Billion-dollar plan for massive ‘New Epping’ development

A SPRAWLING mini-suburb is planned for a site near Pacific Epping in Melbourne’s north, including 2000 homes, a hospital and a huge shopping precinct.

The Cooper St site where a $1 billion development is planned.

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A $1 BILLION medical, retail and residential mini-suburb mecca is planned for Epping.

The former quarry and landfill site on Cooper St could soon be home to “New Epping”, which will include a 300-bed private hospital, a 200-place childcare centre, 200 aged-care beds, 2000 homes, 80,000sq m of commercial space and more than 11ha of green space and recreation zones.

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There will also be bike and pedestrian paths as well as rehabilitated wetlands and native vegetation.

New Epping will be developed by Riverlee, which bought the site in partnership with listed Malaysian firm Batu Kawan Berhad in August 2015 for $14 million.

Riverlee development director David Lee said the development would be world class.

“We now look forward to working with the community to deliver an integrated mixed-use precinct,” Mr Lee said.

He said the project would feature a mix of affordable and upscale homes.

The project made major progress this week after Whittlesea Council voted to seek authorisation from Planning Minister Richard Wynne to prepare and exhibit an amendment to its planning scheme for the 51ha site.

The amendment is dependent on the results of an independent audit being carried out on the site by the EPA.

However, Riverlee and the council are confident of a positive outcome.

“Our investigations have given us an understanding of the task, but more work needs to be done to ensure the site is suitable for the sensitive uses being proposed,” Mr Lee said.

“We would not have taken on the challenge if we were not confident of the process or the outcome for the community.”

Mr Lee anticipates the project will take 10 to 15 years to complete.

“We are more focused on getting it right than achieving a time frame,” he said.

“We are looking to be long-term owners of many of the facilities and look forward to being part of the Epping community for many years to come.”

Southwest ward councillor Lawrie Cox said the development was a great use of the site.

“This will give Epping Central the vibrant hub it deserves as well as creating plenty of jobs,” Cr Cox said.