Land identified for retail expansion
Economic analysis has forecast demand for an additional 12,500 to 20,000 square metres of retail could be accommodated in Drouin’s central business district.
The draft plan has identified a number of undeveloped parcels through the town centre, in addition to some aged buildings that may be suitable for redevelopment.
The largest of the undeveloped parcels in the town centre is the parcel owned by VicTrack, south of the railway line and east of Main South Rd.
The plan identified this land as a key strategic site, and potentially a location for a third supermarket serving rapidly growing communities south of the railway line.
“There are many examples across Australia and the world where transport uses such as commuter parking can be combined with other uses such as retail or residential in a vertical mix.
“The Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) identifies a neighbourhood centre north of the town centre, and a village convenience centre south of the town centre, which will ultimately provide additional retail support to the town centre,” the plan states.
On the commercial front, the report said Drouin had a limited supply of commercial and office floor space.
The economic analysis suggests that a substantial increase to the existing commercial land in the town centre, in addition to the redevelopment/development of existing vacant and underutilised sites were important for growing the economic base in Drouin. “Commercial and office space is an important part of a prosperous town centre namely providing local employment opportunities, additional customers for retail/hospitality uses, and additional services for local residents.
“Economic analysis suggests that an additional 5000 to 8000 square metres of commercial floorspace would be appropriate in Drouin’s town centre,” the plan said.
Key solutions:
Enable expansion of retail land uses across the town centre to support the future residential and working population.
Enable additional cafes and restaurants particularly in Hope St and Bank Plc to take advantage of the northern aspect.
Maintain Princes Way as the “Main Street” with a focus on retail speciality stores.
Enable key parcels along Young St to be expanded
Work with VicTrack to determine the future of the site south of the trainline and east of Main South Rd, and investigate the development potential.
Encourage the provision of an additional supermarket south of the railway.
Strengthen commercial and office uses within the town centre, including south of the rail line.
Encourage development or redevelopment of sites larger than 2000 square metres to better house larger commercial ventures.