The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) coordinates planning and delivery activities across priority precincts identified in Plan for Victoria as places where significant growth is being planned to deliver new jobs and homes.
Located 14 kilometres north-east of Melbourne’s Central Business District, the La Trobe precinct is a major centre for health, education, research and employment, hosting networks of industrial, commercial and residential land uses.
La Trobe was identified as a priority precinct and Employment and Innovation Area (EIA) due to the presence of major employment and education institutions and the scale and range of activities within the area. DTP works with key stakeholders to identify partnership, investment and transport connectivity matters for the precinct.
Heidelberg Health Precinct
A cluster of major healthcare and research institutions in Heidelberg form a medical precinct. Institutions such as the Austin and Mercy Hospitals, the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital and the Olivia Newton John Cancer Care and Wellness Centre contribute to healthcare delivery, medical research, workforce development and clinical training.
The Heidelberg Health Precinct is an employment area within the broader health, research and innovation activities of the precinct.
Image: Olivia Newton John Cancer Care and Wellness Centre and Austin Hospital, Heidelberg. Source: Department of Transport and Planning
Education and Training
La Trobe University
La Trobe University's Bundoora campus is a major institution within the precinct. The University undertakes research across a range of disciplines, including digital technologies and transformation, biosciences, sustainable food and agriculture, and medical and health sciences.
The University's long-term campus vision, the University City Masterplan, seeks to deliver new housing, education, research, employment and community infrastructure while supporting future education, research and community activities.
Melbourne Polytechnic
Melbourne Polytechnic's Heidelberg campus is a vocational education and training provider. Students have access to manufacturing technology and equipment at Melbourne Polytechnic's Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence.
A Future for Housing Centre of Excellence at the Heidelberg campus is a dedicated facility providing training and skills development in modern construction technologies.
Housing in La Trobe
The La Trobe precinct is home to diverse local communities living across a range of housing types. The precinct contains land identified for future housing and mixed-use development.
University City
La Trobe University's University City masterplan outlines a strategic vision for new homes alongside new research, education and community facilities, supporting the development of a mixed-use precinct.
Heidelberg activity centre
The Heidelberg Activity Centre is being planned through the Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program to support more homes close to public transport, jobs and services. The Heidelberg Train and Tram Zone Activity Centre Plan was finalised by the Department of Transport and Planning in 2026. For more information, visit the Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program page.
Employment and Innovation
The precinct's concentration of universities, hospitals, research institutions and industry creates opportunities for collaboration, innovation and commercialisation. These connections support workforce development and contribute to Victoria's knowledge economy. In addition to the Heidelberg Health Precinct, La Trobe University and Melbourne Polytechnic areas, are:
Heidelberg West Business Park
The Heidelberg West Business Park accommodates more than 600 businesses and supports employment across manufacturing, construction, logistics, wholesaling and related industries.
East Preston Industrial Precinct
The East Preston Industrial Precinct continues to support economic activity and employment outcomes across Melbourne's north-east.
Image: Burgundy Street, Heidelberg. Source: Department of Transport and Planning.
Got a question?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions or email the team at precincts@transport.vic.gov.au
Contact
Updated