Hospital, shopping centre and 2000 homes set for ‘New Epping’.

A new hospital, shopping centre and 2000 homes spread across five precincts are set to transform the old Epping quarry in Melbourne’s north.

Developer Riverlee has a permit for the 2b New Epping project in Epping that will eventually deliver 7200 jobs. Picture: Riverless

A $2bn development featuring a new hospital, 2000 homes and a commercial centre has been approved for the city’s outer north.

Developer Riverlee wants to transform a 51ha old Epping quarry site into a mixed-use urban CBD that could eventually create more than 7200 jobs.

The 15-year New Epping project, set to boost the state economy by $3.4bn, will comprise five precincts linked by a civic centre and “green spine”.

Located next to the Northern Hospital in Cooper St, work has already started on a new private hospital that will be part of a 7ha medical hub.

Developer Riverlee is behind the New Epping project. Picture: Supplied

The 2000 dwellings will comprise town houses, apartments and affordable housing, with residents and visitors able to enjoy parks, recreational facilities and hospitality venues.

Riverlee development director David Lee said the plan was to set a new standard in urban renewal.

“Across five neighbourhoods, we will be delivering a range of commercial, healthcare, residential and civic spaces that will cement Epping as the CBD of Melbourne’s north,” he said.

“We believe that by creating purpose-built spaces for living, working and leisure, with unrivalled amenity and integration with nature, we can truly impact the way people live for the better.”

New Epping’s first stage was approved by the state government’s building recovery taskforce in 2020, and this week the masterplan got the green light from Whittlesea Council.

The project will transform the 51ha old Epping quarry Picture: Supplied

Council chair of administrators Lydia Wilson said Riverlee’s vision was welcome as the quarry site had been dormant for decades.

“This landmark project will provide employment opportunities, economic stimulus and the infrastructure required to create a vibrant urban environment that is underpinned by wellness and sustainability,” she said.

“(It) builds on the cornerstones of our community – healthcare as our leading industry, the need for quality housing for people at all stages of life, and sustainability as a way of ensuring a bright and healthy future for our younger generations.”

Aside from the projected 7200 permanent jobs, New Epping will need more than 600 construction roles annually through the 15-year build.

Ramsay Health Care will run the Northern Private Hospital.