Settlement history

Settlement of the area dates from the late 1830s, with land used mainly for farming and market gardening. Population was minimal until the 1850s. Residential growth took place during the late 1800s, and again during the 1920s, spurred by improved access and industrial growth. Significant development occurred during the post-war years, with rapid growth from the mid 1940s through to the late 1960s, including public housing construction. The population declined slightly during the 1990s, and then increased slightly between 2001 and 2011 as new dwellings were added to the area.

Land use

Preston is an established residential area, with substantial industrial areas in the south-east, and several commercial areas.

Major features

• Major features of the area include Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE (Preston Campus),
• Northland Shopping Centre,
• Northland Homemaker Centre,
• Preston Central (shopping centre),
• Preston Market,
• Regent West Village Shopping Centre,
• South Preston Shopping Centre,
• Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre,
• Preston Town Hall,
• Darebin Women’s Sports Club,
• Adams Reserve,
• A.H. Capp Reserve,
• Darebin Creek Park,
• Davis Park,
• G.H. Mott Reserve,
• H.L.T. Oulton Reserve,
• H.P. Zwar Reserve,
• H. Swain Reserve,
• J.S. Grey Reserve,
• Larkins Reserve,
• L.W. Williams Reserve,
• Preston City Oval,
• Ray Bramham Gardens,
• T.A. Cochrane Reserve,
• T.W. Blake Park,
• W.H. Robinson Reserve,
• W.R. Ruthven V.C. Reserve,
• Coburg Cemetery,
• East Preston Islamic College,
• Parade College,
• Preston Girls Secondary College,
• St John’s Greek Orthodox College and numerous other schools.

Included areas