Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme 1954

Report

Published in 1954, the Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme Report was compiled by the then Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works.

In 1954 Melbourne did not extend much beyond what we would now call the inner and middle suburbs with some development along the existing train lines.

The 1954 report began the planning system for Melbourne. The report shows the beginnings of the development corridors that we know today and planned for a population of 2.5 million in the 1990s, a population actually reached in the 1970s.

The report reinforced the then established tendency of Melbourne to grow to the south east. It designated higher density zones for the inner suburbs, lower density zones for middle and outer suburbs (such as Footscray, Preston and Box Hill) and rural zones for many areas that have now become suburbs.

It also proposed a major open space network along rivers and creeks together with five district centres – Footscray, Preston, Box Hill, Moorabbin and Dandenong.

Policy at the time said "They will offer to residents of the locality many of the facilities of the central city area under more attractive conditions nearer to their homes ".

Surveys and Analysis

Published in 1954, the Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme Surveys and Analysis were compiled by the then Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, as a complimentary document to the Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme 1954 Report.

This document presents a detailed account of the studies which formed the factual basis of the 1954 report and proposed planning scheme.

Data is presented on the people of the planning area, agriculture, residential development, industry, commerce, public utilities, recreation and transport.

Page last updated: 09/06/23