Development is a walk in the park for MAB

MAB Corporation last month unveiled a $1billion plan to complete the NewQuay precinct over the next decade, with parklands being a major focus.

Known as the NewQuay Parkland precinct, the area will feature 1000 new homes and will be home to a further 2500 Docklanders.

More than four hectares of parkland and open space are included in the masterplan.

At the launch of the project, VicUrban chief executive Pru Sanderson said the Docklands community would be consulted over exactly what the 2.5 hectares of public open space would look like.

“It’s a greener edge of Docklands.  It will have a neighbourhood park and a city park,” Ms Sanderson said.

“That city park will be of great interest to a lot of people.  What exact nature that park takes will be a conversation between VicUrban, MAB, obviously the city, the state and the community.”

“When we started a decade ago, there was no community in Docklands.  There was no one to talk to.  We are in the wonderful situation now where we have a community,” Ms Sanderson said.

Also speaking at the launch, the Premier John Brumby said 5000 jobs would be created during the life of the project.

“It is a development with a real sense of place and in one of the most exciting and dynamic parts of Melbourne,” he said.

“Our estimate is that by 2020, Docklands will be twice the size of the existing CBD with as many as 40,000 people working here.”

“But it’s not just a great place to do business and shop.  It’s a great place to live as well.”

MAB managing director Andrew Buxton said Quay Park would be self sufficient in water use and would include a 150,000 litre underground storage tank.

“This new residential domain will give Melburnians a chance to live on a park by the harbour.  It will borrow from many of our favourite parts of Melbourne – Albert Park’s St Vincent’s Place, South Yarra’s Fawkner Park – imagine Fitzroy Gardens along a harbourside setting,” he said.

Mr Buxton said the waterfront promenade would be completed up until the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail.  He said MAB was working with VicUrban to deliver a regional park with sporting facilities, community spaces and cultural facilities.

Mr Buxton said the NewQuay Parkland Precinct would deliver a more diverse housing mix that included high-end luxury townhouses and residential apartments.

Construction has started on the first new housing – a series of high-end luxury townhouses known as “The Avenues”.