Tara Murray
The redevelopment of former Epping Quarry is a step closer after the state government gave the green light to rezone land for the project.
The site will be rezoned from industrial to mixed-use to pave way for New Epping development, which the developer says is one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects in Australia.
Riverlee Development, which purchased the site in 2015, said the 51-hectare redevelopment would to pave way for the birth of new “city in the suburbs” to help cater for the booming northern growth corridor.
It will include affordable housing, townhouses and apartments; a premium commercial office precinct; a new medical precinct, including a private hospital; and a variety of lifestyle and amenity offerings.
The site is adjacent to the Northern Hospital.
The Epping Road growth corridor is expected to grow by nearly 3000 new residents per year.
Riverlee Development director David Lee said the rezoning approval represents a significant show of confidence by the state government and Whittlesea council in what will be a collaborative effort to bring the $2 billion project to life over the next 10 to 15 years.
Riverlee now has to wait for development approval for infrastructure and building work before construction can start.
“The rehabilitation of the former Epping Quarry is one of the largest projects we have undertaken and will be one of the most rewarding due to the sheer impact it will have on the growing region, economically, environmentally and socially,” Mr Lee said.
“By drawing inspiration from the best of Melbourne’s inner-city and delivering it in the city’s north, Epping has the potential to become a city within the suburbs; an epi-centre of activity that will put Epping on the map as a true story of urban regeneration.
“A significant amount of economic activity will be generated from the project and will provide a major boost to the region in terms of new employment opportunities throughout the construction phase, in addition to the thousands of jobs that will be
created once the project is complete and operational.”
It’s expected more than 5000 jobs will be created during construction and more than 3100 people are forecast to work on the site once it has been completed.
The recent rezoning application also extends to the land along the Edgars Creek corridor to protect the creek and enhance environmental values and conservation, including the protected Growling Grass Frog.
