A community hub will be built in Donnybrook as part of a plan to boost livability and reduce social disadvantage in the growing suburb.
Whittlesea council has partnered with developer Mirvac to roll out a Growth Areas Social Planning Tool (GASPT) to address social, planning and resourcing gaps in growth areas.
The framework, which was developed by the council in collaboration with other growth area councils in 2013, will be piloted by Mirvac at its Olivine estate.
The tool recommends the development of a resident-inclusive process to aid the development of programs, services, events and networks needed to support early residents in newly developed areas.
Mirvac chief executive Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz described the framework as groundbreaking.
She said Mirvac’s first step would be to build a community hub at Olivine in Donnybrook to provide residents with a space to gather and plan their own activities.
The hub, which is expected to open in 2019, will feature a not-for-profit social enterprise cafe.
The developer will also appoint a community development officer to collaborate with residents.
“The long-term health, happiness and wellbeing of our residents is of the upmost importance.
“Developing a strong social fabric and civic environment within a community is not an easy thing to do, and we welcome the creation of GASPT to assist in the process,” Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz said.
