The Victorian government has launched the Great Design Fast Track – in their words, “a streamlined planning process for apartments and townhouses that demonstrate great design” – along with a nominations process for exemplar developments to be included in a State Design Book of “future homes.”
Both initiatives are part of a plan to support townhouses and apartments that, according to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny, “stand the test of time in quality, design, aesthetics, sustainability and cost.”
On their website, the state government notes that Great Design Fast Track (GDFT) is a new planning pathway intended to improve the approvals process for “well-designed apartment and townhouse developments that include eight or more homes between two and eight storeys, depending on the zone.”
Projects must meet seven distinct design criteria to qualify, “ensuring they are high-quality, long-lasting and good value for residents,” a communique from Premier Jacinta Allan’s office reads. According to the premier, “the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA) will review applications to confirm they meet these high standards.”
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their designs are good value – “this could be through innovative delivery models, modern methods of construction, or considering ways to minimise operational costs for the long-term,” the communique reads.
The designs must also target above-standard sustainability credentials, with apartments meeting an average 8-star rating on the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) and townhouses achieving 7.5 stars.
According to the premier, applying projects “also need to accommodate well thought-out community spaces, consider green space and landscaping, and cater to the needs of different kinds of households.”
The premier’s release states that locals will retain their right to have their say on advertised developments under the new pathway, but the fast-tracked process means there will be no third-party appeals. Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny will be the authority responsible for approvals.
Kilkenny commented, “We know we need more homes, and we need them now – that’s why we’re making sure high-quality and well-designed townhouses and apartments get the green light sooner.”
Coinciding with the GDFT, the government has announced a State Design Book initiative to showcase exemplary housing projects across the state.
The first part of this book, which is published on the state government’s website, includes the seven principles of the GDFT and gives guidance about how they can be applied. In consultation with the public, the next part of the guide will comprise a collection of completed housing projects that the government deems “great designs” according to the criteria.
Eligible developments for inclusion in the State Design Book fall into three categories:
- Townhouses (two to three storeys)
- Low-rise apartments (up to five storeys)
- Mid-rise apartments (up to eight storeys)
Victorians can nominate outstanding examples of well-designed homes through the Engage Victoria website. Applications close on 8 June, with the complete State Design Book expected to be published late this year.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
