A consistent message we hear from the Lilydale community is that the town needs a community focal point, or a heart, where people can meet and gather. In its current form Lilydale is very spread out and needs change to bring things together. To help plan for this, Council has developed a Design Framework that will guide the delivery of community spaces, facilities and infrastructure in Lilydale. This new precinct is referred to as the Community Heart in Lilydale (CHIL Precinct).

The project builds on the Lilydale Place Plan 2018, the Lilydale Structure Plan 2022, is supported by feedback from the community, local businesses, and draws on technical research and advice.

We began the CHIL Precinct Design Framework by talking directly to community stakeholders who use or are involved in current community facilities in Lilydale. We also opened the conversation with broader community by asking ‘what makes a great community’ in Lilydale.

This feedback was considered in a series of community representative workshops, which developed community values.

The community values from these workshops are now being prioritised by the broader community and the six priority values will sit within the Precinct Design Framework to guide decision-making and design principles.