Draft Spotswood Activity Centre Structure Plan
Hobsons Bay is developing a structure plan for the Spotswood Activity Centre. It will provide a long-term vision to guide land use change, built form, public space and infrastructure
The population of Spotswood and South Kingsville is projected to increase by around 4,000 people between 2016 and 2036. The Spotswood Activity Centre is also expected to grow from a medium to a large Neighbourhood Activity Centre. The structure plan will guide how the activity centre develops so that growth is accommodated in an orderly and sustainable manner and the community has access to local services, infrastructure, employment and quality public spaces. The structure plan will address local characteristics, community needs, and the opportunities and constraints within the centre.
Current status
Consultation on the draft Spotswood Structure Plan occurred for six weeks between 21 April 2022 and 2 June 2022. As part of the consultation process Council received feedback from landowners, community, and key agencies. A summary of What We Heard and the draft Structure Plan can be viewed in the relevant documents section below.
WorkSafe Victoria advised in their June 2022 submission to the draft Structure Plan that they have adopted new guidance for land use planning near Major Hazard Facilities (MHFs). This new guidance takes a more conservative approach to managing risk associated with a possible MHF incident by further restricting surrounding land use and development.
The guidance is based on new “Inner and Outer Safety Areas” that impact the objectives of the draft Structure Plan and affect thousands of properties across Hobsons Bay. The new guidance, revised Safety Areas and their implications on the draft Structure Plan were discussed at the 13 December 2022 Council Meeting. To view the full Council report click here.(PDF, 1MB)
The adoption of the Draft Structure Plan is on hold while Council seeks further justification and clarification from WorkSafe Victoria on the new guidance. Council will continue to progress the aspirations of the draft structure plan where possible, including via Amendment C137 and the implementation of the Spotswood Activity Centre Heritage Review.
Amendment C137
Amendment C137 implements the findings of the Spotswood Activity Centre Structure Plan Heritage Review by introducing new and revised heritage overlays into the Hobsons Bay Planning Scheme. The amendment will now be submitted to the minister for planning for approval. If the Minister approves the amendment the changes will come into effect once a notice has been published in the Victorian Government Gazette.
More information about Amendment C137 can be viewed by visiting the Spotswood Heritage Amendment C137 page.
Better Places and Local Areas Movement Plans
The draft structure plan has been informed by the Better Places and the Local Area Movement Plan projects for Spotswood and South Kingsville.
Better Places is a model that invites the community to participate in the design and future direction of their suburb. This project has built on the significant background work already undertaken for the structure plan and looked at the issues in Spotswood and South Kingsville beyond land use. This project has produced a Place Guide that outlines the short- to medium-term improvement projects in the area.
The Local Area Movement Plan Spotswood and South Kingsville aims to improve the way our community travels in the area on roads, public transport, the cycling network and footpaths. The Local Area Movement Plan is a five year framework that guides infrastructure planning and implementation and assists with advocacy to state and federal governments to help maintain a safe, well connected, efficient and accessible transport network.
The structure plan adopts the Better Places Spotswood and South Kingsville community vision and implements the projects identified in the Local Area Movement Plan as they relate to the activity centre.
To find out more about the Better Places and Local Area Movement Plan projects for Spotswood and South Kingsville, please visit:
For further information, please contact the Strategic Planning Department on 1300 179 944.
Relevant Documents:
What We Heard - Spotswood Activity Centre Structure Plan(PDF, 281KB)
Draft Spotswood Activity Centre Structure Plan(PDF, 19MB)