A $2 billion major development in Epping kicked off this month with a promise to deliver more jobs, much-needed housing diversity and an economic boost for the City of Whittlesea.

New Epping is a partnership between the Victorian Government, City of Whittlesea, Riverlee, Ramsay Health and Haven Home Safe.

Richard Wynne, Minister for Housing, joined project partners to turn the first sod of the New Epping development, which is located on the former Epping Quarry at Cooper St.

This currently dormant land will be transformed into 11 hectares of open space and 39 hectares of development including social housing, healthcare, commercial and hospitality.

City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator, Lydia Wilson, said New Epping would provide significant economic and social benefits to the City of Whittlesea both in the short and long-term.

“Not only will it create 5000 jobs during construction and a further 3000 once developed in a whole range of sectors, it provides much needed housing diversity,” she said.

“Council has long been advocating for much-needed social and affordable housing in the City of Whittlesea and this project is a significant step in the right direction.”

New Epping will also deliver a 20-minute neighbourhood enabling residents to live locally with most of their daily needs within a 20-minute return walk from home, including public transport options.

Around 150 new social housing homes will be built as part of the Victorian Government’s $53 billion Big Housing Build Project within two years, along with health-care.

“Thank you to everyone involved in this project for their bold vision for the site and to the Victorian Government for investing so significantly in social and affordable housing,” Ms Wilson said.

“New Epping is a wonderful example of a successful multi-agency partnership. I have no doubt it will become a thriving hub in our community and a long-lasting legacy we can leave for our future generations.”

The commercial and residential development is expected to be complete within the next 10-15 years.

For more information about the development visit www.newepping.com.au

– Contributed