Activity centres open doors to new homes in established communities
We want to provide all Victorians with the choice of a well-designed home, at an affordable price, in a place where they can thrive.
Activity centres are established communities across Melbourne that already have great access to jobs, services, public transport and green, open space.
We’ve identified 60 activity centres across Melbourne, which can responsibly support more than 300,000 new homes to be built around train and tram lines, jobs and services by 2051. These centres form the Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program.
The locations of the activity centres have been chosen based on an analysis of transport capacity, market viability, access to jobs and services, and environmental considerations.
By planning for more housing in activity centres, we’re supporting more people to buy a home in the area where they grew up, to be close to family and friends, or even buy a home in the suburb they love.
Find out more about activity centres, why they are important, and how this program will benefit you at About the Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program(opens in a new window).
Plans finalised for 35 activity centres
Pilot centres finalised
In 2024, we began planning and consulting with the community on the first 10 activity centres to support the delivery of 60,000 new homes close to public transport, jobs and services.
We consulted extensively on these activity centres and received nearly 10,000 responses from the local communities, councils and stakeholders across two stages of consultation.
After considerable planning and consultation, we finalised plans for the 10 Pilot Activity Centres: Broadmeadows, Camberwell Junction, Chadstone, Epping, Frankston, Moorabbin, Niddrie (Keilor Road), North Essendon, Preston (High Street) and Ringwood.
For more detailed information about the Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program including information specific to each activity centre visit Activity Centre Plans(opens in a new window).
You can also learn about how we’re ensuing the right types of homes are built in the right places at About our plans(opens in a new window).
Stage 1 train and tram zone activity centres finalised
In 2025, we expanded the Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program to include another 50 train and tram zones where there is good access to public transport, jobs and services.
Throughout 2025, we consulted with local communities for the 25 train and tram zone activity centres in Stage 1. This consultation included online webinars, drop-in sessions, walk-bys, and online surveys.
After carefully reviewing all feedback received, plans for these centres were finalised on 31 March 2026 – this means the planning changes for these centres are now in effect. For more information, visit the Stage 1: Expansion Program page(opens in a new window).
Stage 2 train and tram activity centres feedback under review
In late 2025 and early 2026, we consulted with local communities for the 23 train and tram zone activity centres in Stage 2. This consultation included online webinars, drop-in sessions, walk-bys and online surveys. Consultation for Stage 2 centres finished in March 2026. Feedback is currently being reviewed, and will help us as we develop our plans. We expect plans for Stage 2 centres to be finalised in mid-2026, subject to approval by the Minister for Planning.
For more information about Stage 2 centres, visit the Stage 2: Expansion program page(opens in a new window).
How Activity Centres and the Suburban Rail Loop will deliver more homes for Victorians
As an integrated transport and planning project, Suburban Rail Loop will help shape how Melbourne grows in the decades ahead.
It will connect our suburbs and slash travel times – as well as support the delivery of more homes in established areas around the neighbourhoods of each existing and new train station.
The Suburban Rail Loop will support more mid-rise apartments, townhouses and higher-rise buildings closer to stations, with a mix of apartments, businesses, shops and restaurants.
We’re doing important planning work with community now, so we can start building more homes for Victorians before the trains arrive.
This includes reviewing the infrastructure we already have, and planning for the new infrastructure we need around train stations, to ensure a more liveable Melbourne for the next generation.
The Suburban Rail Loop will make it easier for you to walk to work, shops and services, or jump on a train to get where you need to go.
Learn more about the Suburban Rail Loop(opens in a new window).
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