Major Activity Centres (MACs) provide a wide variety of retail and other kinds of shopping, economic investment and cultural activities.

These centres:

  • Are well serviced by public transport
  • Serve a large population, around 30,000 – 50,000 residents, workers and visitors inside and outside the local government area.
  • Are large areas that cover lengths of main streets or high streets, some local streets, and blocks of commercial and mixed-use land.
  • have between 300 and 2000 shop fronts
  • Are important destinations for Merri-bek residents to participate in cultural and creative exchange as well as community gathering and social connection.

Planning methodology

The Places for People Plan proposes the following methodology to be used when planning to develop public places in major activity centres

To assess any new development or improvement of public spaces in major activitiy centres, we propose this list of prioritisation criteria and key questions.

  • Project cost and time

    What is the approximate cost scale of the project?

    How long will the project take to complete?

  • Community impact

    What is the scale of impact on the public realm?

    Will the project close a gap in civic or open space?

  • Economic impact

    Will the project contribute directly to economic activation?

    What is the number of businesses and dwellings in the surrounding area?

  • Strategic alignment

    Does the project align with other Council projects?

    Does the project align with State Government projects?

  • Environmental benefit

    Can the project deliver meaningful outcomes for tree canopy, deep soil planning, WSUD and pervious surfaces?

    Can the project contribute to climate risk and resilience?

  • Ease of deliverability

    Are there land encumbrances?

    Are there other project risks or complexities?

Our vision for Merri-bek activity centres.

Use the tab to explore our vision for each of the major activity centres across Merri-bek.

Brunswick Activity Centre

Coburg Activity Centre

Glenroy Activity Centre

What do you think?