THE City of Whittlesea is set to transform the former Mernda Primary School site into a vibrant new residential neighbourhood, delivering 37 homes to help meet strong housing demand in the rapidly growing suburb.
At its August meeting, Council voted to subdivide the land at 17–19 Johnsons Road and move ahead with development through the sale of the site. The project aims to provide a mix of high-quality housing options while also investing in local infrastructure and open spaces.
The neighbourhood will feature a combination of townhouses and detached homes, designed within a network of landscaped streets, shared paths, and open spaces that retain mature trees on the site. A set of design guidelines will guide development to ensure attractive architecture, environmental sustainability and affordability for future residents.
To address housing affordability, six of the 37 lots will be reserved for affordable housing, in line with Council’s Social and Affordable Housing Policy and Strategy. This doubles the allocation initially proposed in earlier plans and reflects Council’s commitment to ensuring more diverse housing options.
Mayor Councillor Martin Taylor said the development would play an important role in easing pressure on the local housing market.
“Council is committed to increasing diverse housing options so residents can live in safe, secure, and well-situated neighbourhoods. The Johnsons Road residential development in Mernda will increase housing in the municipality and help address the shortage of affordable housing options,” he said.
The Federal Government has also backed the project with a $7.1 million grant through its Housing Support Program. The funding will assist with key infrastructure works, including upgrades to Johnsons Road between Schotters Road and the Plenty River, establishment of shared paths and public spaces, and protection of existing mature trees across the site.
Mernda has been one of Victoria’s fastest-growing suburbs in recent years, with its population more than doubling over the past decade. Demand for housing has outpaced supply, creating upward pressure on prices and leaving many first home buyers and low-income households struggling to secure affordable options.
Cr Taylor said the Johnsons Road project reflected Council’s long-term vision for the former school site, which it purchased in 2015 after the primary school relocated to Everton Drive in 2011.
Initial subdivision plans endorsed in 2021 made provision for 35 lots, with three reserved for affordable housing. Following further design work and consultation, the plan was revised to 37 lots with six dedicated to affordable housing to improve layout, access, and neighbourhood design.
The site’s location is seen as a key strength of the project. It is within easy reach of schools, public transport, medical services, local shops, and the planned regional sports precinct, making it an attractive option for new residents.
Council says the development is about more than housing numbers, it is also about delivering a neighbourhood that fosters community, sustainability, and accessibility. The project’s inclusion of public spaces, walking paths, and environmental protections is designed to ensure long-term benefits for both future residents and the wider Mernda community.