Planning Minister Matthew Guy has launched the first stage of the new suburb of Harpley in Wyndham Vale which will provide 4,000 homes and a new waterfront town centre.
The 435-hectare project is being delivered by construction giant Lend Lease and will create $1 billion worth of construction activity.
“This suburb represents a $1 billion investment in the future of Melbourne’s outer west and ultimately will provide homes for up to 12,000 residents as well as key transport links and open space,” Mr Guy said.
“The suburb will showcase development and activation of a water-oriented town centre to help entice commercial investment, create jobs and provide high amenity for residents, workers and visitors in one of Australia’s fastest growing areas.”
The start of works follows a precinct structure planning process led by the Metropolitan Planning Authority in consultation with Wyndham City Council, Lend Lease and the Wyndham community.
The Black Forest Road South Precinct Structure Plan, which will guide the development of Harpley, was completed in August 2013.
In July 2014 Mr Guy approved a $533 million infrastructure contributions package to fund key roads, community facilities and services in the Wyndham West sub-corridor, which takes in the Harpley precinct.
Andrew Elsbury, Member for Western Metropolitan Region
, said the affordable housing in the Wyndham area represented a great opportunity for new home owners and the additional infrastructure being developed was very much welcomed by the community
Bernie Finn, Member for Western Metropolitan Region
, said the master planned community will provide three schools, a local community centre, sports and recreation facilities and more than 60 hectares of waterways running through to the town centre.
Stage one of the development will focus on residential lots on the Black Forest Road section of the site.
Lend Lease expects to have the first lots out to market in April 2015 and will construct the town centre in stages as the development progresses.
The suburb will be delivered over the next 12 years.
