This is your opportunity to help shape the future vision, design and development in Warburton township and we are asking for your feedback on the draft Warburton Urban Design Framework (UDF).

The draft UDF includes design guidelines for new development and redevelopment of built form and streetscapes (the function, shape and configuration of buildings as well as their relationship to streets and open spaces) that protect the character of the Warburton townships. These guidelines can be translated into future Planning Scheme controls and updates to Design Development Overlay.

Through detailed analysis, the draft UDF aligns challenges and opportunities of the area and presents recommendations that can be characterised as:

• Key development opportunities
• Key movement routes and access
• Key places

The UDF will assist Council’s decision making for development, infrastructure, and programs for Warburton township that aligns with community expectations, and industry best practice. The UDF will also guide Council’s ability to prioritise resources for the Warburton township area.

See below for a summary and full draft UDF as well as the document sections explained.

The draft UDF applies to 55 hectares of commercial and public land that is focused around the Warburton Highway and the Yarra River which provide access to both town centres within Warburton. The draft UDF defines the area into four precincts based on similar opportunities, challenges and compementay land uses.

The three precincts play specific roles within Warburton which serves to cater for the existing and future local needs of the township :

Precinct 1 - Warburton Gateway

Precinct 2 - Yarra Town Centre

Precinct 3 - Warburton Recreation

Precinct 4 - La La Town Centre

Click on the buttons to learn more about the precincts.

The draft UDF outlines concept designs for 15 key places within Warburton township.

Each conceptsseeks to achieve known community outcomes or improve the conditions of the existing space by providing an indication of what could be while allowing for other design solutions to still be possible.

Each project site will be subject to a future master planning process which depending on the complexity of the site, could include pre-planning, authority approvals and complex documentation. Further site specific community consultation will also take place.

No Council funding is committed to projects proposed within the draft UDF at this time. Any future funding will rely on streams including, but not limited to Council funding and available grants. Check the FAQ's for a more details on costs and funding.

Click on the star pins to learn about the 15 key design places.

Embedded in the draft UDF are 13 design principles, centred into four themes and underpinned but an all-embracing ‘Indigenous Design’ principle.

These principles provide a consistent approach to design practice and outcomes for the Warburton township. They have been derived from the Urban Design Charter for Victoria and Indigenous Design Charter.

• Structure – the layout of the key uses in the precinct and site.
  • Structure & Connections
  • Continuity & Change
  • Fit & Function

• Public Realm - the allocation of key features and use of materials throughout the precinct and site.
  • Sense of Place
  • Safety
  • Sensory Pleasure
  • Animation
  • Inclusiveness & Interaction

• Movement and Access – how people and transport will move through the precinct and site.
  • Legibility
  • Accessibility

• Built Form – the buildings and structures that occupy the precinct and site.
  • Complementary mixed uses
  • Consistency & variety

• Indigenous Design - ensure that design interventions are conscious of and actively connect to the deep history of Aboriginal belonging on country and that the Indigenous voice is impactful on design outcomes, allowing the story of the land to continue in a contemporary and meaningful manner.