On the frontline of development

Watching the transformation of Docklands over the past eight years has instilled a sense of pride in Development Victoria’s Karen Cowden, who is on the development’s frontline.

Karen, a development director for Docklands, has seen immense change here from when she started on the project in 2010.

“When I started working on Docklands, my first projects were Waterfront City and NewQuay which have come such a long way,” she said.

“In the past four years, with the commitment by developers such as Ashe Morgan, MAB Corporation and Capital Alliance, there has been enormous revitalisation of this area.”

Karen is also proud of what Development Victoria has achieved over the past 20 years in Docklands, working in conjunction with the private sector.

“Docklands has contributed significant benefits to the state, largely from the number of jobs generated from construction but also with the jobs that have been retained in Melbourne,” she said.

“We have been able to work with developers to respond to their organisations’ individual needs. Where else in Melbourne can you build something from the ground up that that is bespoke to your company and staff?”

“Then you look at Collins Square which integrates commercial office space with retail space over a whole city block on Collins St.”

She said she was also looking forward to the completion of the Melbourne Quarter project and the Collins Wharf area.

Karen said different experiences in Docklands attracted visitors and residents.

“We also need to remember that Docklands is nowhere near completed. By 2025, it will welcome approximately 20,000 residents and 60,000 workers, with $17.5 billion of private investment in the precinct.”

Karen’s career at Development Victoria has flourished. Starting in a support role on residential subdivision projects, she has become a leader within the precincts team.

An arts degree with a double major in criminology and politics is not the background you would associate with someone who has spent the past 10-plus years working in the property industry. While it was a great foundation, once Karen’s interest in the property sector was triggered, she embarked on further education to enhance her knowledge and has since completed a Masters in Social Science (Environment and Planning).

“When I started at DV, I was working in a project assistant capacity and my goal was to become a development manager. I was determined to take every opportunity in an industry that has been traditionally male-dominated,” she said.

“My approach to business is built on fostering relationships and developing trust. There is a misconception that you need to be dominant or aggressive in this industry but I believe it is the relationships that help you succeed.”

Karen said there was a strong focus on empowering females within DV and almost half of the staff were female, with a high percentage working at development manager or development director level.

Among this group are four employees, including Karen, who have recently been accepted into the Property Council of Australia’s 500 Women in Property program, an initiative aimed at championing women in the industry by offering networking and professional development opportunities.

The 500 Women in Property program provides networking opportunities and professional development.