20-Aug-2007
Building a vibrant community
Urban Pacific’s highly-awarded Springthorpe project is a stunning example of creating a dynamic community and fostering active and engaged residents.
Springthorpe in Macleod is a meticulously planned community that demonstrates architectural, environmental and social excellence. Every element of the project has been carefully planned, such as road systems, the design and location of individual homes, the layout of open space networks, the inclusion of recreational facilities and the preservation of hundreds of mature trees.
Never before has Melbourne seen such a coordinated approach to sensitive residential development in urban renewal, ensuring all aspects of the natural environment are preserved for future generations and all built form elements blend contiguously.
The Springthorpe resident’s only Country Club and abundant parklands is the social hub of activity. With a gym / workout room, two full size north south fully lit tennis courts, heated outdoor swimming pool (with easy ramp access for disabled users), bocce rink, children’s playground, BBQ area, sun deck, residents’ lounge and students’ centre with a computer network with internet access the development was the first to pioneer these offerings.
Springthorpe also pioneered a community intranet facility to enable the community to keep informed of social activities, news and share ideas. In a relatively short timeframe a robust community was formed.
Throughout the life of the project Urban Pacific has transferred significant areas of land to the community for public open space. The site provides approximately 10 hectares of open space (15% of the total area).
Continually rising sale prices for Springthorpe houses and land is having a positive flow on effect to the wider community that is lifting the average house prices in the immediate suburbs of Macleod and Bundoora.
The project set a new benchmark in architectural design. When work commenced in 1999 the housing stock on the wider Melbourne housing market was relatively uninspiring and simple. Springthorpe captivated home owners with its unique design of blended materials, articulation and elevated areas and continues to do so today.
Springthorpe is nearing completion of Urban Pacific’s grand vision in 2008 and less than 50 premier lots remain. Those interested in securing a position must act quickly before it is too late.
The final stages are unique with blocks situated on high land providing spectacular views of Melbourne and bushland. Stage 9 is situated on one of the highest points in metropolitan Melbourne and the house designs can provide spectacular views of surrounding Melbourne suburbs, Macedon Ranges and Dandenong Ranges.
Springthorpe is located in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne. The project has won numerous awards from the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) in 2003, 2004, 2005, including winner for Environmental Excellence and Best Masterplanned Development in the 2005 UDIA National Awards.