Council endorses the Cheltenham Station structure plan

Bayside City Council has agreed to endorse the City of Kingston’s Cheltenham Activity Centre Structure Plan and a municipal boundary change.

This follows negotiations between both councils to agree a position on the future development over the railway trench as part of the State Government’s Level Crossing Removal plan.

Bayside Mayor, Cr Laurence Evans said this outcome provides an opportunity for both councils to align and achieve the best possible outcome for local communities and the provision of open space.

“Council has worked to find the right balance for our community, where future development over Cheltenham station will respect the natural character of Cheltenham Park.

“The aim of the structure plan is to guide development over Cheltenham railway station and ensure access to existing open space from the Cheltenham shopping centre, whilst improving pedestrian safety and positively contributing to the emerging character of Cheltenham,” Cr Evans said.

Council has agreed to a municipal boundary change to ensure that development over the railway trench is delivered within one municipality and one Planning Scheme.

Cr Evans said that the revised structure plan has responded to a number of requirements put forward by Bayside.

“We have looked at a number of development opportunities that would ensure that the open space remains connected with the retail core of Cheltenham.

“The plan sets clear strategic objectives and guidelines that provides both councils with an opportunity to achieve the best outcome for the site by clearly articulating built form expectations to the development industry.

“The design controls ensure that development occurs in a way that responds to the specific characteristics of the location and is in-line with community expectations,” Cr Evans said.

Bayside will work with Kingston to agree to a transfer of funds collected as a result of any new development for use in maintaining and improving Cheltenham Park.

View the City of Kingston's website to find out more on the Cheltenham Structure Plan.