Date21 January 2026 Rockingham’s City Centre is poised for a vibrant and sustainable future following the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage’s approval of the Rockingham Strategic Centre Precinct Structure Plan (City Centre Plan).
Covering 534 hectares from the Rockingham train station to the Rockingham Foreshore, the City Centre Plan will support a mix of housing, employment and transport options.
A key feature of the City Centre Plan is its strong focus on high density housing. The plan provides a framework for a broader range of apartment living and mixed-use residential development, supporting an increase in dwellings that will accommodate up to 30,000 residents. This will ensure more people can live close to public transport, shops, services and recreational spaces, strengthening the City Centre’s appeal as a vibrant, walkable urban destination.
Mayor Lorna Buchan said “With this approval in place we can plan for more housing choice, better connections and improved public spaces while protecting and enhancing what makes Rockingham unique - its coastal lifestyle”
The City Centre Plan will guide how the centre grows over time, creating a city heart that works for residents now and into the future.
The plan identifies five distinct precincts, each with a unique role in shaping the future City Centre:
- Waterfront Village – A lively coastal destination featuring retail, dining, entertainment, recreation, and a mix of hotel and short stay accommodation.
- Dixon Road – A key employment area focused on major defence related businesses and a diverse range of small to medium enterprises.
- Defence Innovation and Education Hub – A consolidated TAFE and university precinct supported by an Innovation Centre for research, development, testing and commercialisation.
- Transit Oriented Development Village – A walkable, mixed use neighbourhood with defence housing, retail, hospitality and healthcare, designed to reduce reliance on private vehicles through strong public transport connections.
- City Centre – A modern mixed use heart offering office space, commercial activity, residential living, retail, dining and entertainment.
In the long term, the City Centre Plan will support growth that delivers:
- More housing choice close to services, jobs and transport
- Better connections between the Rockingham train station, City Centre and Foreshore
- Greener streets that support walking and cycling
- Improved public spaces through upgraded streetscapes and open space
- A stronger sense of place that celebrates Rockingham’s coastal identity and Aboriginal heritage
With the City Centre Plan now in place, the City is well positioned to manage future growth and make the most of emerging opportunities linked to the Western Trade Coast, defence industry, and forthcoming AUKUS related activity. The City will continue working with residents, landowners, businesses and government partners to ensure development is coordinated, sustainable and delivers long term benefits for the Rockingham community.
For more information visit Rockingham Strategic Centre.