwellings for around 900 new residents in a multi-generational family-friendly environment.

• Community facilities in the form of childcare, maternal and child health, medical facilities, residential aged care and community spaces.

• A new retail hub with smaller, community-focused offerings such as cafés, a small supermarket, newsagents and chemist.

• A public, open space with the ability and spaciousness to accommodate community events.

• A pedestrian-friendly environment with car-parking below ground.

• A series of smaller pocket parks integrated through the development to link with the overall neighbourhood character.

The current zoning does not permit the type of mixed-use retail/residential development being considered and must therefore be rezoned.

The path to planning approval is through a Planning Scheme Amendment incorporating re-zoning and a Development Plan Overlay.

We have submitted a detailed, architectural and urban design proposal for approval.

The proposal has been presented to the Victorian Design Review Panel coordinated by the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA) and received encouraging feedback.