On 27 October 2024, the Hon Sonya Kilkenny, Minister for Planning, announced the Victorian Government's intention to create a Great Design Fast Track planning pathway. The pathway seeks to promote, reward and expedite the construction of high quality, sustainable and innovative townhouses and apartment buildings.
The Great Design Fast Track will be focused on eligible applications of three to six storeys in height. It is intended to apply statewide and operate similarly to the existing Development Facilitation Pathway (DFP). Like the current DFP, applications will be subject to the same level of rigorous assessment and opportunity for consultation as per the standard assessment process.
The Great Design Fast Track will encourage developers to create high-quality, innovative, and affordable projects that enhance the visual appeal and long-term value of neighbourhoods. The pathway will be supported by industry-tested guiding principles to ensure high standards of design, sustainability, and liveability in the final builds.
Complimenting the new pathway, the Department of Transport and Planning will produce a State Design Book of "future homes.” The Book will provide context and guidance and will showcase pre-existing examples of well-designed developments that demonstrate the Pathway’s guiding principles. The State Design Book will provide confidence to both developers and communities about the kinds of high-quality townhouses and apartments they can expect to see delivered through the Great Design Fast Track.
To support the expedited delivery of new, high-quality homes, the Victorian Government will unlock government-owned land to build innovative ‘demonstration’ projects through the pathway.
The developments will be required to demonstrate high quality design, liveability and sustainability, as well as considering modern methods of construction. These factors will be built into the expression of interest process for industry, expected to begin in 2025.
Page last updated: 06/11/24