In the heart of historic Rutherglen, Victoria, the Rutherglen Silos Precinct is set to transform a local landmark into a vibrant community and tourism hub — a place that celebrates heritage, creativity, and connection through thoughtful place-making and design.
In partnership with Public Realm Lab and Indigo Shire, Habitat Planning is proud to have supported this important regional project through comprehensive town planning advisory services, guiding the process from pre-lodgement through to planning approval. Our team worked closely with the client and project partners to navigate complex zoning, heritage, and design considerations to achieve a balanced outcome that honours Rutherglen’s storied history while embracing its contemporary outlook.
A key initiative of the Rutherglen Place Plan (2023) and part of the Murray to Mountain Rail Trail Enhancements, in partnership with Tourism North East, the redevelopment spans more than 30,000 square metres. The project reimagines the town’s silos, heritage railway station, and surrounding civic spaces as a connected cultural precinct.
Planned works include a community hub featuring meeting and co-working spaces, and an arts hub for workshops and exhibitions — both designed to foster creativity, inclusion, and collaboration.
New amenities such as upgraded Changing Places public toilets, market spaces, a bike hub, and wayfinding signage will enhance accessibility, while landscaping and water-sensitive urban design will deliver sustainable and welcoming outdoor spaces.
The Rutherglen Silos Precinct showcases the impact of thoughtful town and urban planning in regional Victoria — blending heritage preservation with contemporary design to create a place that strengthens local identity, supports tourism, and enhances everyday community life.
Client: Public Realm Lab
Collaborators: Public Realm Lab, Tonkin Consulting, GMR Engineering Services, Urban Initiatives, Glenn Waters Arboriculture
Disciplines: Town Planning
Location: Rutherglen, Victoria
Date: 2025
Renders: Public Realm Lab