Residents Kaylyan Ky and Sophia Lemm look over the model of the estate. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS 87603
By MELISSA MEEHAN
KEYSBOROUGH is home to a new $1 billion housing development, one of the largest infill projects undertaken in the south-east.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy officially opened the new development named Somerfield and said the transformation of 120 hectares of under-utilised land into a new neighbourhood will pave the way for up to 2000 homes and more than 7000 residents.
“We are continuing to work to increase the supply of housing, to maximise land use to boost jobs, drive investment and provide housing choices to suit a range of budgets,” Mr Guy said.
“The new community at Somerfield will benefit from close proximity to Greater Dandenong’s revitalisation as a major population and business hub and the focus for significant new public and private sector investment in infrastructure and development.
“Thousands of construction jobs have already been created from the existing 500 homes built and thousands more jobs will be generated by the project as more residents build their homes and move in.”
Mr Guy also said the local community would have access to great transport connections with the EastLink freeway and soon to be completed Dingley Arterial.
The development is planned from the outset to include almost 20 per cent open space with parks, tree-lined boulevards and landscaping, and a recycled water system will be available for each home which can be used for flushing toilets, watering gardens and washing cars.
The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), the peak body representing the property development industry throughout Australia, has recognised Somerfield as a leading “EnviroDevelopment” in Victoria.
Tony De Domenico, executive director of UDIA Victoria said Somerfield had achieved EnviroDevelopment certification and was an excellent example of the Victorian development industry’s sustainability credentials.
David Payes, executive chairman of Intrapac, said Somerfield had proven to be a highly successful residential project, incorporating sustainable living with open green spaces, resulting in a strong community atmosphere.
