The Local Paper. Dec. 5, 2018.

A CONSORTIUM of companies has been formed to construct ‘Kinglake Village’ by late 2020.

‘Kinglake Village’ is being described by developers Roscorp as “an architecturally-designed community hub.

It is planned to include “premium local dining, artist-friendly atelier spaces, commercial space for local businesses to lease and a place where small business mingles with well-known retailers”.

The developers plan for Kinglake Village to become a destination for Melbourne visitors.

“Kinglake Village is positioned to become a weekend tourism drawcard – a welcome boost to the ongoing sustainability of an iconic part of Victoria’s flourishing regional scene, all-the-while providing locals with the amenities they need on a daily basis,” says a promotional website,
www.kinglakevillage.com.au

‘Kinglake Village’ is separate to the $750,000 improvement announced by the Labor State Government, backed by a further $750,000 by a Shorten Federal Government if elected next year.

Kinglake Village is planned to be located at 1 Kinglake-Whittlesea Rd.

The developers, Roscorp, have partnered with a number of companies in the Kinglake project:
• R/Realty, leasing agent,
• Genton, architects,
• SJB Planning, town planning consultant,
• Specialised Project Management Group, engineering and project consultant,
• Dugan & O’Sullivan, marketing and communication,
• Peter Boyle, urban de\sign and landscape architecture,
• Approval Systems, building surveyor,
• C J Arms, hydraulics and fire services
• The Space Agency, placemaking consultant,
• Traffix Group, traffic management,
• Foresite, bushfire management, and
• Veris, land surveyor.

Community information sessions are being held from 2.30pm to 7.30pm tomorrow (Thurs., Dec. 6) and Friday (Dec. 7) at the Kinglake Community Centre, Extons Rd.

Murrindindi Shire CEO Craig Lloyd issued a statement about the Kinglake Village plans:

“The community will soon start to hear about another new development proposed for Kinglake called ‘Kinglake Village’,” Mr Lloyd said.

“Developers Roscorp have purchased a parcel of land at 1 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road in Kinglake.

:They are proposing to build a new commercial and retail hub in that location.

“We understand the developers will soon be consulting with the community about this proposed new development.

“If you are interested in this development, this is your opportunity to have your say.

“Council expects to receive an application for a permit to construct the buildings following the developer’s consultation with the community.

“Please note that the proposed Kinglake Village development is a separate project to Council’s Streetscape works.

“But if the Village project goes ahead, the two projects will need to be considered side by side to ensure they complement one another.

“The Kinglake community has been calling for a boost to make the town more attractive and usable for locals for some time.

“We’re pleased that all our efforts and the work of the community in getting this far are coming to fruition.

“These are exciting times for Kinglake. It is our hope that these works will also attract more visitors to Kinglake so we can showcase the beauty of our region and help boost the town’s economy.

“We encourage you to get involved to help shape the future of Kinglake,” Mr Lloyd said.

Mr Lloyd said that government funding tolwards streetscaping will beautify the town and also enable some works to improve the way the town functions.

AT A GLANCE
• According to Google Maps, 1 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd appears to be the site for the former Hackett’s Hardware store, which was destroyed by the Black Saturday fires in February 2009.
The hardware and fuel outlet exploded in a fire ball on the afternoon of Saturday, February 7, 2009.

Positive outlook
• The Kinglake Village project’s publicity says: “Kinglake’s future deserves to be positive. A stunning location, a strong community and the recognition that banding together makes things better than ever is the motivation behind creating a shared space where food, creativity, friendship and business opportunities can flourish.”

2020 is target
• The developers enviasge that the Kinglake Village project will be completed in late 2020 “just in time for the summer months”.
“Good things take time and planning. With a shared vision for Kinglake to thrive and bloom, or team looks forward to an estimated completion in late 2020.”
The Kinglake Village is being treated as a destination: “A picturesque town with a bright new future. Kinglake Village is at the centre of iconic Kinglake – close enough to visit as an easy outing.”