Whittlesea council has given the green light to a major residential redevelopment in Mernda, with a focus on boosting affordable housing options for the community.
At council meeting on Tuesday, August 19, councillors approved changes to the planned subdivision of 17–19 Johnsons Road.
Council originally endorsed a subdivision layout of 35 lots, reserving three for affordable housing, while also providing open space and road upgrades.
The revised plan will deliver a 37-lot neighbourhood, with six lots reserved for affordable housing.
Cr Jarrod Lappin praised council for its plans.
“I think it’s a great place for residential development. It’s near the recreation reserve and the train station. I think it’s a smart place for more housing,” he said.
Council purchased the Johnsons Road site in 2015 for $1.8 million, with the intention of transforming it into a residential development.
Council said the updated neighbourhood layout is designed with the aim to enhance safety and liveability by activating street frontages at the entrance to the site, with houses overlooking public open space, improving passive surveillance.
Street trees, indented parking, water-sensitive urban design and connections to surrounding parkland will also be delivered.
Cr Christine Stow commented on the use of space for the proposed development.
“It’s a great use of the former Mernda primary school. There’s a portion of affordable housing stock within that development which is going to be great,” she said.
The project has been bolstered by a $7.1 million grant from the federal government’s Housing Support Program, secured earlier this year.
Council said the revised plan does not significantly affect the project’s financial feasibility but provides greater social value by aligning with the Whittlesea Social and Affordable Housing Policy and Strategy (2012–2016), which encourages 15 per cent of new dwellings to be affordable.
Lots will be sold on the open market through public sale, auction or expressions of interest.
