FAQ

What is a Masterplan and how is it proposed to be implemented?

A Masterplan is a high-level strategic document that reflects the long-term plan for an area. It provides a vision and framework for how an area can grow and develop.

Masterplans assist to inform the community of what change is expected in an area including but not limited to land use and development, transport and parking, building and urban design, heritage, character, employment and open spaces.

What is in the Masterplan for Revitalising Central Dandenong (RCD) Sites 11-15?

Capital Alliance’s Masterplan vision is to restore central Dandenong as the capital of Melbourne’s southeast. Through strategic urban design, it aims to create and foster a thriving precinct for the community that will complement the existing urban fabric and pay homage to Dandenong’s diverse cultural diaspora.

Our objectives are to:

• Revitalise Central Dandenong.
• Future-proof Central Dandenong.
• Revitalise Little India.
• Create an 18-hour precinct, which is active and vibrant from early morning to late evening, providing day and evening experiences through a diverse and complimentary range of land uses to activate and sustain throughout the hours of operation.
• Work with industry leaders to enable a design-led approach to urban development in Central Dandenong.
• Improve existing streetscape, landscape, and transport networks.
• Implement key sustainability initiatives.
• Create great public realm spaces.
• Establish a dedicated a community hub that increases social inclusion.
• Create jobs.
• Improve economic prosperity, through better access to services, education and employment.
• Provide a range of residential and business options and opportunities.

Is there a defining industry or service that Revitalising Central Dandenong wants to be known for, or instantly associated with?

The Masterplan has been developed to represent leading outcomes in urban design and urban renewal through strategic design and planning from industry experts. The vision of the Masterplan is to deliver a mixed-use development to transform central Dandenong into a vibrant and thriving economic hub that will be known as the “CBD of the south-east”.

Capital Alliance envisages RCD Sites 11 to 15 will be known as a place where the whole community can live, work and play – in a self-sustaining environment that utilises the concept of an 18-hour day-and-night activation.

The vision for the Masterplan also incorporates leading sustainability initiatives, informed by its Green Star Communities rating.

Were there alternative design options developed and considered? How was this option tested?

The draft Masterplan is the result of an extensive, consultative design process, through which many options were developed and tested, with inputs from a range of stakeholders. This draft Masterplan was informed by the area’s planning context and current urban conditions.

How is safety considered in the design for access from Dandenong Station to services in the RCD project area?

Supporting safety is a primary project objective. This will be achieved through passive surveillance, such as active building frontages (new buildings with active retail, hospitality, commercial and residential uses that visually interact with the footpath – through windows, shop fronts and entrances), clever use of lighting, and new development that attracts more people to the area. As more residents and businesses move to the area, this will create many more walking trips, particularly to and from Dandenong Station, which will improve pedestrian safety in the area (perceived and actual).

RCD Sites 11 to 15 is an opportunity to transform the precinct into a contemporary, clean, and attractive place, throughout the day and night, by curating the area with a variety of attractions that complement the surrounding precincts. This will support a sense of safety and vibrancy.

What are the proposed land uses under the Masterplan?

The Masterplan will comprise of several different types of land uses including but not limited to:

• Retail
• hospitality
• residential
• commercial (workplaces)
• hotel
• education
• medical/hospital
• entertainment
• civic functions
• community facilities.

How many new dwellings will there be?

The Masterplan will deliver at least 470 new dwellings covering a range of housing types and offerings to suit the market.

How many car parks will there be?

The Masterplan will deliver at least 483 new car parking spaces. This will be approximately 7% of the total public car parking in Central Dandenong.

What is Capital Alliance’s role and responsibility?

Capital Alliance is a private developer that specialises in delivering projects in urban renewal precincts, which has a proven track record in working with the State Government to deliver complex solutions in inspiring locations.

As a diversified mixed-use property development and investment company based in Melbourne, Australia, Capital Alliance are globally inspired and internationally connected with a passion to take projects to a new level of liveability and design, through a lens of innovation.

For RCD Sites 11-15, our role is a private developer, and our responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Delivery of a Masterplan for RCD sites 11-15 together with leading industry experts
• Delivery of each stage from planning to construction
• Delivery of project marketing, sales, and leasing
• Project funding

Learn more about us at www.capitalalliance.com.au

What is Development Victoria’s role and responsibility?

Development Victoria are the Victorian Government’s development agency.  It is responsible for creating vibrant spaces across the state, through diverse and strategic property development and urban renewal projects.

The role of Development Victoria is to oversee the development of RCD Sites 11-15 and support and assist Capital Alliance in the delivery of the project.  Development Victoria’s responsibility includes (but not limited to):

• Ensuring that the project progresses in accordance with Victorian State Government policy objectives
• Preparing a Transition Plan for local traders
• Management of all operating retail tenancies forming part of RCD Sites 11-15
• Transferring vacant sites to Capital Alliance prior to commencement of construction

Learn more about Development Victoria at www.development.vic.gov.au

Who owns Revitalising Central Dandenong (RCD) Sites 11-15?

Development Victoria is the landowner of RCD Sites 11-15 and landlord to several existing retail tenancies that exist predominantly along Foster Street, known as “Little India”.

As the landowner, Development Victoria are responsible for the current operation of the sites and buildings, including all leasing and property management activities.

Development Victoria will transfer the land to Capital Alliance approximately six (6) months prior to the commencement of construction of a particular stage.

What is the purpose of revitalising Dandenong’s Little India?

The urban renewal of RCD Sites 11-15 will celebrate Dandenong’s cultural diversity through a variety of considered community and culturally focused spaces including the revitalising of Little India.

Revitalising Little India will improve retail opportunities for tenants, patrons and visitors with design-led innovative urban design and architecture that respects and pays homage to the area’s existing cultural identity.

With this Little India redevelopment proposal, what are the next steps and timeframes in the planning process from here and how will residents be able to have their say?

Following consultation in October 2022, Capital Alliance will refine the Masterplan based on the outcomes of community engagement. For the draft Masterplan to be formally considered and approved, it will be submitted as part of a Development Plan Overlay and Development Plan to the Minister for Planning. This involves a Planning Scheme Amendment to introduce a Development Plan Overlay across the subject site.

The extent of community consultation for the project will be determined by the Minister for Planning during the Planning Scheme Amendment process. Please refer to the Planning Fact Sheet for further information.

Once the Development Plan is approved by the Minister for Planning, individual planning permit applications will be prepared for each stage of the development. Capital Alliance will first focus on Stage 1 and prepare detailed plans to deliver proposed retail opportunities generally in accordance with the approved Masterplan, including the revitalised Little India precinct.

How will Little India be protected?

The Masterplan focuses on improving and enhancing Little India by way of rejuvenation. The new north-south orientation provides greater presence and amenity through sunlight into the space – this will protect and enhance the Little India precinct and better connect it to customers and surrounding destinations including Harmony Square, Dandenong Library and the Afghan Quarter.

The Masterplan proposes a new Little India laneway that is vibrant and engaging. This new streetscape will support Little India businesses by providing an attractive and welcoming place that people want to visit and spend time in. The Little India laneway will be a key pedestrian link through the site – with a design that better reflects traditional Indian Bazaars, making it a vibrant place that attracts people from across Australia (and internationally) to create a culturally thriving Indian shopping experience.

Will existing traders be asked to provide input or be consulted on the new Little India?

Once the Development Plan has been formally approved by the Minister for Planning, Capital Alliance will reach out to the existing traders to seek an understanding of their general retail requirements. This will inform our Planning Application for Stage 1 and 2 of the project (as detailed within the staging plan of the Masterplan document).

 Who is responsible for the existing local trader’s Transition Plan?

Development Victoria are responsible to deliver a transition plan for existing local traders impacted by RCD Sites 11-15.

For all queries and updates, we advise that you directly contact Development Victoria and/or Knight Frank to find out more.

Will the existing local traders be provided with the first retail leasing opportunities?

After the approval of the Masterplan by the responsible planning authority, Capital Alliance will focus on Stage 1 and prepare plans that will deliver retail opportunities.

Existing local traders will be provided with the first opportunity to be offered Stage 1 retail opportunities at commercial market rates together with incentive packages.

Will the rent likely increase?

It is likely that rents will increase due to inflationary pressures experienced in Australia together with other economic challenges such as the rise on construction cost and skilled labour shortages, but Capital Alliance and Development Victoria will work to retain existing traders and attract new traders to ensure the success of the precinct.

What is the planning process?

Urban Planning Collective (UPco), a specialist statutory planning collective who are passionate about helping define the future of our city and state, are part of Capital Alliance’s project team,

UPco have prepared, in consultation with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), a planning fact sheet which provides the community a high-level overview of the planning process.

See below download button to view our Planning Fact Sheet.

I understand that the draft Masterplan will be submitted as part of a Development Plan/Development Plan Overlay. When will the Development Plan be exhibited?

A Planning Scheme Amendment will introduce the Development Plan Overlay [DPO] across the subject site. The extent of community consultation will be determined by the Minister for Planning at this stage in the process.

How does the Masterplan align with City of Greater Dandenong community engagement and land use/planning policies?

Community consultation on the Masterplan was undertaken in March 2022. Capital Alliance understood that the community would like to have more time to learn more about the plan, hence a second round of engagement is now being undertaken.

The draft Masterplan explains how the proposed development aligns with, and responds to, the relevant planning controls and policies set out within the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme. This includes State-level policy, such as Plan Melbourne, that encourages redevelopment, housing, employment and retail activities in the Dandenong Metropolitan Activity Centre close to public transport services. In Local Policy, the site is identified within the ‘Spine of Consolidation’ and central urban area, that also encourages intensification towards a more vibrant, active city centre.

Capital Alliance expect RCD Sites 11-15 to commence construction as follows:

• Stage 1: December-2023 to December-2026*
• Stage 2: March-2027 to November-2029*
• Stage 3: October-2029 to December-2031*
• Stage 4: January-2032 to March-2034*
• Stage 5: February-2034 to August-2036*
• Stage 6: February-2037 to June-2039*
• Stage 7: May-2038 to February-2041*

The delivery of RCD sites 11-15 represented under seven (7) stages may be delivered under a single stage or multiple stages at a given time.

*All dates are subject to change due to changing economic and market conditions, moreover the construction industry.

How many car parks will there be?

The Masterplan deliver at least 483 new car parking spaces. This will be approximately 7% of the total public car parking in Central Dandenong.

What plans and strategies are informing the traffic management approach in the Capital Alliance project?

The Masterplan for Revitalising Central Dandenong (RCD) Sites 11 to 15 provides high-level strategic direction with the aim of informing the evolution of the Foster Street and its surrounds.

Transport input included in the Masterplan relates to overarching movement and access principles that seek to guide the design of the precinct.

At a subsequent stage, a detailed assessment of the specific impact of each stage of development on the transport networks will be carried out through a Transport Impact Assessment. This ensures that the transport network conditions at the time of each development (in 5, 10 or 20 years’ time) can be appropriately included in the assessment.

Will there be parking congestion on Thomas Street and Foster Street and how will the Masterplan mitigate future parking issues and demand?

Capital Alliance do not hold powers to control or manage on-street car parking along Foster Street as this is a Council and VicRoads owned asset and responsibility.

At present there are 24 line-marked spaces in Foster Street and around eight (8) spaces that are not line-marked. The number of spaces in Foster Street could be increased by around 10% if they were all line marked and used efficiently.

There are 55 line-marked spaces in Thomas Street between Foster and Walker Streets. Council’s data shows that parking spaces are available in this area at all times of the day.

If they become busier, the parking restrictions can be updated to ensure availability at all times.

Overall car parking spaces in these two locations constitute 0.7% of all parking in Central Dandenong.

The Masterplan proposes to add parking spaces which would amount to around 7% of the total public parking in Central Dandenong.

On-street car parking availability can be an issue in some nearby areas during peak periods when demand for parking is high. In Thomas and Foster Streets this is typically in the evenings. At these times there are no parking controls to regulate use of the parking spaces, and the two public multideck parking facilities in Thomas Street and Walker Street both have ample availability at no cost to users.

Will the planned development for Revitalising Central Dandenong Sites 11-15 lead to more people trying to bypass Dandenong via Hammond Road and Webster Street which are already congested.  How will traffic congestion in the area be managed?

VicRoads data shows that Hammond Road and Webster Street are not currently congested. For the vast majority of the week both streets operate under free-flow conditions. Traffic congestion is considered to occur when traffic volumes exceed the capacity of the road. This typically means that vehicles waiting at a stop signal, will view an entire green signal phase without being able to pass through the intersection, and thus having to wait at the next stop signal.

When traffic congestion occurs, it discourages through traffic from using the congested roads. A lack of traffic congestion at most times of the day, results in significant volumes of through traffic using roads in Central Dandenong.

Through traffic is encouraged to bypass Central Dandenong through use of Dandenong Southern Bypass, EastLink, Monash Freeway and South Gippsland Freeway.

Key infrastructure improvements have been committed to improve the efficiency of vehicle movements along Webster Street and Hammond Road including the Webster Street level crossing removal. While not directly relevant to the Foster Street development, this investment will help to divert through traffic away from Central Dandenong.

What is the approach to cycling upgrades will take place, and how these will connect to existing networks?

The Masterplan aims to maximise the transport choices available for those accessing Central Dandenong. VicRoads has previously identified key cycling corridors along Railway Parade, Foster Street and Lonsdale Street to provide a continuous bicycle network that links up with regional bicycle routes including the EastLink Trail and the Dandenong Creek Trail.

The role of the Masterplan is to set out these aspirations. The detailed design and delivery of the bicycle infrastructure will be outlined in subsequent project phases and will be subject to Council and VicRoads approval as the relevant road managers.

Will the revitalised Little India congest Foster Street with traffic?

Central Dandenong is a key regional economic hub. The State government’s vision is for Dandenong to enhance its attractiveness by embracing the sense of place and activate the street with more people walking around and spending more time enjoying all that Central Dandenong has to offer. The revitalised Little India will be more accessible to the 55,000 people walking in Thomas Street and the 70,000 people walking in Lonsdale Street each month. These additional visitors will not drive, as they only need to walk an extra block or two from where they are already visiting.

Through traffic, that does not contribute to the local economy, should actively be discouraged from travelling through Central Dandenong. Through traffic is encouraged to bypass Central Dandenong through use of Dandenong Southern Bypass, EastLink, Monash Freeway and South Gippsland Freeway.

How has parking in the redevelopment site been considered?

The project team have visited the site multiple times per day, seven days a week, for many years. The local context has been carefully considered and noted that the site is:

• Highly accessible by public transport – with 24 bus routes and a train services in three directions all within 300m of the development
• Served by highly frequent bus and train services – there are trains every 10 minutes seven days a week and over 9,000 bus services every week at the site
• Located within Central Dandenong that has a WalkScore above 92 – and is considered a “walker’s paradise”
• Surrounded by a large reservoir of publicly accessible car parking – there are currently over 700 car parking spaces within 100m of the development site. Council has recently invested in building 226 additional parking spaces for employees in Central Dandenong with a price of less than $2 per day. Currently around 90% of these spaces are available
• Providing too much additional parking would increase traffic congestion. This is not acceptable in an area with limited spare capacity on the road network. The team has focussed on the amount of parking that will be ‘just right’ to meet the development needs, without over-burdening the road network.

The team used an evidence-based approach including insights from recent local developments and best-practice case studies to determine the most appropriate amount of parking to meet the development needs without having a significant negative impact on the surrounding road network.

What is the public realm giveback to the community?

Capital Alliance will gift a minimum of 2,500 square metres of public open space to the community across Sites 11-15.  In addition there will be a dedicated Community Hub that will meet a wide variety of community needs.

What is the Forecourt?

The public realm includes the Forecourt (stage 5 and 6) which is envisaged as a major public plaza space or urban park, where the community and visitors can meet, gather, spend tome and enjoy a variety of activities.

What is the purpose of the Community Hub building?

The Masterplan will include a Community Hub for the purpose of hosting activities, functions, exhibitions and various other activities that respond to community needs. This has been provided following specific community requests for a space similar to the Community Hubs in Noble Park and Springvale. The Community Hub will leverage and complement the existing Dandenong Library, Drum Theatre and future Art Gallery that are all located adjacent a short walk from Sites 11-15.

What are the landscape architecture provisions for the site?

The Masterplan incorporates a considered landscape architecture approach across the site as well as the public realm (outside of RCD Sites 11 to 15’s boundary). The Masterplan brings together a number of urban design and environmental values to ensure that the landscape not only beautifies the sites and surrounds, but also improves the environmental performance of the precinct including the following elements:

• Provision of summer shade and winter sun to public spaces
• Prioritised pedestrian accessibility (Universal Access)
• Creation of places of interest and pausing
• Prioritised active movement across the precinct
• Preferencing native plantings to attract and provide for native fauna/birds and to enhance biodiversity
• Utilising stormwater as a managed system across the site to get water to plantings/rootzones, so that vegetation will be verdant and full
• Underground power will enable trees to grow to full maturity and create a full canopy
• Providing opportunities across the site to connect with nature
• Provision of landscaping to improve climate resilience by mitigating the urban heat island effects.

What sustainability initiatives will there be?

The Masterplan will include sustainability initiatives including (but not limited to):

• Climate change considered design
• Green Star – Communities Rating Tool
• National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) – relevant for non- residential buildings
• Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) – relevant for residential dwellings
• Design for healthy and active living
• Energy efficiency and passive strategies
• Encouraging sustainable transport modes (walking, cycling and public transport) and encouraging active transport modes such as walking and bicycling.

Will RCD Sites 11-15 form part of the Green Star Communities Tool?

Capital Alliance have registered RCD sites 11-15 under the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)’s Green Star Communities Tool.

This tool guides the development of a sustainable precinct, spanning governance, liveability, economic prosperity, environment, and innovation.

Does the draft Masterplan consider local heritage sites, such as the heritage bottle shop (64 Foster Street), Christopherson’s Stable (120 Thomas Street) and 99 Foster Street?

For clarity, the heritage bottle shop does not form part of the Masterplan and is a privately owned property. Further, it is covered by a Heritage overlay, but is not a registered heritage building.

There are no changes proposed to the existing Heritage Overlays in relation to the bottle shop, Christopherson’s Stable and 99 Foster Street. These properties will continue to be heritage protected.

How will construction noise be minimized during construction?

The Environment Protection Act 2007 (the Act) provides the responsible authority with powers to regulate noise.

Prior to the commencement of construction, the building contractor engaged by Capital Alliance must submit a Construction Management Plan (CMP) to Council’s satisfaction which deals with the management of construction noise.

How will traffic congestion be minimized during construction?

Prior to the commencement of construction, the building contractor engaged by Capital Alliance must submit Traffic Management Plan (TMP) to Council’s satisfaction which deals with traffic congestion.

How have Capital Alliance engaged with the community?

In March 2022, Capital Alliance hosted several community engagement sessions which included both in-person and webinar sessions.

What are Capital Alliance’s learnings from the March 2022 community engagement

Capire, a specialist engagement consultancy, have prepared a report that represents the March 2022 community engagement learnings and understandings.

See below download button to download Capire’s What We Heard Summary and FAQ.

How can I get involved now?

In October 2022, Capital Alliance are hosting several community feedback sessions addressing what was heard.

Tuesday, 11^th October 2022

Webinar Session 1: 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Online Webinar via Zoom

Tuesday, 18th October 2022

In-person Session 2: 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Location: City of Greater Dandenong Civic Centre – 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong VIC 3175

Tuesday, 18th October 2022

In-person Session 3: 6pm – 8pm

Location: City of Greater Dandenong Civic Centre – 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong VIC 3175

Register for the above events via rcd@capitalalliance.com.au