A number of permits within the $2 billion mixed-use development, New Epping, have been fast-tracked under the Victorian Government’s Building Victoria Recovery Taskforce (BVRT), with $194 million of work given the green light due to its significant community benefit and employment opportunities. The fast-tracked approval includes the delivery of a private hospital to be operated by one of the world’s largest private healthcare operators – Ramsay Health Care – 151 affordable housing apartments, alongside key supporting infrastructure. Combined, the approval package delivers on key state and local government policies, including affordable housing and healthcare. Spanning 51-hectares, the rehabilitation and development of the former Epping Quarry is one of the most ambitious mixed-use projects seen in Australia, spanning medical, residential and commercial facilities.

New Epping is set to be home to over 2,500 townhouses and apartments, a premium commercial office precinct; an ambitious new health precinct and a variety of lifestyle and amenity offerings.

The approved works will see the creation of 720 construction jobs and 220 ongoing jobs;

A welcome boost to the local economy as the state looks to recover from the imposed restrictions as a result of the global pandemic.

Sitting adjacent to the Northern Hospital, home to one of the busiest emergency department in Victoria, the seven-hectare health precinct signals the most significant private investment in health in Melbourne’s north. The $133 million Northern Private Hospital will deliver comprehensive medical, surgical and mental health services, with specialties such as general medicine, cardiology, orthopaedics, general surgery, gynaecology and gastroenterology.

Having already experienced a 43 per cent increase in demand over the past three years, The Northern Hospital on average treats more than 88,000 patients each year and delivers an average of 120 emergency surgeries per week. This is forecast to increase by 10 per cent year on year over the next five years, signalling the importance of a supporting health precinct.

The construction lifespan of New Epping will generate more than 5,000 jobs and at full development, more than 3,100 people are forecast to work on the site in sectors ranging from community services, education, medical professions, business professions, plus more.

Construction is to commence in early 2021 to deliver on the fast track approval.