Background

Beveridge Williams was engaged to assist in the rezoning and Precinct Structure Planning (PSP) process and then to deliver the estate right through to construction.

Challenge

The client wanted to create a legacy project with links to the land’s past and high amenity for the new community. Our challenge was to acknowledge the history of the land, its connection to the owners and deliver a high amenity estate within the constraints placed by the PSP process.

We were also challenged in the early delivery of infrastructure to the site, including an arterial road, sewer and water.

The client recognised that Beveridge Williams was uniquely placed to address this challenge. Not only could we deliver creative design solutions to achieve their vision, but our proven track record, local knowledge and strong relationships with Casey City Council officers and all the regulatory authorities gave us a clear advantage.

Solution

We looked at design options that would optimise urban design quality and a lot yield which challenged options proposed by council and the VPA. We worked hard to demonstrate alternatives for efficient land use that would ultimately produce a design that was well-connected and promoted community engagement.

The landscape masterplan was developed through creative workshops with our landscape architects, urban designers and engineers. The English country estate theme is evident in the entry ways and extends throughout the tree-lined streets and all parks and reserves. A unique farm-themed playground is being built, based on the New MacDonalds Farm books written by one of the landowners, which became a popular children’s television series. This will provide a focal point for the community adjacent to the local shopping centre and wetland reserve.

Our experience in previous PSPs helped us get heard well before any statutory processes had been set, lobbying with the technical expertise to back up our requests. Facilitation of early delivery of infrastructure and services to the site was something we’d done on many occasions in Melbourne’s growth corridors and regional Victoria.

Capitalising on our relationships with authorities and stakeholders, we met with all affected landowners, developers and consultants, preparing plans and costings to facilitate the delivery of infrastructure including arterial road, sewer and water, enabling Ramlegh Springs to be developed ahead of Council’s schedule.

Confident in our pre-planning work, Beveridge Williams commenced detail design for engineering prior to finalisation of the PSP. With early approvals for civil and landscape works, we were able to begin development ahead of competitors in the area. Construction started in early 2015 with expected completion in early 2019.

Outcome

Having a multi-disciplinary, experienced team means the client’s vision is met with optimal time and cost benefits. Other benefits include getting development started well ahead of the competition and creating an estate that’s truly different to those around it in Melbourne’s south-east growth corridor. Sales figures have exceeded expectations and all budgeted timelines have been met.

Construction of Pattersons Rd, over 1 km to the site, was the first Developer Contributions Project (DCP) that Casey City Council had to implement. They used this as a test case and it’s now the model for rolling out all DCPs. BW was integral in designing and facilitating that project, which invited multiple landowners and developers and other stakeholders. There are three more construction stages to be completed, including the town centre and the New McDonalds Farm park.