A masterplan (or Master Plan) is a strategic document that outlines a vision or framework for the development of a site, centre or precinct. Masterplans can range in scale from entire new neighbourhoods and university campuses to town centres and infill developments. Effective masterplans recognise that successful places are a result of carefully integrating the public and private domain, how one arrives and moves though a place, the physical shape of buildings and landscape and social, environmental, and economic context. Generally, masterplans identify the shape of desired development and how development and change will be coordinated, so that the existing place and the new can work more effectively to support vibrant and attractive places.

Well-designed masterplans also recognise that time is a critical element in the realisation of a masterplan. They build upon the history and heritage of the place and identify a strategy for implementation both in the short and long term.

The Studio GL team are specialists in developing masterplans. Our process is iterative, based on detailed analysis of the context, then exploring options through workshops, sketches, diagrams, hand drawing and computer modelling before finally explaining the vision though detailed technical documentation and high-quality graphics.

Studio GL have prepared masterplans and precinct plans covering a range of strategic residential and precinct design projects, for private developers and local and state government across Australia. We have created concept designs for low and medium rise dwellings, apartments, mixed-use buildings, and precinct scale sites that demonstrate the opportunity for site or precinct wide development, with appropriate access, setbacks, privacy and a built form that is sympathetic with the local area. These projects have used Studio GL’s experience and knowledge to produce plans with an emphasis on the creation of places that are efficient, enhance the location and meet the needs of future communities.

Projects: Five Dock Town Centre Masterplan, Three Rivers Retirement Community, Coastal Waters Retirement Village, Nowra Riverfront Precinct, Port Kembla Revitalisation