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Merri-bek Council Approves New Housing Targets for Coburg Central Redevelopment

Merri-bek City Council has released the Coburg is Here concept and related framework to direct redevelopment via new housing targets, business space and community precincts.

By Coburg News Desk · Published 25 July 2026

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Merri-bek City Council released the Coburg is Here concept for central Coburg, proposing around 1,000 new apartments and townhouses along with more than 8,000 square metres of new business space and more than 6,000 square metres of new public space that includes a piazza and pocket parks.

Framework Targets for Housing and Residents

The draft framework plan sets targets of 850 to 1,150 new dwellings to accommodate 1,700 to 2,300 new residents. The unit mix under the plan is 30 per cent one-bedroom, 30 per cent two-bedroom, 20 per cent three-bedroom and 20 per cent four-bedroom. These targets form part of the council's approach to managing growth through specific local planning decisions.

Named Sites and Revitalisation Plan

Council is offering sites on Waterfield Street, Victoria Street, Louisa Street and Russell Street for redevelopment under an estimated $150 million revitalisation plan aimed at shifting the area from car-dominated to pedestrian-friendly. One project within this effort is The Avenue, Coburg by Development Victoria, which plans up to 274 apartments across four buildings that include communal spaces and affordable housing, with early works anticipated mid-2025 and completion in 2027.

Health and Community Services as First Phase

The first phase of Revitalising Coburg is the Bell Street Coburg Health and Community Services Precinct. This precinct will include GPs, aged care, childcare and allied health services and is expected to support over 1,000 construction and healthcare jobs. The precinct decision ties directly into the council's use of local services to support the broader redevelopment.

These steps show how Merri-bek City Council is addressing central Coburg changes by releasing the concept plan, setting dwelling targets and advancing the Bell Street precinct as an initial service-focused component. Residents can review the concept and provide feedback through the council's listed channels on the project pages.