South-East Activity Centres (Melbourne)
Planning Status Update – Key Takeaways
SELA Studio is actively tracking the rollout of the Victorian Government’s Activity Centres Program across Melbourne’s south-east. The program is now progressing at different speeds across key clusters, with some centres moving toward implementation while others remain in draft stages.
What’s Changing
Cluster-based rollout emerging
Activity Centres are being progressed in geographic clusters, generally aligned with major rail corridors (Frankston line, Dandenong/Pakenham line, and Bayside corridor).
Early centres moving toward implementation
Some centres are now approaching finalisation, with clearer direction on built form, density, and public realm expectations.
Mid-stage centres in draft phase
Others (including Caulfield–Bentleigh and Elsternwick) are currently in Phase 2 draft structure planning, with mapping, heights and frameworks still being tested.
Later-stage centres yet to fully emerge
A number of centres across the south-east are still earlier in the pipeline, with limited detail released and timelines extending into later phases of the program.
Consistent direction across all clusters
Despite different stages, the intent is consistent:
Increased density around transport
Stronger public realm expectations
Greater reliance on development-led delivery
South-East Cluster Snapshot
Bayside / Frankston Line (Inner South-East)
Elsternwick, Caulfield - Draft structure plans (Phase 2)
Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Hughesdale - Draft mapping emerging
Bentleigh, Mentone - Early engagement / draft phase
Dandenong / Pakenham Line (Growth Corridor)
Oakleigh, Clayton, Springvale - Progressing, mixed stages
Larger-scale uplift expected, with stronger infrastructure alignment
Further South / Strategic Centres
Moorabbin - More advanced planning work underway
Other centres - To follow in later rollout phases
What This Means
The program is no longer conceptual, it’s actively reshaping planning controls
Timing varies by centre, creating both risk and opportunity
Projects need to respond to draft conditions, not just final controls
Landscape, public realm and interface design are becoming core approval drivers
SELA Perspective
The centres may be moving at different speeds, but the direction is consistent. Density supported by high-performing public realm.
SELA Studio is working with clients across the south-east to interpret planning status, align projects early, and deliver landscape outcomes that support approval and construction.
If you're working within one of these centres and want clarity on planning status or next steps, feel free to reach out.
