Highett Common: 2023’s largest urban renewal precinct prioritises conservation and enhancement of green space
Victoria has experienced the highest clearance of land in the developed world due to development; a situation compounded by Australia having the highest rate of species extinction globally.
Melbourne-based developer Sunkin Property Group is attempting to reverse this trend with their recently launched project, Highett Common.
Sunkin Property Group’s unique approach to the masterplanned development leads with conservation, followed by the built form. It’s an approach not typically taken by property developers, which will see four hectares of natural green space conserved within the 9.34-hectare development.
Nature based placemaking, conservation and connected urban design, with a focus on preserving and enhancing the local environment, were important considerations for the multi-stage project.
“When approaching the precinct’s design, we were committed to protecting the site’s natural eco-system and opening the conservation area and new green spaces up to the public,” said General Manager Development at Sunkin Property Group, Lloyd Collins.
“We considered how we could integrate native species and shrubbery from the conservation area throughout the entire site. It was important for us that the residential apartments and new green spaces act an extension of the existing local parkland."
The planned conservation area will support native vegetation, such as mature natural woodland, in the Bayside region. Within the 3ha conservation area, 28 existing River Red Gum and rare Yellow Box mature trees will be retained along with rare grasses. Bayside City Council will manage public access and conservation long term.
Locally endangered Plains Grassy Woodland trees will be protected on-site, alongside 300 year-old eucalyptus trees. These trees will provide food resources for the threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox. Conservation efforts will ensure the survival of 25 vertebrate native fauna species, both indigenous and planted. The on-site fauna habitat will provide resources for local wildlife and help attract native birds back to the Highett area.
Tract, the landscape architect behind the revitalisation of the Great Ocean Road Trail, was appointed to assist in the site’s native preservation. The group have taken their unique experience within public landscape conservation to an urban setting; designing a coastal inner pocket to ensure the protection of Highett’s existing natural habitat.
Tract sought to conserve native fauna and flora throughout the site after close analysis of the site’s natural eco-system and consultation with local conservation groups and Council. Natural vegetation from the southern conservation area is designed within the new 1ha public park, deep planted Mews and footpath areas between buildings, extensive nature strips and bio-swale drainage areas. Integrating the natural environment throughout the length of the development will grant residents a constant connectivity to nature.
In keeping with the conservation brief for the development, 100 per cent of the newly planted fauna and flora on-site will be indigenous to the Bayside area. This unique approach to plant selection will create and restore natural habitats and draw in local native species. Sunkin and Tract are also working with the local Bayside Community Nursery to supply locally grown plants to the development as part of a wider sustainability partnership.
“It was highly unusual to be briefed as the lead consultant, particularly on a project of this scale. It has allowed us the opportunity to truly prioritise the natural landscape, and design to connect it seamlessly to the built form,” Mariano Lopez, Senior Principal Landscape Architect at Tract, says.
The Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action reports that 10,380ha of native vegetation are cleared from private land in Victoria annually, leading to the loss of native species, habitats, and eco-systems. These figures demonstrate how property developers can play a crucial role in preserving Victoria’s unique biodiversity for generations to come.
Resident health and wellbeing were prioritised when approaching the precinct design. According to a recent study by leading environmental scientists, people who spend at least two hours in nature per week are more likely to report higher levels of positive physical and mental health. Highett Common’s smallest residents will also benefit from the integration of natural elements throughout the site.
A nature-play approach to the playground will encourage interaction with the local environment, and the use of tactile materials has been considered to ensure integration with native landscaping.
The built form, designed by award-winning architect ClarkeHopkinsClarke, features sustainability initiatives that integrate into the entire site. Solar panels have been incorporated into the design to reduce energy consumption and resident power bills. The removal of gas from the site means homes will rely solely on green electricity, and electric vehicle charging facilities will be accessible for residents.
For residents without cars, Highett Common is within close proximity to Highett train station, and ground-level bicycle parking is located in each residential building.
Civil Construction works for the entire Highett Common masterplan have already commenced, after a $10 million works program was actioned by Sunkin. Early basement works are targeted to commence in the second half of 2023, with Stage 1 completion targeted for late 2025.
The townhomes as part of Highett Common will launch Q3 2023.
