Hansen’s Urban Design and Strategic Planning teams conducted a mandated review under the Heritage Act 2017 (Victoria), which requires regular assessment of the World Heritage Management Plan, including the 2009 Strategy Plan. The legislation mandates a review every seven years. In addition to evaluating the 2009 Strategy Plan, Hansen developed an updated strategy to support the continued protection of the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.

Working collaboratively, a team of planners, designers and heritage specialists developed an approach to closely examine the functionality and effectiveness of the 2009 Strategy Plan. This process resulted in recommended enhancements, outlined in the 2022 Draft Strategy Plan along with accompanying planning scheme controls. The updates are intended to improve protection of the World Heritage values associated with the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in Melbourne.

To inform the recommendations, visual analysis and building models were used to highlight gaps in the current planning framework. These tools guided evidence-based changes to built form controls, resulting in well-justified and practical planning rule adjustments.

The new planning controls to implement the Strategy were officially gazetted on 17 April 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening protections for this iconic site.

Read the 2025 Approved Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens World Heritage Environs Area Strategy Plan here.