By Natalie Gallenti
BRIMBANK Council, in partnership with Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay councils and the Department of Planning and Community Development, has begun funding a business profile survey within the Brooklyn-Tottenham precinct.
The councils hope the survey, titled ViClue, will find out what types of businesses are presently in Brooklyn/Tottenham, why they decided to locate there and what issues are affecting their business.
Stephen Sully, general manager for city development, said the information gathered would help address current issues and plan for the future.
“The purpose of the survey is to get a better understanding of land use, business activity and investment intentions in the area. Understanding local businesses better will help inform future planning for the area,” Mr Sully said.
The council has engaged Meinhardt Consulting to provide a series of supporting studies for the development of a precinct plan for the next 10 to 30 years. The project will look at land use, traffic, contamination, economic development and urban design issues.
Mr Sully said the supporting studies would identify issues, constraints, opportunities and key directions and will underpin the formulation of a plan to guide future development in Brooklyn.
The council is hopeful the planning for the business precinct will provide a path to turning the area into a vibrant economic industrial and business area.
“The whole of the area is recognised as being of metropolitan significance as a location of industrial activity and employment, uniquely close to transport services, including the Port of Melbourne.
“Future planning of the area will set a long-term vision for business activity and increased employment for the growing West of Melbourne, ensuring this takes place with environmental improvements and co-ordinated infrastructure provision.”
The council said the precinct had significant potential to be transformed into a high quality employment area for Melbourne.
