Property Report
Comprehensive multi-dimensional analysis
17 Hotham Street
Zoning & Regional Plan
GRZ1
General Residential Zone
LEP: Darebin Planning Scheme
Height Limit
11 metres or 3 storeys
Min Lot Size
450m²
✅ Permitted Uses
❌ Prohibited Uses
Schools
Preston offers a solid public school catchment through Preston Primary and Coburg Secondary College, both established public schools. Catholic and independent alternatives including Holy Rosary and Summerhill are accessible within 1–4 km. The area has mixed socioeconomic profile with reasonable school diversity across all sectors.
Likely public catchment
Properties in Preston are typically zoned for Preston Primary School and Coburg Secondary College. Verify catchment boundaries with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) Find My School tool.
Nearby schools
Preston Primary School
In catchmentCoburg Secondary College
In catchmentHoly Rosary Primary School
Northcote High School
Summerhill Christian College
Alphington Grammar School
St Monica's Primary School
Catchment information is indicative only. Always verify with the relevant state education department before making enrolment decisions.
Traffic & Congestion
17 Hotham Street in Preston is located in a moderately congested inner-suburban area with good arterial road access. The property benefits from proximity to major routes but experiences typical weekday peak-hour congestion on surrounding roads.
Nearby Major Roads
Peak Hour Impact
Significant congestion on Bell Street and High Street during morning (7-9am) and evening (4-6pm) peak hours. Traffic increases substantially on weekdays with northbound/southbound flows affected. Local streets experience moderate spillover traffic during peaks.
Public Transport
Preston Station (Craigieburn/Sunbury line) approximately 600m away; multiple bus routes within 200-400m including routes on High Street and Bell Street providing access to CBD and surrounding suburbs
Public Transport
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Overpass returned 429
Flood Risk
Preston, located in Melbourne's northern suburbs, experiences low to moderate flood risk primarily from Merri Creek and Darebin Creek overbank events. Much of the suburb is elevated, but properties in lower-lying areas near waterway corridors are subject to VIC's Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO). Historical flood events have been minor compared to major Victorian catchments, and planning controls focus on floor-level compliance and stormwater management rather than evacuation or severe restriction.
Planning Controls
- •Compliance with VIC LSIO requirements for floor levels and finished ground levels in affected areas
- •Flood-compatible design and materials for buildings within mapped inundation extent
- •Stormwater management and detention basin integration per Merri Creek Catchment Management Authority guidelines
- •Consideration of Darebin Creek tributary flood risk in lower-lying residential precincts
Bushfire Risk
Preston is a dense inner-northern Melbourne suburb with predominantly urban development, minimal bushland, and low vegetation density, placing it outside the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) and Bushfire Prone Area (BPA). Bushfire risk to properties in Preston is minimal, though standard vegetation management around structures remains prudent.
Crime & Safety
Preston experiences crime rates above the Victorian average, with theft and assault being the predominant offense categories. The suburb maintains relatively stable crime patterns year-on-year, though property crimes including break-and-enter remain a concern. Community policing initiatives and local engagement programs continue to address safety issues.
Total Incidents
4,200
Estimated annual (2024-2025)
vs State
Above Average
Trend
➡️ stable
Crime Categories
Future Development
Preston is experiencing steady medium-density infill development and precinct renewal, driven by its proximity to employment centres, public transport access, and position within Melbourne's inner ring. Key activity focuses on residential intensification in the activity centre, adaptive reuse of institutional sites, and infrastructure improvements supporting active transport connections. Development momentum reflects broader inner-suburban renewal trends with moderate approval rates for mixed-use and residential projects.
Preston High School Redevelopment
0.5 kmSignificant educational and residential precinct renewal on the former high school site in central Preston, combining community facilities with medium-density housing.
Determination: 2026
Cramer Street Apartment Complex
0.8 km5-6 storey residential apartment development with mixed commercial uses on ground floor in Preston's activity centre.
Reservoir to Preston Shared Path Extension
1.2 kmActive transport corridor improvement connecting Preston to surrounding suburbs via upgraded shared pathways and cycling infrastructure.
Determination: 2025
Recent Residential Infill - Oxford Street
1 kmTownhouse and small apartment infill projects on underutilised residential lots reflecting medium-density intensification trend in inner-ring suburbs.
Grange Road Mixed-Use Precinct
1.5 kmPlanned commercial and residential development targeting retail and office space alongside medium-density housing on Grange Road corridor.
Heritage & Conservation
Preston is an inner-northern Melbourne suburb with a heritage overlay covering parts of its historic commercial and residential precinct. The area contains early-to-mid 20th century federation and Edwardian-era properties, with local significance granted to civic, educational, and religious buildings. Properties within the defined conservation area are subject to design guidelines and approval requirements for external modifications.
⚠️ Restrictions
- •External alterations require planning approval in heritage overlay areas
- •Demolition of significant structures restricted without permit
- •Subdivision may be limited in conservation areas
- •New development must respect established streetscape character
Nearby Heritage Items