A master plan sets out a vision for the arrangement of public streets and spaces and the shape and scale of built form, and provides a framework from which to develop more detailed controls. A master plan will generally include plans and diagrams, supported by design guidelines.
A vision illustrates an ideal future outcome for a place and describes the desirable qualities of the place including its spaces, uses and how people will experience it.
The plan aims to make Epping’s town centre more safe, welcoming and vibrant. It includes options for a new town square and community uses, as well as more activated streets, better walking and cycling paths, and improved access to Boronia Park and the train and metro station. Rawson Street is envisaged to become a lively high street with shops, trees, and outdoor dining, while traffic patterns will change to reduce congestion and make it more pedestrian-friendly.
The community helped shape the plan through two rounds of engagement, including via surveys, pop-ups, and workshops. Over 600 people provided feedback, which allowed Council to prioritise the proposed urban interventions and influenced the design of traffic flow, parking, open space and community facilities.
From the survey results and submissions, we learnt about the community’s wants and needs for Epping, including (but not limited to):
- A town centre where the community can gather that can revitalise the suburb
- A strong desire to address traffic congestion on Rawson Street, Carlingford Road and Beecroft Road, especially considering future density
- Improved commercial, retail and hospitality offerings to turn Epping into a destination and not just a transport hub
- More public car parking, including commuter parking to improve access to public transport
- Better maintenance and upkeep of footpaths, public spaces and streets
- Improved connection and access between West and East Epping across the railway line
- Consideration of the low-scale and leafy character of the area
- Protection of Boronia Park
Round one
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Round two
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The draft master plan has evolved from the earlier vision and design principles into more detailed concept proposals. It includes indicative layouts for the town square, laneways, streets and the public domain, including plans for traffic changes and cycling routes. The principles highlighted in the vision are now demonstrated through diagrams, design guidance and staged actions that guide how the plan could be delivered over time.
No, the plans are not final yet. This is a draft master plan that’s being shared with the community for feedback. Council staff will review and respond to all comments before seeking to have the master plan endorsed at a future Council Meeting. Council will then undertake more studies and seek funding before making any final decisions or starting work.
If Council supports the plan, the next steps include a traffic study, updates to the Development Control Plan and the Contributions Plan, and applications for project funding. Council will also work with landowners and state agencies to deliver key parts of the plan, including upgrades to the traffic network, laneways and the public domain.
The Epping Town Centre master plan is a long-term vision for the precinct. While some aspects of the master plan may be implemented in the short-term, the broader vision for the area will require more medium-to-long term solutions, including changes to the planning framework and the involvement of multiple stakeholders including landowners. The master plan report includes recommendations for implementation of the plan, including the requirement for additional studies and the indicative staging of key projects within the precinct.
