An overview of Wyndham's grand development plans
Werribee and surrounds have been in the news of late, principally due to increased public interest surrounding the pending announcement of the successful consortium that will take on East Werribee as one of the nation's largest urban development projects. East Werribee aside, there's no shortage of additional projects both present and future that are set to reinvigorate Wyndham.
In addition to key infrastructure projects such as the Sneydes Road interchange, medical and retail projects feature prominently. The increase in higher-density dwellings also looms large within Wyndham, as the number of apartment projects continues to mushroom.
Below is an overview of the most significant projects currently within Wyndham.
Wyndham Harbour
A number of key elements of the Wyndham Harbour development have changed since Urban.com.au first covered the project during 2013. While the harbour/breakwater is still under construction, an expected ferry service via Point Cook to Melbourne which would have bolstered the precinct has not eventuated.
Furthermore little has been said about the intended rezoning of land adjacent to the precinct which proponents at the time suggested would make way for three ten level apartment buildings. Regardless the $440 million marina development continues and with Wyndham Harbour Pty Ltd working on delivering the development since 2004, the marina is finally set to open during Summer 2016.
Wyndham Harbour's second major apartment development, Lighthouse Apartments, is expected begin construction prior to the year's end with the SJB Architects-designed complex set to add a further 137 dwellings to the area.
East Werribee
Metropolitan Planning Authority's East Werribee Employment Precinct shapes as the project of distinction in Melbourne's outer west. 775 hectares of largely greenfield land is being released by the State Government for the purposes of a mixed-use city. Expected within the development is 142 hectares dedicated toward retail/office/apartments and industrial uses, 135 hectares solely toward residential development and 123 hectares of open space.
Designated a 20-minute city, East Werribee shapes as a development which will draw surrounding residents in rather than require they commute to Melbourne's CBD for instance.
East Werribee has been earmarked as the largest development to take place in greater Melbourne and with the successful bidder due to be announced, the Australian Education City (AEC) consortium has been the highest profile group to make a play for the new city. Touted as the boldest development scenario for the sprawling site, AEC if successful are likely to include a host of skyscrapers if their perspective images are anything to go by.
Werribee projects on the go
St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee shapes as the most significant project on the cusp of construction. Valued at approximately $100 million, the new facility will be located within the East Werribee precinct.
Expected to be completed during late 2017, the hospital will feature a 112-bed private hospital, six operating theatres and a day procedure unit among a host of other uses. A new 80-resident aged care facility will be built alongside the hospital which is in addition to a new $20 million, four level Baptcare aged care facility which is being built by Devco in central Werribee.
Elsewhere and Probuild continue works on Werribee Plaza. Now titled Pacific Werribee, the 140,000sqm expansion is midway through what will eventually become a $370 million redevelopment.
Also under construction is 116 Watton, an apartment complex which has been touted as "A catalyst project in Wyndham City Council’s new urban development plans for the main street of Werribee." With 116 Watton under construction, the incursion of higher density projects within Werribee proper is set to increase.
A number of mid-rise developments are in the offing with commercial and residential projects of up to seven levels in the pipeline.