The Master Plan aims to address issues and challenges affecting the area and establish a long-term vision to sustain its core role as a significant place of business and economic investment within the City.

Outcomes from this engagement will also assist in the Local Planning Scheme 6 review process.

The MBA has evolved since the late 1960s from initially a traditional industrial function into a much wider commercial and business area, and the place with the largest economic and business footprint within the City.

1. Development of the MBA started to occur by the early 1960s, with establishment of some industrial development having commenced within all MBA cells by 1965. By the turn of the century the MBA was fully built out (with the exception of one or two isolated lots). Since then, redevelopment of individual sites within the MBA has continued.
2. Development of the MBA has occurred over the course of four town planning schemes (TSPs) dating from the 1970s. Throughout TPS 2, TPS 3 and TPS 5, the MBA has generally been designated as some form of industrial zoning.
3. Under TPS 3, two industrial zones named “Industrial 1” and “Industrial 2” were introduced. The two zones were intended to promote development of lighter/service industrial uses adjacent to surrounding residential areas as a buffer to heavier industrial uses, more centrally located within the MBA. The “Industrial 2” zone, intended to encourage lighter/service industry, was only designated along the Leach Highway frontage, meaning heavier industrial uses were not discouraged, directly abutting residential zoned land on the western and northern boundaries of the MBA.
4. Under TSP 5, the MBA was zoned “Mixed Business” in reflection of the evolving nature of the MBA. The MBA was split into two precincts being the “Myaree Business” precinct and the “Myaree Business Frame” precinct. The “Myaree Business Frame” precinct, as per the “Industrial 2” zone under preceding TSP 3, was intended to facilitate development of uses considered more compatible with adjoining residential areas as a buffer between them and the remainder of the MBA.
5. Generally, the “Mixed Business” zone limited the range and nature of industrial activity permissible within the MBA. It also located the “Mixed Business Frame” to along the western and northern edge of the MBA, where it directly abuts residential areas rather than along Leach Highway where the “Industrial 2” zone was located under Scheme 3. The area originally identified as “Industrial 2” in Scheme 3 was incorporated within the general “Myaree Business” precinct rather than the frame precinct.
6. Scheme 5 was amended to rezone the Hulme Court and Marshall Road locations as “Commercial Centres” in reflection of the nature of the predominant uses at these locations. The balance of the MBA remained “Mixed Business”.

The total MBA is in the order of 87ha in area. This includes road reservations. Zoned land comprises 72.432ha of which 67.638ha is zoned “Service Commercial” and 4.793ha is zoned “Centre C4”. The Centre zoned portion comprises the two local centres; Hulme Court (2.397ha) and Marshall Road (2.396ha).

A total of 222 lots (not including strata titles) are sited within the MBA. These comprise a diverse range of lot sizes with 28 lots (12.7%) under 1000m2, 107 lots (48.1%) between 1000 and 2500m2, 58 lots (26.2%) between 2500 and 5000m2, 16 lots (7.2%) between 5000m2 and 1ha and 13 lots (5.8%) greater than 1ha in area.

Six lots (not including strata titles) ranging in size from 1425m2 to 5118m2 comprise the Hulme Court Local Centre, and three lots ranging from 5182m2 to 1.3597ha comprise the Marshall Road Local Centre. All other lots are within the “service Commercial” zoned portion of the MBA.

Built form is very diverse across the MBA, ranging from very substantial buildings to small premises, and include modern stylish architecturally designed facilities ranging to historic run down industrial premises.

In 2023, the City formed a Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) made up of business owners, property owners, and nearby residents. Their input was central in identifying key issues, opportunities, and a vision that informed the draft Master Plan.

In 2025, we reached the final stage of engagement, which provided a chance to review the draft Master Plan – including the proposed vision, focus areas, and priority actions – and provide feedback before it is finalised and presented to Council.

The Council of the City of Melville will be the final decision-maker. A report, including a summary of submissions and an officer recommendation, is expected to be presented for consideration at an Ordinary Meeting of Council in early 2026.