C270 Golden Square

The amendment is required to implement the relevant recommendations of the Golden Square Structure Plan (the Plan) and Golden Square Urban Design Framework (the Framework) as well as the Golden Square Heritage Study: Stage 2 - Place and Precinct Citations, Volumes 1 and 2.

The Plan outlines a vision for the transformation of Golden Square over time. It sets out broad objectives with strategies and actions relating to land use (residential, commercial, industrial, passive open space), environmental risks (bushfire, flooding, and soil contamination), open space improvements and the public transport network to achieve this vision.

Complementing the Plan is the Framework which guides the use and development of the Golden Square town Centre and future Station precinct. Both documents were adopted by Council at a Meeting on 24 January 2022. 

The Golden Square Heritage Study: Stage 2 - Place and Precinct Citations (Vols. 1 and 2), (Heritage Study) sought to:

• Review the existing heritage precincts in Golden Square, to assess if the heritage overlay and Neighbourhood Character Overlay are up to date
• Create statements of significance for heritage precincts in keeping with current standards
• Assess the significance of places that are not currently included in the Heritage Overlay

The Heritage Study recommends:

• Updates to four existing precincts
• The inclusion of 12 new heritage precincts

The inclusion of 32 individual places assessed as being of local significance:

• The removal of the Neighbourhood Character Overlay from places being added to the Heritage Overlay

The proposed Design and Development Overlay is to be applied to the existing primary commercial area in Golden Square and adjacent residential areas.

The purpose of the overlay is to provide design guidelines for new developments within the area to create a compact and vibrant town centre.

The proposed schedule proposes a list of building and works requirements to guide the design and layout, frontage, parking and accessibility for new developments.

General Residential Zone

The purpose of this zone is to encourage a diversity of housing types and growth in locations offering good access to services and transport. This zone encourages development that respects the neighbourhood character of the area and allow educational, recreational, religious, community and a limited range of other non-residential uses.  

Industrial Zone - Schedule 3

The purpose of this zone is to provide a buffer between the different industrial zones and local communities. It allows for industries and associated uses compatible with the nearby community. Limited retail opportunities including convenience shops, small scale supermarkets and associated shops are also allowed in appropriate locations.  

Heritage Overlay

The purpose of this overlay is to conserve and enhance heritage places of natural and cultural significance. This overlay aims to monitor that development does not adversely affect the significance of heritage places.  

Design and Development Overlay

The purpose of this overlay is to identify areas affected by specific requirements relating to the design and built form of new development.  

Neighbourhood Character Overlay

The purpose of this overlay is to identify areas of existing or preferred neighbourhood character and ensure that development respects the neighbourhood character.

The re-activation of the railway station and improvements to the rail line is a longer-term aspiration for Golden Square. It is subject to future investment by the State Government and there is currently no commitment from the State to the project. The City continues to advocate for improved public transport for the current and future community.

A planning scheme amendment (C241gben) was prepared by the Minister of Planning to rezone part of 6 Laurel St, Golden Square from Public Use Zone - Schedule 2 to Residential Growth Zone - Scheule 3. The amendment has recently been gazetted (i.e. changes came into effect) in June 2024.

The Golden Square Primary School closed in 2009 due to falling enrolments and merged with Maple Street Primary School. In 2015, the entire school moved to a new premise. Subsequently, the site was declared surplus to education requirements by the Department of Education and Training. As no government agency expressed interest in acquiring the site, the Victorian Land Transaction Policy (2022) requires for the most appropriate planning provisions to be put in place to reflect the highest and best use of the site, to facilitate sale to the open market.

Therefore, the purpose of the amendment was to rezone the site from current public use zone to appropriate residential zone (to Residential Growth Zone) to guide future development of the site.

View the Amendment C241gben details

This Amendment C270gben is proposing to apply the Design and Development Schedule 34 Overlay to the school site and surrounding to properties around Golden Square Neighbourhood Activity Centre to implement the recommendations from the Golden Square Urban Design Framework.

If there are submissions that can’t be resolved, Council will request that the Minister for Planning appoint an Independent Panel to consider the amendment and any submissions referred to it. The Panel is made up of people with relevant expertise who have no connection to the City or any submitters.

The Panel will conduct a public hearing and the submitters will have the opportunity to present their case to the Independent Panel if they choose to.

The Panel will then prepare a report that provides advice to Council on the amendment and the submissions. The Panel Report will be released within 10 days after it is received by the City of Greater Bendigo and will be formally considered by Council. Council’s consideration of the recommendations of the Independent Panel, and its decision on the Amendment, will then be submitted to the Minister for Planning for consideration and potential approval.

If you are a landowner or resident in Golden Square, Ironbark and Bendigo City Centre, there may be changes proposed to the zoning or overlays of your property. These changes may or may not impact on the use and development of your land.

You are encouraged to view the amendment documents and discuss any questions with the relevant planning officers during the exhibition period.

Planning controls provide regulation if a use or development, subdivision or building can be permitted and in what circumstances. Generally, a zone controls the types of use (residential, commercial, industrial) and an overlay ensures a particular issue is considered when development occurs (e.g. flooding, heritage).