The Urban Design Strategy for North East Link, M80 Ring Road Completion and Eastern Freeway Upgrades outlines the vision and quality expectations for all elements of the projects – including how the final detailed design should look and feel and improve local areas.

The strategy recognises the final project designs must keep Melbourne as one of the most diverse and liveable cities in the world. It sets high standards to ensure these 3 city-shaping projects are part of a legacy for a better, smarter, more efficient Melbourne and Victoria.

The Urban Design Strategy was approved by the Minister for Planning on 23 March 2020. See the Approval letter from the Minister for Planning (PDF, 52.2 KB).

What's in the strategy?

The Urban Design Strategy includes:

• principles, objectives and design directions
• place specific requirements to guide a customised approach for local areas
• quality standards for built elements (such as lighting and bridge design)

How will the strategy guide the design?

The teams designing North East Link, the M80 Ring Road Completion and Eastern Freeway Upgrades need to carefully consider and respond to the requirements in the Urban Design Strategy.

An Urban Design Advisory Panel (UDAP) has also been established to provide ongoing expert design guidance and advice, including to review the designs against the UDS. The panel includes members representing the Office of the Victorian Government Architect and meets regularly.

How was the strategy developed?

The strategy was developed in collaboration with the Traditional Owners of the land, as well as through extensive consultation with local councils, community and other stakeholders including Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect.

The Urban Design Strategy was exhibited for public comment with the Environment Effects Statement (EES) for North East Link, the M80 Ring Road Completion and Eastern Freeway Upgrades, reviewed by an independent committee and considered as part of the Minister for Planning’s assessment of the EES.

The Minister for Planning asked us to do some more work on the strategy to give more information and guidance about what’s most important to achieve at 5 key locations to help ensure the final project design delivers better outcomes for local communities.

Locations include interchanges at the M80 Ring Road, Lower Plenty Road, Manningham Road and the Eastern Freeway and the area around Watsonia Station and shops.

Where can I see the strategy?

See the Urban Design Strategy.