Published on 15 June 2023

Frankston City’s emergence as the capital of the south east has been accelerated following Council’s decision to seek authorisation of its Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) Structure Plan.

Councillors last night voted to request approval from the Victorian Planning Minister for its FMAC Structure Plan, which will enhance Frankston City as a major Victorian business and lifestyle hub, while also providing investors and businesses certainty when choosing to invest in Frankston.

Mayor Nathan Conroy said: “The FMAC Structure Plan provides a framework that will guide the ongoing revitalisation of the Frankston city centre over the next 20 years.

“It provides critical clear direction on land uses, building design, housing and accommodation, and provides more employment opportunities through new development and redevelopment.

“It also means more vibrant public spaces, a more pedestrian-focused city centre and more people living, working and playing in our city centre.”

Mayor Conroy said Council’s decision confirms an appetite for change across the community, and an excitement about the future of the city centre.

“Last night’s decision is recognition that Frankston needs to evolve into a more vibrant, economically diverse and cohesive city centre. It’s time now to get on with fulfilling our city’s potential,” Mayor Conroy said.

Key elements of the FMAC Structure Plan include:

• A pedestrian-friendly city centre environment with the opportunity for more outdoor activities, cycling and walking, and reduced through-traffic.
• An iconic Nepean Boulevard, with extended outdoor space for dining, retail, and events in the city centre, connecting to a world-class visitor look-out at Olivers Hill and greater connection to Kananook Cree in the north.
• A thriving Kananook Creek Boulevard between Beach Street and Wells Street, with street scape upgrades, increased connection to the city centre, and greater accessibility to the creek, linking to McCombs Reserve to create a promenade of activation, outdoor dining and events.

Council has liaised extensively since early 2022 with the community through online surveys, workshops, pop-ups, walking tours, and interviews, and met with community groups and business networks, including the city’s tertiary education providers, healthcare providers, major retailers and more.

“The result is a holistic framework that will guide Frankston City’s transformation and help to create a Frankston which families and businesses will proud to call home, and that visitors and investors will want be a part of,” Mayor Conroy said.

Council will now submit a request for Authorisation to the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit Planning Scheme Amendment C160fran to implement the Structure Plan into the Frankston Planning Scheme.