Game-changing $7billion makeover coming to North Melbourne

The heart of North Melbourne could soon be almost unrecognisable, with an exciting $7billion precinct plan that will completely revitalise the centre of the suburb.

Going by the name of 'Arden', the new precinct is slated to become a gathering space for locals and visitors alike. So what's in store for Melburnians?

The blueprint for the Arden precinct

The area will cover 56 hectares in the suburb, stretching from Macaulay Road to Dryburgh Street and the Upfield rail line. One of the biggest changes will introduce an underground metro tunnel to the heart of Arden, which will offer commuters a quick transition between here and the CBD, Parkville, and the west of the city. All things going to plan, the metro will open for operation in 10 years.

Naturally, the draft has considered ways to protect the fabulous character currently found in North Melbourne thanks to its historic buildings. A heritage overlay is already in place to protect these structures.

Additionally, the Moonee Ponds Creek is also part of the plan, and is set to receive its own revitalisation to remain up to date with North Melbourne.

What Arden will mean for locals

For anyone looking for work or property in North Melbourne, the plans could offer fresh opportunities as the brand new Arden precinct will create 34,000 jobs and house 15,000 people. Once plans get underway, it will take approximately 30 years for this precinct to fully come into effect.

Roughly 15,000 North Melbourne residents can expect new open space designs, as well as greater access for cyclists and pedestrians. The plans include both a mix of residential and commercial spaces, and planning Minister Richard Wynne has already ruled out super high sky scrapers that could harm the aesthetic of the suburb, limiting heights to 12-15 storeys, according to news site ABC.

Mr Wynne went on to explain the reasons behind the upgrades, saying that the area will be "another long-term legacy of the Melbourne Metro Rail".

"Melbourne is growing rapidly. We're expanding the city to meet demand for new housing and create new jobs," he said.

Locals currently have from now until the initial consultation period end on October 14 to offer feedback and create input on the project through the Victorian Planning Authority.

If you're looking to make the move to the up-and-coming North Melbourne area so you're in place for the new Arden precinct, chat to the team at Ray White Brunswick to see what options are currently on offer!