LALOR will have a new residential neighbourhood called Garden View Estate that will deliver 25 homes.
Previously known as Downs Road Residential Development, the project will transform an unused parcel of Whittlesea Council-owned land next to Whittlesea Public Gardens.
The residential development is a key action of the Whittlesea Public Gardens Master Plan that council adopted in 2018.
A planning permit application was approved last year to subdivide the former road reserve on the eastern edge of Whittlesea Public Gardens into 25 lots.
Twenty-two lots will be sold on the open market, with buyers benefiting from the option to select their house design from a range of architecturally designed homes provided by council, which responds to community feedback received in 2024.
Three lots will be allocated for affordable housing, providing much-needed support to people experiencing housing stress, which could include young families, older people, women, key workers and people with disabilities.
Demand for housing is increasing as the City of Whittlesea’s population grows, and Council is exploring opportunities to turn under-utilised land into good-quality, fit-for-purpose housing in line with Council’s endorsed Strategic Property and Land Plan.
Council will soon be commencing the design of the road, drainage, utilities and landscaping components of the development.
Mayor Lawrie Cox said Garden View Estate Lalor will be a fantastic example of how surplus council land can be turned into valuable homes for the benefit of the community.
“The location of this land – adjacent to Whittlesea Public Gardens and close to existing infrastructure and health and education services – is ideal for housing” Cr Cox said.
“Guided by the Whittlesea Public Gardens Master Plan, council has invested heavily in recent years to make the park a go-to destination for people of all ages and abilities.
“These improvements include a new playground, skate park, picnic and barbecue facilities, an upgraded dog park and a soon-to-be-completed expanded car park.
“The Garden View Estate Lalor project builds on this work to help create liveable neighbourhoods across the City of Whittlesea.”
A majority of the new homes in the estate will face Whittlesea Public Gardens, improving safety by providing passive surveillance from homes, drivers and pedestrians to the park.
A new local street, connecting Barry Road and Benaroon Drive, will be lined with trees and feature indented car parking bays along the western side to provide additional parking options for visitors.
Construction of the new road and civil infrastructure is expected to start next year and be completed in 2028, subject to funding.
Once the civil infrastructure is in place and landowners have secured the relevant permits, construction of the new homes will commence.
For more information about the residential development, visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/gardenviewestatelalor
