Brown Property Group has received development approval for Meridian Village, a unique, mixed-use precinct that will become the heart of Clyde North in Melbourne’s south-eastern growth corridor.
Brown Property Group COO, Ryan Pritchard, said it’s the culmination of a long-held vision for the master-planned Meridian residential estate. “In our original visioning 10 years ago, we used the principles of the 20-minute neighbourhood, and this is one of the final pieces,” he said.
“Based on feedback from more than 560 residents, we’ve ended up with something that’s very different from an off-the-shelf solution.”
Image credit: Buchan
Meridian Village’s retail, commercial and entertainment tenancies are sited between existing industrial and residential areas.
To get the bespoke project right, Pritchard assembled a specialist team early on, including planners Urbis, leasing agent Nexus Retailers and leading retail and commercial architects, Buchan.
Buchan Principal, Grant Withers, said Meridian Village is an ‘anti-mall’ that turns the traditional suburban shopping mall inside out.
“Meridian Village centres on a generous public piazza that spills out into the surrounding parklands and precinct,” said Withers. “It’s the opposite of an enclosed, air-conditioned retail centre.”
Image credit: Buchan
Taking cues from vibrant, inner-city Melbourne, the design has a distinctly Clyde North feel that reflects the area’s landscape and vernacular architecture and is guided by social and sustainability best-practice.
“The sweeping saw-tooth roof that covers the piazza is a nod to the agricultural sheds that are part of the suburb’s heritage and provides passive ventilation,” Withers said.
“The piazza will be used day and night, and can host community-centred activities, such as markets, performances and workshops.”
On the upper levels, childcare, medical, co-working space and a community hub encourage living and working within the precinct and support the retail and food-and-beverage at ground level.
Image credit: Buchan
Solar panels and water tanks are integrated, and extensive planting will reduce the heat island effect and provide a connection to nature.
With ample car and bike parking, the precinct is walkable, accessible and easily navigable, and the tenant/place mix offers passive surveillance around the clock for safety.
Withers said the centre offers a new model for neighbourhood hubs in greater Melbourne’s growth areas.
“Meridian Village will establish a strong identity for the Clyde North community and become a local landmark that will support social cohesion as well as meeting daily needs.”
The project has been embraced by the local council and aligns with the City of Casey’s recently adopted Casey Design Excellence Program.
