New 'suburb' bigger than any other

Bendigo Weekly | Bendigo Weekly | 15-Oct-2012 Bendigo's largest subdivision unveiled

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PLANS for Bendigo's largest ever residential subdivision have been lodged.

Under the plan, up to 1400 houses will be built in Edwards Road, Maiden Gully.

Greater Bendigo council will this week voted to request Planning Minister Matthew Guy authorise council to exhibit planning amendments for the proposal.

The amendments will see a rezoning of the land, which is currently outside the city's Urban Growth Boundary.

Birchgrove Property is behind the183-hectare Forest Park Estate, at 244 Edwards Road.

The development includes "medium density" and "compact" and features a series of walking and bike paths.

It also abuts bushland and council has identified any potential fire risk as an important part of the approval process.

A report to council is favourable of the plan.

"While the land is not identified for future development within the City’s Residential Development Strategy, the site presents an opportunity to provide for additional housing in an area which is able to be fully serviced and is contiguous with existing residential development," it said.

"The land has few physical constraints to development, is in single ownership and is largely cleared of significant vegetation. Overall, the site is a logical inclusion within the Urban Growth Boundary."

Birchgrove Property spokesman Damien Tangey said the development would have a significant impact on the local economy.

He said direct onsite investment is estimated to be more than 500 million and direct employment for about 150 people a year during its estimated 10-year construction phase.

“Up until completion in 2030, assessors have projected a $800 million injection into Bendigo’s Gross Regional Product as a direct result of Forest Park," he said.

“In terms of economic stimulus Forest Park’s flow-on effect will complement Bendigo’s new hospital development – as both projects significantly enhance the long-term economic prospects of our community.”

Mr Tangey said this exhibition process would provide Maiden Gully’s community with an opportunity to see how Forest Park will develop

“Our proposal adopts a very transparent and thorough process," he said.

"It’s been reviewed by council officers and referral authorities, and is now going before council to determine if it is to be recommended for public exhibition.

“Following a process of community consultation, the newly-elected council will be involved in determining the future of Forest Park.

“Community input is vital in order for the proposal to respond effectively to local needs.”
 


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