Barwon Water basin to become sustainable housing
A former water basin in Highton will be transformed into a sustainable housing estate under Barwon Water’s vision for the 3ha site.
Cumulus Highton, off Basin Rise, comprises a 30-lot subdivision and two larger lots set aside for medium-density apartment developments.
Provision for electric car charging points, solar panels and bike storage are among the standard green features that will set a benchmark for sustainable living.
Barwon Water general manager strategy, systems and environment Seamus Butcher said the 30 traditional housing lots offered blocks of up to 685sqm.
An artist’s impression of the units planned for Cumulus Highton.
They are expected to hit the market later this year, but the two so-called ‘superlots’, at 18-22 and 24-32 Basin Rise, Highton are already listed for sale.
These larger 3027sqm and 2069sqm sites come with approved plans for architect-designed apartment complexes, which will provide 15 and 13 dwellings, respectively.
Butcher says the mix of family-sized lots and two-bedroom units with common spaces and private gardens aims to provide greater diversity to help address housing affordability concerns.
He says all houses will use smart water meters and harvest rainwater for use in toilets, laundry and outside, reducing mains usage by 30%.
An artist’s impression of the common spaces.
“The houses will also be energy efficient (with a minimum 7.5-star NatHER rating), with solar panels and provision for electric car charging,” Butcher says.
“By developing the former water basin ourselves, rather than selling to a developer, we’re maximising the value of our surplus land and passing that on as savings to our customers.”
Barry Plant, Highton agent Deane Hughes is calling for expressions of interest in the superlots by April 6.
The estate will be close to Christian College and the Geelong Ring Road.
They’re listed with price ranges of $1.23 million-$1.35 million and $1.37 million-$1.5 million.
Hughes says a developer could take advantage of the approved plans to become a part of the boutique estate.
Cumulus Highton is within walking distance of Epworth Hospital, Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus and Christian College.
It’s also connected to a 2km off-road path, constructed by Barwon Water, that connects the estate to parkland and the Tim Hill sports reserve.
The design guidelines favour recycled and eco materials, with no replica heritage styles allowed.
This article from The Geelong Advertiser originally appeared as “Barwon Water turning former Highton basin into sustainable housing estate”.
