Health science jobs seal 3000 employment target at the University Hill development in Bundoora

Click here to read the original article written by Katrina Hinschen for Whittlesea Leader, 10 September 2015. 

DEMAND for white collar employment has been given a boost in Bundoora with thousands now employed in businesses at University Hill.

The $1 billion mixed use development by MAB Corporation reached its targeted 3000 job milestone recently when RMIT Health Sciences and the Royal District Nursing Service moved in with 200 jobs.

The 104ha University Hill precinct includes residential, retail, commercial, industrial and health hubs.

MAB Corporation’s director of commercial projects Andrew White said the project’s integrated mixed-use model was the key to its success.

“When we commenced development in 2005, our vision was to create jobs close to where people live and increase the level of white collar employment outside of the CBD,” Mr White said.

“Our vision of creating a 24-hour city which brings together the different elements of urban life — modern employment, housing, shopping precincts, education and transport — has well and truly come to life.”

Royal District Nursing Service general manager Anthony Boffa said a large part of University Hill’s appeal was its location.

“We currently have operations in Diamond Creek, Heidelberg and Moreland so by setting up a centralised hub at University Hill, we’ll be able to free up travel time for our nurses and deliver more efficient services,” Mr Boffa said.

“We’re also involved in collaborative research with RMIT and La Trobe University. Being close to them will make it easier for us to work together.”

City of Whittlesea Mayor Ricky Kirkham said University Hill has played a significant factor in giving the north growth corridor an economic boost.