The $205 million, 641-lot master-planned Parkers Grove at Channel and McPhees Rd is the first residential project to be granted a planning permit within the Shepparton South East Precinct Structure Plan.
The one-hectare centrally located community park where Percy will be re-erected will feature a drainage reserve with natural wetlands and walking paths.
The developer, diversified national property group Goldfields, says the shovel-ready 43.35 ha development will be situated adjacent to a “future local convenience centre, future government school, and open space sporting fields creating a vibrant new activity hub for the Greater Shepparton community”.
A Department of Education spokesperson, however, said there were no current plans for a government school at the location, but growing demands would continue to be monitored.
“The Department of Education regularly reviews forecast and actual school enrolments to identify expected government school demand,” the spokesperson said.
A precinct structure plan on Greater Shepparton City Council’s website describes how the land is expected to be developed, and how and where services and infrastructure are planned to support the development of new communities, including the location of road networks, intersections, shopping centres, retardation basins, parks and schools.
The whole South East Precinct Area is expected to accommodate around 2500 homes and a population of about 6000 people.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said it had been planned to deliver well-connected, liveable neighbourhoods with access to open space, community infrastructure and future employment opportunities.
“Developments like Parkers Grove play a key role in responding to population growth while ensuring new communities are integrated, viable and supported by appropriate infrastructure,” Cr Sali said.
“We are pleased to see approval for the Parkers Grove permit, and we look forward to seeing work begin.”
Goldfields Communities national director Paul Cicchiello said Parkers Grove would have a strong emphasis on wellbeing, accessibility and affordability.
“Importantly, Parkers Grove will play a big role in easing Shepparton’s local housing shortage and rental market pressures by creating a new family-friendly community a few minutes from town,” he said.
“Shepparton is experiencing a multi-year population surge, placing severe strain on the local housing market.
“The population is forecast to grow by 13 per cent over the next 20 years, making it one of Victoria’s fastest growing regional centres.”
Greater Shepparton is Victoria’s fifth-largest regional centre, with a population of 71,578, which, according to data demographic insights by Informed Decisions, is expected to swell to 81,022 by 2046.
Parkers Grove is expected to generate hundreds of construction jobs throughout its multi-year development.
And what about that pear?
“Goldfields is committed to respecting the history and heritage of the local area and recognises its valued past as a former pear orchard,” Mr Cicchiello said.
“To honour this history, the iconic Percy the Pear statue will be respectfully relocated to the community’s new park, ensuring it retains a prominent place of local pride.”
Goldfields chief executive Lachlan Thompson said the company was growing its presence in several regional community centres.
“Our investment in Parkers Grove builds upon our long-term involvement in Ballarat (Winterfield) and recent retail project in Kyneton (Cornerstone: Kyneton),” Mr Thompson said.
The stage one sales launch is anticipated in April, with expressions of interest now open via the project website at parkersgrove.com.au.
Civil works are scheduled to commence between July 1 and September 30.
