• Project: Bellfield Master Plan and Urban Design Guidelines

• Location: Bellfield, Melbourne, Victoria – (3.6 hectare site)

• Client: City of Banyule

Project Description

The Bellfield Master Plan and Urban Design Guidelines create a framework for a new neighbourhood which will be a showcase of integrated living, including townhouses, apartments, social housing and a new community hub. The 3.6 hectare former school site is well located, taking full advantage of a leafy landscape setting, vast surrounding open spaces, access to public transport.

As this site is currently owned by Banyule City Council, it is a unique opportunity for urban renewal, housing typologies, delivery models and public amenity to contribute to the renewal of Bellfield and benefit the broader community. This project sets up a series of urban design rules that underpin the vision for each neighbourhood, creating diversity and expression within a clear framework.

The guidelines outline the expected requirements for developers and their agencies in an Expression of Interest period associated with the sale and future development of the precinct, with the proceeds of the sale funding community benefits such as social housing and the new Community Hub.

Collaborators:

Landscape – Mary Papaioannou

The master plan and urban design guidelines not only specified an integrated, articulated new development that is truly unique to site, but also introduced prescriptive ways of ensuring the development met the master plan aspirations; ensuring buildings are designed by different authors, deliberative development methods of affordable housing delivery, social housing provision and defining community spaces, corridors and gardens

MGS delivered upon the project brief with ease but went further in enhancing each recommendation with genuine care and respect for the site, the future community that will reside in the development and the existing residents and neighbourhoods of Banyule.  MGS were incredibly responsive, the design process was engaging and enlightened, the budget was met and timelines achieved.
James Stirton, Manager Property at Banyule City Council