Oliver Hume

Manor Lakes may be a new estate but the 8400-lot development has plenty of the hallmarks of a more settled community.

 The estate's developer, the Dennis Family Corporation, says in recent years, community services, the planned nature of the estate and affordable blocks of land have been major drawcards for buyers.

 Most of those taking up what Manor Lakes has to offer are first, second and third homebuyers from Wyndham Vale and surrounding suburbs.

 “Since its launch in 2003, Manor Lakes has grown into a thriving community offering residents a family-friendly lifestyle which has made the estate the first choice for homebuyers in Melbourne’s West,” says Dennis Family Corporation chief executive officer, Peter Levinge.

 “A full range of local amenities and services, including schools, a shopping centre, public transport and access and recreational space, has been further enhanced by the opening of the Wyndham Vale Community Learning Centre.”

 Already more than 2200 of 8400 lots have sold. About 5000 people live at Manor Lakes, and when it’s completed it will have about 30,000 residents. Prospective residents can see the latest housing designs at a 24-home display village. An additional display village is planned for early 2013.

 Education

 Schools have been a priority for the estates planners. Manor Lakes College and Our Lady of the Southern Cross Catholic Primary School both have vibrant student populations, and both schools have a great variety of facilities on-site.

 Peter says buyer feedback shows families prefer schools to be near their homes.

 Shopping

 The Manor Lakes Central shopping centre is a drawcard for both estate residents and those living outside the estate. It has supermarket and speciality stores, and more stored are planned for the future.

 Recreation

 Manor Lakes has a strong focus on public open space, with 55ha out of 750ha devoted to parklands. The estate now offers about 19ha of parklands, wetlands and open spaces, featuring barbeques, playgrounds, walking and bike paths and sporting ovals.

 So far more than 180,000 shrubs, trees and grasses have been planted across the development, with another 750,000 to be installed during the coming years.

 The larger Manor Lake is also gradually taking shape. When completed it will have paths and boardwalks as well as an amphitheatre and recreational facilities such as barbeques and gardens. 

Services

 The Wyndham Vale Community Learning Centre includes a library, maternal and child health services, a community learning room, youth lounge and meeting spaces. And kindergarten rooms are scheduled to open early this year.

Transport

 Manor Lakes is set to gain its own train station as part of the Regional Rail Link project. This station will connect the community with Werribee and Melbourne’s central city.

 The State Government is committed to building this train link during the next few years. The Manor Lakes section of the train line will be sited in a man-made cutting, between Lollypop Creek and Ballan Rd, reducing the effect of construction on nearby residential areas.

 Peter says the station will be a vital asset for the estates residents, allowing them to leave their cars at home and take a train directly to Werribee and the city.

 For the moment, a daily bus service travels to and from Werribee. And residents can catch a regular city-bound train service from Werribee station, which is about 5km from Manor Lakes.

To view the newspaper article please click here: Ready for action

Author: Andrew Brasier, Herald Sun Home, Page 22
Posted: 22, Feb 2012
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