Thriving University Hill gains more recognition

University Hill at Bundoora was one of five Victorian developments selected for an exclusive tour for the Planning Institute of Australia and the Department of Planning and Community Development last week.

Held to celebrate Planning Month, the tour showcased the best examples of how residences, workplaces and retail precincts are created to meet the highest planning principles.

University Hill is a 104 hectare, mixed-use project developed by MAB Corporation. The development is currently home to approximately 1,500 employees and more than 400 households.

MAB Chief Operating Officer David Hall said that University Hill’s inclusion on the tour was a key indication of the development’s ongoing success.

“There has always been a clear vision for University Hill – a fully integrated 24-hour community where people can live, work and play within the one location,” said Mr Hall. “We provided a number of firsts at University Hill, including the first dedicated office precinct in Melbourne’s north, a street-based town centre and medium density housing. These concepts were new and untested.”

The stunning development boasts interesting architecture, a diverse range of businesses and more than 18 hectares of parks, reserves and wetlands.

“The tour was a great chance to demonstrate what has been achieved at University Hill; to highlight our solid collaboration with the City of Whittlesea; and to discuss exciting plans for the future.

“It really put the spotlight on the booming northern corridor. We were thrilled to be a part of it.”

Stuart Worn, Executive Officer at the Planning Institute Australia, Victorian Division said “The Planning Institute and the Department of Planning and Community Development believe the annual bus tour is an excellent way to showcase and promote best practice in planning by visiting developments such as University Hill.”

The tour follows additional industry recognition with University Hill recently awarded the Property Council of Australia’s 2011 GroupGSA Award for Best Master Planned Community, as well as the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s (UDIA) 2010 Master Planned Development award.

The tour was a key event during Planning Month. The objective of Planning Month is to celebrate the industry’s work across metropolitan and regional Victoria. The tour’s itinerary included stops at South Yarra, Waverley Park and two locations in Docklands.

For further details about University Hill call MAB on 8681 2222 or log onto www.mab.0.efront.digital