Coburg Residents Shape Future Housing and Retail Plans

Merri-bek City Council released the 'Coburg is Here' concept for central Coburg, proposing around 1,000 new apartments and townhouses, over 8,000 sqm of new retail/business space, and 6,000 sqm of new public open spaces including a piazza and pocket parks.

Scale of Proposed Changes

The draft Central Coburg framework plan targets 850-1,150 new dwellings to accommodate 1,700-2,300 new residents, with a mix of 30% one-bedroom, 30% two-bedroom, 20% three-bedroom, and 20% four-bedroom units. These targets sit alongside the Coburg Health and Community Services Precinct on Bell Street, already underway to house GPs, aged care, childcare, and allied health services while supporting over 1,000 new construction and healthcare jobs.

Sites Under Consideration

Merri-bek Council is offering multiple council-owned development sites in central Coburg including Waterfield Street, Victoria Street, Louisa Street, and Russell Street for urban revitalization to transform the area from car-dominated to pedestrian-friendly, with estimated redevelopment costs of approximately $150 million. Development Victoria's 'The Avenue, Coburg' project at 31 The Avenue is anticipating early works in mid-2025 with completion in 2027, featuring up to 274 apartments and new public open space.

Opportunities for Local Input

Residents and community members can review the full concept and provide feedback through the dedicated consultation portal at conversations.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/The-Coburg-Conversation. The process allows direct comment on the proposed housing mix, new retail and business space, and additional public open spaces before any final framework is adopted.

Further details on the 'Coburg is Here' concept and related council documents remain available on the Merri-bek City Council website for anyone seeking to understand the current stage of planning.