Council approves new residential development at former CSIRO site

Bayside Mayor Cr Laurence Evans OAM said Council’s decision reflects the ideal location of the site to provide housing to support Bayside’s growing population.

“The former CSIRO site is one of the few locations in Bayside that can accommodate a significant number of new dwellings,” Cr Evans said. “It is ideally situated less than 500m from Highett shopping precinct and railway station.”

“With more than 83% of Bayside zoned for minimal growth we must ensure we can accommodate development in central sites, close to transport and services.

“Highett village is a thriving area of our municipality with a range of housing types. The development will add to that evolving character by bringing in new residents, open space and community facilities.”

The development plan approved by Council has strong environmental credentials with public open space making up over 40% of the site. The precinct will include a range of environmentally sustainable features including electric vehicle charging stations, energy and water efficient buildings, extensive indigenous planting and will be gas free in recognition of the Climate Emergency.

While approving the plan Councillors acknowledged community feedback relating to the scale of the development and increased traffic and parking and imposed conditions on the approval to ensure that development aligns more closely with the community aspirations for the site.

“I recognise that many in the local community are concerned regarding the impact of the development on the adjacent area. Council has stipulated the creation of a Community Reference Group to provide further feedback on a range of issues,” Cr Evans said.

Now that a Development Plan has been approved for the site, the land owner can proceed to design the buildings and prepare planning permit applications for the site.

View the results of the community engagement

View the agenda and minutes of the 26 October Council meeting