What is a master plan and why is it important?
A Master Plan is a blueprint that provides a vision for an area and the way it should be developed. The plan acts as a guide to assist land-use decision making and the development of an area over a long period of time.
Developing a master plan involves a series of steps.
- The first step is to examine the site in terms of its regional and local context. This means reviewing the sites existing condition, history and community characteristics. This helps to determine the sites function within the broader community.
- The next step is to identify what is already good or bad about the area and what are the areas strengths and weaknesses. Community engagement is one of the various whys to discover the answer to these questions. Through engagement we can find out what opportunities exist for the area (what do people want and what is needed!). This helps to determine what outcomes the plan might seek to achieve through planning and development.
- Next comes the design phase. This where the aspirations and vision of the community are translated into a physical land-use plan and supporting documents. The community is often involved in reviewing such plans to ensure that it reflects the communities vision.
- Finally, the plan must be adopted by Local government as a matter of law. Part of this process requires further community consultation and provides the opportunity for the community to again contribute to the Master Plan. Once the master plan is adopted it can be used to inform decision-making about future land uses.
When will the village be complete?
The internal and external renovations to Brownlie Towers are due to be finished in December 2009.
The improvements to the Brownlie Towers represent the first phase of a longer term vision to improve the wider Brownlie Neighbourhood.
The next phase has now begun and provides the community with the opportunity to help shape a plan for the future of the Brownlie Neighbourhood through the development of a Master Plan for the area. The Master Plan will be informed by a series of community engagement and design workshops with the local community and will seek to address community needs including improvements to the housing and facilities in the area.
These planning processes take time and involve ongoing conversation and communication with everyone involved. There are several steps still ahead including;
- developing the master plan;
- gaining the approval of the City of Canning and other agencies;
- site works / subdivision; and
- staged construction.
At this stage it is expected that a final Masterplan will be developed in early 2010 and this will then be submitted to the City of Canning for consideration prior to adoption.
How will I know when things are happening?
This website is designed to keep you informed by providing access to newsletters and information. At the website home page you may register to receive newsletters and updates regarding the master planning process and ongoing events straight to your email address.
Will existing buildings within the precinct be demolished?
Yes. Some of the existing buildings within the precinct are damaged and are not suitable for repair. It is likely that a number of the Department’s townhouses will be demolished as part of the revitalisation project.
Will the Brownlie neighbourhood have homeswest housing?
At present the majority of the brownlie precinct site features homeswest housing. One of the core aims of the project is to reduce the proportionate presence of homewest housing. This will result in a better balance of private landowners and public tenants.
What will happen to the shops at the base of Brownlie Towers?
There are a series of shops at the base of Brownlie Towers that are owned by the Department of Housing. The shops are poorly located and due to the age of the complex are very run down. The shops are important community asset and will be considered as part of the master planning. There may be opportunity to relocate the same uses within the precinct and bring new shops to the area.
Who can live in the Brownlie Towers?
Brownlie Towers are owned by the Department of Housing. The Towers provide accommodation for public housing tenants. It is the Departments position to transition the Towers towards mature tenants only (45year olds and over). If you live in Brownlie Towers and are concerned about how this affects you. Please contact the Department of Housing (contacts are provided on the home page).
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