Laura Michell
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One hundred and fifty social housing properties and a 126-bed private hospital will form the first stage of the $2 billion ‘New Epping’ development.
The 51-hectare development on the site of the former Epping Quarry on Cooper Street will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct featuring health, residential and commercial properties over the next 10-15 years.
Developer Riverlee broke ground on the project last week, with Housing Minister Richard Wynne turning the sod on the 150 social housing properties, which will be operated by Haven; Home, Safe.
The properties are being built as part of the state government’s Big Housing Build.
Riverlee development director David Lee said the start of works was a significant milestone.
“Together with our project partners, local council and the state government, we are excited to be commencing stage one at New Epping – a project that will play a huge role in meeting the healthcare and housing demands of this growing area. The diverse mix of housing, health and commercial uses will create a vibrant culture and community with a focus on wellness and sustainability,” he said.
“Our vision for New Epping will take urban regeneration to a new level and bring an inner-city offering to the suburbs. The site no doubt has its challenges and we thank the state government for recognising the needs of this region by fast-tracking the work under the Building Victoria Recovery Taskforce.”
Whittlesea council chair administrator said New Epping would provide significant economic and social benefits to the municipality.
“Not only will it create 5000 jobs during construction and a further 3000 once developed in a whole range of sectors, it provides much needed housing diversity,” she said.
“Council has long been advocating for much-needed social and affordable housing in the City of Whittlesea and this project is a significant step in the right direction.”
Haven; Home, Safe chair Damien Tangey said the stage one social housing properties would help increase the supply of social and affordable housing in the northern suburbs.
The project will include 79 one-bedroom and 72 two-bedroom social housing homes, which are estimated to be built by May 2022.
The $133 million Northern Private Hospital, which will be operated by Ramsay Health Care, will be built adjacent to Northern Hospital. It is estimated that the hospital will be built by December 2023
Ramsey Health Care Victorian manager Austin Wills said the state-of-the-art hospital would cater for the diverse health needs of the growing community in Melbourne’s north.
Stage one of New Epping will also include the development of an 11-hectare “central green spine” that will connect all components of the development.
Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny said New Epping would provide homes for families close to services, hospitals, shops and jobs.
