Stockland Waterlea scoops UDIA Victoria Award

Stockland’s Waterlea community in Rowville has been awarded the UDIA Residential Development Award for a development of less than 250 lots.

Located 32 kilometres east of Melbourne, the community is now home to more than 500 residents and features 175 architecturally designed townhomes and semi-detached homes on 6.3 hectares set within the 40-hectare Stamford Parklands.

Ben Cantwell, Stockland General Manager for Development – Communities, said: “Waterlea has become a thriving, diverse community in Melbourne’s fast-growing south-east corridor.

“Our residents have been attracted by the opportunity to live in a highly sustainable 6 Star Green Star community in homes that offer contemporary design and urban style while surrounded by the lifestyle benefits of open space.

“Every home at Waterlea includes innovative sustainability features as standard, including solar panels, electric vehicle recharge points, gas boosted solar hot water, and water tanks,” said Mr Cantwell.

Waterlea is one of the most sustainable developments in Australia, and each home has been designed to achieve a minimum 6 star NatHERS rating, with most homes achieving over 7 stars, thanks to approximately $10,000 worth of sustainability features included as standard in every home to provide direct cost savings through reduced energy bills for residents.

“Since acquiring the site from Knox City Council in 2015, we’ve worked closely with Council to achieve their vision and create an integrated and thriving community.

“Waterlea is a warm and tight-knit community, and we’re committed to ensuring they continue to enjoy everything it has to offer and experience nature with their family and friends,” said Mr Cantwell.

Facilities include a Central Green with BBQ facilities, Discovery Garden, pocket parks and walking trails. The community is also close to a range of existing transport options, schools, universities and Rowville’s Stud Park Shopping Centre.

All homes will have access to rejuvenated parks and wetlands, which is part of the $13 million Stamford Park redevelopment being undertaken by Knox City Council.