Vibrant open spaces, tree-lined streets, natural features and community infrastructure are central to the new Shepparton North East Precinct approved by the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Richard Wynne.
The Victorian Planning Authority, in collaboration with Greater Shepparton City Council, prepared an amendment to the Greater Shepparton Planning Scheme to rezone land and incorporate the Shepparton North East Precinct Structure Plan in the Planning Scheme. The amendment will guide the future development of a new suburb in Shepparton. The rezoning included 177 hectares of land in Shepparton's north-east that is bound by Verney Road to the west, Ford Road to the north, Grahamvale Road to the east and a Goulburn-Murray drainage reserve to the south.
The site will be developed over the next 20 years into a vibrant new community that will house up to 1,500 new dwellings, accommodate a population of approximately 4,000 new residents, and provide new affordable housing opportunities in the region.
The suburb has been designed to weave into the area's existing landscape features and topography, embracing Shepparton's unique regional city character. Once fully developed, the existing Shepparton Christian College and Grahamvale Primary School will be integrated into the urban form of Shepparton. The PSP also allows for the expansion of both schools within the Precinct. Large open spaces including a district and three local parks will be linked by shared paths and connect with Shepparton's wider open space network.
The new suburb will be well-connected and easy to navigate. Tree-lined streets and shared bicycle and pedestrian paths will provide direct links to schools and open space. They will connect community members to a new local convenience centre and community centre close to the existing intersection of Ryeland Drive and Verney Road.
Developers of the precinct will contribute over $21 million to help pay for the community facilities, drainage, open space and traffic infrastructure required to support the new community.
The new suburb will meet the expected demand for future housing in Greater Shepparton and will include provision for affordable housing. Details of the Shepparton North East Precinct Structure Plan can be viewed here.
