This is a piece of Melbourne’s history that, after 150 years, is being returned to the community as Docklands enters into a new phase of development.

As part of MAB’s overall NewQuay project, the parkland precinct will provide 5,000 construction and development jobs and deliver over 1,000 homes to approximately 2,500 people in the City of Melbourne.

Managing Director for MAB, Mr Andrew Buxton explains, “This is a great thing for Melbourne. MAB embarked on the first residential tower in 1999 – 10 years ago – and since have delivered a new way of living in Melbourne.

“We are part of creating Melbourne’s future, the NewQuay Parkland precinct signifies the new direction and the next phase of Docklands – which will have a renewed focus on community spaces and greening of the area.

“The community has been asking for more green spaces – MAB and VicUrban have listened, delivering over four hectares of parkland and open space in this new masterplan,” he said.

CEO of VicUrban Pru Sanderson, congratulated MAB Corporation for delivering yet another vital component of the Docklands vision.

“Ten years ago, MAB introduced one of the first residential towers in Docklands with ‘The Arkley’ at NewQuay. It shared our vision for what this precinct could become and its commitment was instrumental in gaining the initial momentum required to kick-start the Docklands community.

“As Docklands now enters into its second decade of development, it is fitting that NewQuay launches the second half of its precinct and introduces key elements such as a neighbourhood park for our emerging community, as we work towards creating both a vibrant waterfront for all of Melbourne, plus a place to live, work and enjoy for locals,” she said.

Set through the middle of the ‘NewQuay Parkland Precinct’, flanked by housing on either side, ‘Quay Park’, will have manicured gardens, original sculptured artworks and lined with leafy elm trees – offering a new space for residents to relax and enjoy.

Core to the design of ‘Quay Park’ will be a series of rain gardens and water storage systems to ensure ‘NewQuay’s Parkland Precinct’ is self sustaining to water the lawns and gardens. The first stage will include a 150,000 litre unground tanks that will collect and store rain water from the local catchments.

“This really is a unique opportunity to live parkside, city side and harbourside,” Mr Buxton commented

“This new residential domain will give Melburnian’s the chance to live by the park on the harbour. It will borrow from many of our favourite parts of Melbourne; Albert Park’s St Vincent’s Place, South Yarra’s Fawkner Park – imagine Fitzroy Gardens along a harbourside setting,” he said.

The waterfront promenade will be completed up until the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail, which will create a journey of green and blue parks along the waterfront. VicUrban is also talking with MAB regarding the possibility of creating a new city park to the west of NewQuay. Ideas to be canvassed with the local community, council and State government include providing an area for sporting activities, community spaces, local ball sports and relaxation by the water.

“‘NewQuay’s Parkland Precinct’ will complete the link from Harbour Esplanade and up through ‘Quay Park’ into the proposed regional park, running into the renewed Moonee Ponds Creek Trail,” Mr Buxton said.

The ‘NewQuay Parkland Precinct’ masterplan also aims deliver to a broader and more diverse housing mix that includes high end luxury townhouses and residential apartments.

Construction has just commenced on the first stage of this precinct, including ‘The Avenues’ high-end luxury townhouses. ‘The Avenues’ purchasers have realised the value in living in this unique opportunity – on the water with a marina out the front, city skyline views and park behind.

“Our ultimate goal is to make NewQuay one of Melbourne’s great suburbs,” Mr Buxton concluded.