The City of Melbourne's 2012 Arden-Macaulay Structure Plan (PDF 47.11 MB) identifies urban renewal areas in and around North Melbourne that will accommodate residential and economic growth over the next 30 years.

In 2016, Arden and Macaulay were separated into two distinct, yet neighbouring precincts.

Arden consists of 50 hectares of largely industrial lots located less than two kilometres north-west of the central city. The precinct is between Macaulay Road, the Upfield rail line, Moonee Ponds Creek and Dryburgh Street.

Now, the Victorian Planning Authority and the City of Melbourne are co-leading the planning for the Arden Urban Renewal Precinct in partnership with other government departments and agencies, and in consultation with business, service and community stakeholders.