Why green infrastructure should be a crucial part of any master-plan development - Westwood puts residents’ health and wellbeing first.

It’s well known that Melbourne’s population is steadily increasing, with demographics in Greater Melbourne contributing to over 80% of growth. This has seen an increased interest in buyers and investors alike looking to emerging suburbs and master-planned communities as the next property hotspot.

While master-planned communities come with a plethora of advantages including an abundance of amenities in close proximity and thoughtfully designed lifestyles, backed by a strong developer, one standout advantage is its integration of urban green spaces within the community. Westwood is a residential community currently being developed near Fraser Rise within Greater Melbourne featuring ample landscaped green spaces designed so families with children can maximise its potential. Westwood Estate’s very first park has been planned specifically with this purpose in mind. Due for completion in Q2, 2021 the parkland will feature leafy trees, landscaped plants, curated gardens, play areas for children and BBQ/picnic areas.

Since its announcement, Westwood Estate has been a popular choice for families looking for a sound property investment. As expected, the master-planned community is situated within close proximity to established suburbs including Caroline Springs and Taylors Hill, plenty of amenities - both existing and proposed - and is a bright prospective for future developments. 

Westwood’s clear focus on integrated green infrastructure is a significant factor for the expected success of the development. Both research studies and our shared experience show that urbanisation typically limits access to nature and can increase exposure to environmental hazards including air and noise pollution. The integration of urban green spaces - as seen in Westwood - carries a myriad of benefits including a design that encourages an active lifestyle, numerous communal spaces for open-air socialising, decreased noise and air pollution, as well as help with psychological restoration for all residents. 

Studies have also shown that for green infrastructure to be successful, it is necessary to ensure they are easily accessible for all population groups and distributed equitably within the community. Again, the developers behind Westwood have made this a primary focus - ‘The Walk’ is a central landscaped green spine running through the heart of the development, connecting everyone and everything in the broader and immediate vicinities. ‘The Walk’ also ensures all residents are offered adequate opportunities to interact with nature and provide an enhanced quality of life for urban residents. 

Equally important, green infrastructure also enhances the feeling of community - an element that Westwood looks to foster. Michael Ching, Sales Manager overseeing the development says, “the community that is growing at Westwood is in an enviable position having purchased their homes early at what is expected to be the next ‘it’ suburb for capital appreciation in the Melton area. We’ve actually had entire families purchasing lots next to each other in Westwood to position their families in better financial security.” 

“There is a real sense of neighbourly goodwill among the first residents who have moved in, and future residents too. We look forward to seeing these communities blossom in the coming years and for generations to come.” 

Michael Ching, Westwood 

The guiding principles behind Westwood deserve a mention - a focus on heritage, community and sustainability is further brought to life through diversity in homesites and beautiful indigenous landscaped dotted throughout the estate. For more information, click here.