Planning Minister Matthew Guy today launched a new employment city for Melbourne’s north.   Opening the first stage of ‘Merrifield’, a major residential and commercial development, the new urban hub will transform 900 hectares into a sustainable, mixed-use business and lifestyle community.  The new urban development will create 20,000 jobs and 4,000 homes in Melbourne’s north.  Mr Guy joined MAB Corporation and Gibson Property Corporation at Donnybrook Road in Mickleham to launch the new precinct.

 “This is an exciting development for the Hume growth area, where a new and distinct community known as Merrifield will emerge as Melbourne’s latest outer urban, employment based suburb,” Mr Guy said.  “Merrifield will provide critical economic and social stimulus and in the long-term become an important connection to our CBD and growing northern region.  “Merrifield exemplifies the ‘20-minute’ city planning concept, a key principle of the Metropolitan Planning Strategy discussion paper, enabling people to enjoy a great lifestyle by living close to jobs, services and transport connections.  “It also supports the ‘polycentric’ city idea which we are working to achieve so that Victoria’s liveability is enhanced by giving more people the opportunity to live close to where they work,” Mr Guy said.

 In the coming months the Planning Minister will be releasing the draft Metropolitan Planning Strategy which will reveal a 30-40 year vision for Melbourne’s future growth and change.  Mr Guy said that Merrifield ticks all the boxes when it comes to boosting Melbourne’s liveability, increasing affordability and securing our economic future for generations to come.  “A highlight of Merrifield is its deliberate design with all the necessary elements of a sustainable and thriving community,” Mr Guy said. 

“On the Hume Freeway, Merrifield is just 40 kilometres from the CBD, seven kilometres from Craigieburn and a 25 minute drive from Tullamarine, making it an attractive business location.”  The development includes a 300-hectare business precinct; 110-hectare town centre; primary and secondary schools; a community centre; a regional park with indoor and outdoor sports facilities, playgrounds, waterways, picnic spots and walking and cycling areas.

 Stage One of Merrifield is expected to be completed by 2015.

 Merrifield is one of six Precinct Structure Plans (PSP’s) announced in June 2012, leading to development of new communities at Diggers Rest, Lockerbie, Lockerbie North, Manor Lakes and Rockbank North. “Development of these new suburbs forms part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s plan to better manage Melbourne’s growth and provide great housing and jobs for our growing population,” Mr Guy said.

 Media contact: Rochelle Jackson 0419 872 538 [email protected]