The vision for the Rockingham Strategic Centre (RSC) is:
Rockingham leverages off its unique coastal atmosphere to establish a green and walkable centre that offers a diversity of uses and building types, celebrates local culture, and promotes a relaxed lifestyle. It is a regional employment destination that connects its distinct activity hubs via a high-frequency public transport.
Looking to the future, the Rockingham Strategic Centre Precinct Structure Plan (RSCPSP) is underpinned by three core principles:
2The primary focus of the RSCPSP from a connectivity perspective is to reduce car dependency for local trips. The approach to achieving this is multi-faceted. Many of the RSC’s streets are wide and have been designed for the car. This separates neighbourhoods and limits safety and permeability for active transport.
The RSCPSP promotes a City-wide focus on green streets and links, which is just one way in which existing streets/crossings can be designed beyond car movement. It is acknowledged too that the RSC is large and linking its key nodes just through active transport has limitations. As such, establishment of the Rockingham City Centre Transit System will bring the Rockingham Train Station, City Centre and Foreshore together in a sustainable, accessible and reliable way.
3Explores how the RSCPSP can embrace the welcoming ambiance of coastal life in the design of streets and public spaces. It focuses on celebrating the proud legacy of the Rockingham Foreshore as the pre-eminent coastal location in the sub-region. However, there is also an eye to the past, with an acknowledgement that First Nations stories and heritage could be better reflected to improve sense of place and belonging throughout the RSC.
The current Precinct Structure Plan builds on earlier planning initiatives that have helped shape the Strategic Centre today.
Planning for the Rockingham Strategic Centre has evolved over many years. The 2009 Activity Centre Plan established the original vision for the Centre and was followed by a series of Development Policy Plans that provided more detailed planning guidance for specific areas of the Strategic Centre.
The current Rockingham Strategic Centre Precinct Structure Plan consolidates and updates the strategic planning direction for the Centre. While the Activity Centre Plan and Development Policy Plans have been superseded, they played an important role in shaping the vision, land use planning and development outcomes that continue to influence the Strategic Centre today.
Historical planning documents and background information relating to the Rockingham Strategic Centre may be available for reference. Contact the City's Planning Services team to discuss available records and historical planning information.
Each precinct within the Rockingham Strategic Centre has a unique role in shaping the City Centre. Discover the character, key features and future opportunities for each precinct below.
The City Centre will be the main hub for shopping, jobs, and community life. It will include more homes and jobs, and community life. It will include more homes and businesses, creating a lively area where people can easily walk or cycle between shops, parks, and public transport. Streets will be green and pedestrian-friendly, with less focus on cars.
The Waterfront Village will continue to grow as a lively place for locals and visitors to enjoy Rockingham’s beautiful coastline. This area will include mix of residential density, cafés, shops, and short-stay accommodation, supporting a vibrant entertainment and cultural hub along Rockingham Beach. Streets will be safer and greener, making it easier for people to walk, cycle and enjoy the beachside environment.
The Coastal Lots precinct will evolve into a high-quality residential neighbourhood within easy reach of public transport. New homes will be medium density, designed to fit the area’s character, with more trees, green verges, and safer walking connections.
The TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) Village will be a compact neighbourhood built around high-quality public transport. It will include a mix of housing, local jobs, and community spaces, making it easy for people to live, work and move around without relying on a car. Public spaces, green links and tree-lined streets will help create a lively, connected and attractive local centre.
The City Park area will gradually transform into a high-quality residential neighbourhood with a mix of grouped dwellings and small apartment buildings. Development will respond to the existing suburban character in the north, while allowing more density close to parks, the City Centre, and the transit route in the south. Streets will remain green, safe and welcoming, with strong connections to open spaces.
The Southern Residential area will develop gradually into a comfortable, medium-density neighbourhood close to parks and key walking and cycling routes. New homes will be well-designed and fit the existing suburban character, which includes generous setbacks and landscaped verges.
Dixon Road is an important service and employment area and forms the northeastern gateway to the Strategic Centre. The precinct includes light industrial, commercial, and bulky goods uses, with an upgraded streetscape that creates a clear sense of arrival. Landscaping will help screen industrial areas and improve the overall appearance of this corridor.
