Willowbark Reserve will be a new 3,600-square-metre park in Melbourne's north-west, with playgrounds, BBQ facilities, a picnic area and more.
The Victorian government is making significant strides in delivering much-needed housing in Melbourne’s rapidly growing north-west, with 86 homes under construction as part of Stage 1 of the LUMA residential development, now more than 60% complete. In addition to the housing, works have begun on Willowbark Reserve, a 3,600-square-metre park that will become a key feature of the LUMA community.
The new Melbourne park will include a children’s playground, BBQ facilities, a picnic area, and open spaces for recreational activities, while carefully incorporating existing trees in the area to enhance its green credentials. It’s one of a spate of new park announcements over recent months, including a focus in the north-west.
The new park in Melbourne’s north-west
- Works have begun on Willowbark Reserve, a new 3,600-square-metre park in St Albans
- The park will include a children’s playground, BBQ facilities, a picnic area, and open spaces for recreational activities
- It’s part of Stage 1 of the LUMA residential development in St Albans
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Melbourne’s latest park development
Melbourne-based SAW Constructions is spearheading the development’s first two stages, and construction is also underway on 85 homes in Stage 2. The project emphasises sustainability, with homes in this stage featuring all-electric systems and a range of eco-friendly features, such as solar PV systems with battery storage, double-glazed windows, and heat pump hot water services. These measures aim to achieve a 7-star energy rating.
Local member for St Albans, Natalie Suleyman, welcomed the development: “The west is proudly growing, and LUMA is creating a welcoming neighbourhood that will provide more homes and open space for everyone to enjoy.”
Minister for Development Victoria, Colin Brooks, highlighted the government’s commitment to sustainable growth in the area: “We’re unlocking surplus government land to deliver more homes to accommodate future growth in Melbourne’s booming western suburbs – close to jobs, transport and services.” He also stressed the importance of making homeownership more accessible: “We’re making home ownership more accessible to more Victorians by opening the door to a broader range of income levels to enter the property market.”
The Victorian government is investing approximately $200 million in the LUMA project, creating around 765 jobs during the construction of Stages 1 and 2, with additional employment opportunities expected in Stage 3.
Making homeownership even more attainable, buyers can secure a home in Stage 2 with just a 2.5% deposit upfront and another 2.5% six months after signing the contract. No progress payments are required during construction, ensuring that more Victorians can enter the property market.
