University Hill (VIC)

University Hill in Victoria has won the GroupGSA Award for Best Master Planned Community at the 2011 Property Council of Australia/ Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards.

Developed and owned by MAB Corporation, the $1billion master planned community comprises over 1,000 homes, ranging from studio apartments to traditional detached homes, two business parks offering numerous employment opportunities and a street based town centre.

Property Council of Australia CEO Peter Verwer announced the Innovation and Excellence Awards winners at the Gala Awards dinner, held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday 14th May 2011.

Mr Verwer said, "the 104 hectare University Hill site is located in Bundoora, within the City of Whittlesea, located at the entrance to the northern growth corridor of Melbourne. University Hill's key vision was to create a diverse master planned community comprising a wide spectrum of amenities all within walking distance of homes."

The Innovation and Excellence Awards program provides an opportunity for the property industry to acknowledge and showcase excellence in the built environment, whilst heralding the achievements of its key professionals.

"The Awards program spans landmark projects over 14 separate categories in addition to nine future leaders. The calibre of this year's Awards winners is a true testament to the resilience of the Australian property industry and our key stakeholders," said Mr Verwer.

Michael Kerr, Director of Rider Levett Bucknall commented, "the master planned community itself is unique as it combines industrial land uses (such as high-tech manufacturing, warehousing), commercial office space, community services (for example child care, medical facilities), leisure activities (gymnasium, retail shops, cafes and restaurants) and a variety of housing options all in one location."

"The wetlands and Plenty Gorge Parklands provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the town centre," he said.

Some key project facts:
Owned, developed and nominated by: MAB Corporation
Architect:                                                      Hassell, Urbanism Plus, Billard Leece,
                                                                      Plus Architects, i2C architects
Planner:                                                      Contour Consultants
Builder:                                                        St Hilliers
Size:                                                             104 hectare, $1billion masterplanned community with
                                                                      over 1,000 homes, recreational facilities and parklands

For further information, please contact:
Ken Morrison, Chief Operating Officer, Property Council of Australia on 02 9033 1919 or 0412 233 715