Riverlee is pleased to announce that New Epping’s Stage 1 Residences are now structurally complete. 

The milestone was commemorated with a topping out ceremony on May 13, with project partners Hacer Group, Haven; Home, Safe, MGS Architects and the National Australia Bank in attendance. 

New Epping project director Ben Rowe said the building works, led by the Hacer Group, would provide 151, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments bolstered by 250m2 of external communal space. Once complete, the Stage 1 Residences will be operated by housing provider Haven; Home, Safe, and provide homes to those who need it most in Melbourne’s north.  

“The City of Whittlesea has less than 150 dedicated affordable housing dwellings that are run by a community housing operator, so when we deliver this project, it will double the offering in the municipality,” Mr Rowe said. 

The Stage 1 Residences are the first completed part of New Epping masterplan to create a new urban north comprised of diverse residential, commercial, health and retail uses underpinned by wellbeing and sustainability. 

Mr Rowe said the structural completion of the Stage 1 Residences instilled confidence in all future projects on the site. 

“Our project partners have risen to every challenge we have encountered and maintained momentum. The success of this project creates confidence in all the future builds at New Epping,” he said. 

“Topping out ceremonies are a time-honoured tradition. For us, this ceremony symbolises the environmental regeneration of this old industrial site, prosperity for the buildings’ future residents and good fortune for the rest of construction at New Epping.” 

In line with Riverlee’s commitment to progressive design outcomes, the Stage 1 Residences have been built to the Better Apartment Design Standards with a minimum silver Liveable Housing Australia rating, ensuring adaptability of the design for residents. 

NatHERS modeling also shows an average rating of 8 stars, meaning residents be more comfortable in summer and winter, and benefit from  lower household costs. The apartments also feature energy-efficient appliances, double glazing and rainwater collection and reuse. 

Hacer Group construction manager Rob Marks said the topping out ceremony was a proud reminder of what the project partners had achieved together. 

“I want to thank Riverlee for their vision and ambition. It’s certainly been an unprecedented time in the construction industry, but we got there and will continue to hand over a successful project for everyone to be proud of,” he said. 

 New Epping’s Stage 1 Residences are scheduled for completion in January 2023.  

Being near many local amenities, including the future Northern Private Hospital, The Northern Hospital and Pacific Epping Shopping Centre, New Epping has seen significant interest as a prime location for people to live, work and play. 

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