December 12, 2013

The first sod has been turned and it is now a hive of activity, with the first stages of construction now underway at Merrifield – Victoria’s largest fully master planned mixed-use development.

MAB Project Director Matthew Planner said the commencement of construction marks a huge milestone for the project.
“The vision and detailed master planning of Merrifield has been in the making for the best part of the last decade,” said Mr Planner. “To be turning dirt just a few months after our official launch is a great achievement and the culmination of a lot of hard work.”

Upon completion, the commercial, industrial and residential community will encompass 4,000 homes and a 300 hectare business park with the potential to create up to 20,000 new jobs.  At the heart of the development is Merrifield City Centre – a 110 hectare precinct with approval for more than 60,000 square metres of retail floorspace – which is the new retail, commercial and entertainment hub at the centre of Melbourne’s northern growth corridor.

Merrifield is the first development within the Donnybrook Road – Mickleham precinct to commence construction.

“We have worked very closely with Hume City Council and servicing authorities to enable works to commence and bring Merrifield to life,” said Mr Planner. “The first stage of construction includes new intersection works at Donnybrook Road and a multi-million dollar landscape package – including public art, a contemporary entry boulevard treatment and the first neighbourhood park within Merrifield.”

The first phase of construction also includes significant upgrades to water, power, sewer, gas and optic fibre networks, with in excess of 20 kilometres of new servicing infrastructure to be installed along Donnybrook Road.
Mr Planner said that discussions are underway with major retailers for the Merrifield City Centre, education providers for the residential precinct and prospective tenants looking to invest and establish their future business operations within the Merrifield Business Park.

“We are confident that key announcements will be made in the coming months,” said Mr Planner. “It is satisfying to be working with other organisations that are as excited about Merrifield as we are.”

With construction underway, it is anticipated that title to the first two subdivision stages within Merrifield will be delivered during the second quarter of next year – including the initial Merrifield Display Village which will feature a number of Melbourne’s leading home builders.

The first residents at Merrifield are expected to move in by late 2014.

“That is our next big milestone – seeing our residents commence construction on their brand new homes,” said Mr Planner. “It is incredibly exciting to see Merrifield taking shape.”

For further details please visit the Merrifield Sales Centre at Donnybrook Road, Mickleham, or log onto www.merrifieldmelbourne.com.au