Albert Park Rezoning Shifts Land to Mixed-Use Housing and Business Zones

The Albert Park Mixed Use Code Amendment rezoning land from Employment Zones to Suburban Business and Housing Diversity Neighbourhood Zones was adopted by the Minister for Planning on 11 January 2023 and entered effect on 2 February 2023. This zoning shift applies to designated parcels and determines the types of business and housing projects that can proceed through local approvals.

Local planning decisions connect to earlier documents that guide long-term use of space. The Albert Park Master Plan released in June 2019 sets a 25-year vision for visitor experience, planting and access. It drew on input from over 2,000 stakeholders and continues to inform how rezoned sites are assessed alongside open-space needs.

Effects on daily access and services

Residents may see new proposals for suburban business and housing diversity uses on former employment land. Separate approvals already address open space, including the City of Charles Sturt decision for a 3,000 square metre local park at Spad Street and Farman Avenue. Construction of that park was underway as of 2023 with federal and state grant funding to reduce shortages in the area.

Heritage considerations also appear in recent rulings. In 2024 the VCTC ruled in favor of Albert Park residents and blocked demolition of an 1880s corner building that had been the former home of Paul Cox, citing insufficient design excellence in the replacement plan. An earlier permit granted in March 2017 allowed renovations and partial demolition at the Albert Park Hotel at 85 Dundas Place, illustrating how individual sites continue through review even as broader zoning rules update.

Next steps for applications

Future development proposals must meet the new zone requirements adopted in early 2023. The government says the policy will support mixed-use outcomes on the rezoned land while existing permits and master-plan directions remain reference points for assessments. Residents can track individual applications through standard local channels as projects are lodged under the updated rules.