Somerfield Wins Two UDIA (Vic) Awards

Somerfield Wins Two UDIA (Vic) Awards

Somerfield Rewarded for its Environmental Excellence:
Innovative Keysborough Development Wins TWO UDIA (Victoria) Excellence Awards 

Intrapac Property and Brencorp Properties are proud to announce their integrated residential development Somerfield, in Keysborough in Melbourne’s southeast, has been awarded two Urban Development Institute of Australia Excellence Awards: Best Residential Development and Environmental Excellence.

“We’re thrilled to be recognised by the UDIA for our environmental initiatives at Somerfield, which planned a decade ago blazed the trail for sustainability features that are only now becoming industry standards” says Intrapac Property Chief Operating Officer Maxwell Shifman.

It’s not the first time the development’s innovative environmental approach has been rewarded. Somerfield’s outstanding environmental record was also recognised when it became the first UDIA EnviroDevelopment accredited under the national scheme in 2011 in the elements of ecology, water and community.

“Even though Somerfield presents much like a greenfield development, the engineering issues and numerous planning issues experienced were much closer to those typically associated with brownfield projects,” says Shifman. “To be recognised by the UDIA at the end of all the hard work is extremely rewarding.”

The history of market gardening and uses such as dog kennels and chicken farms, meant the land at Somerfield was significantly encumbered and ecologically degraded. Intrapac developed a plan to overcome the various restrictive uses and free up the land for residential development, and rehabilitate the natural ecology of the area in the process.

Interspersed between the beautifully designed homes is 16.7% of the site area devoted to open space, including award-winning landscaping that incorporate a range of uses such as local parks and playgrounds, wetlands and expansive natural parklands, with every home within 400 metres of open space.

The landscaping also includes a Reflections garden designed by Chelsea Flower Show winning garden designer Wes Fleming and a pirate-themed playground with public art and basketball courts, as well as barbecue facilities. Footpaths and cycling tracks link the

development in all directions, with connections to the established suburbs to the north, as well as the local commercial and community precinct.

“Environmental excellence is important in all our developments and we’re also celebrating being the developer with the most UDIA Enviro Certifications ever achieved in a six-month period,” says Shifman. “We are constantly pushing to remain at the forefront of what’s possible in terms of sustainability.”

The Somerfield development was an early adopter of cutting edge features such as recycled water (before it became mandatory), water sensitive urban design, quality design guidelines and high-speed fibre to the home broadband internet access (before the existence of NBN).

Another key innovation was in the wetland entry at Perry Road. The area required to retain the volumes of water involved would have considerably reduced the developable area in the south-eastern precinct if it constructed using conventional design.

“Our solution was to construct a hybrid basin system, partly natural, wetland style, and partially a deep, structural basin, using stone walls as hard edging,” says Shifman. “This created an absolutely stunning entry feature and also helped increase the net developable area for residential lots.”

Overall, Somerfield serves as an ideal model of appropriate urban renewal, having taken severely ecologically degraded and environmentally impacted infill land, and turning it into a state of the art, beautiful and highly sought-after land estate.

Its popularity extends to a variety of ethnic communities as well as demographics, partly due to the different lot sizes available and a new townhouse offering. It’s close to the CBD, the beaches, great schooling and amenities and as a gateway to the Mornington Peninsula.

Now in its 21st year, the Urban Development Institute’s Awards for Excellence in Victoria are a chance for the industry to showcase their best projects in a celebration of contemporary knowledge, skills and innovation in the urban development industry, recognising the outstanding achievements of high quality developments.

The award was presented to Intrapac Property at a gala awards lunch held on Friday, 2 December 2016 at the Crown Palladium Ballroom.

Hop Along to Somerfield to Celebrate Easter

Hop Along to Somerfield to Celebrate Easter

Somerfield Social Club is holding an Easter event for its youngest residents on Sunday 13 March from 10am – 12pm at the Pirate Adventure Playground on Westwood Boulevard. It will feature an animal petting farm, face-painter, balloonist and a visit from the Easter bunny with a festive Easter egg hunt.

“Easter is meant to herald spring and new life, but in Australia it’s also a precursor to colder days to come,” says Max Shifman, Chief Operating Officer for Intrapac Property, the company behind the project. “Our Easter event is therefore both a chance to celebrate Easter and a chance to catch up with friends (old and new) before the winter months keep us all indoors more.”

At Somerfield, Easter means Easter egg hunts around the Pirate Adventure Playground, a balloonist twisting and turning a simple balloon into a work of art, face painters transforming toddlers into adorable Easter bunnies, a petting zoo to educate and entertain the youngest in the development, and plenty of smiles.

“Somerfield is proud of its diverse community and we look forward to seeing how all the cultures in our development celebrate this special time, especially the kids,” says Shifman. “We encourage children to dress up in their Easter outfits, but also in their own cultural outfits to showcase all the colourful character we have in the neighbourhood.”

Somerfield Social Club is run by a team of volunteers, together with the help of Intrapac Property. Come down and support the work they do to bring events such as this one to the Somerfield community.

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Somerfield Celebrates the Year of the Monkey

Somerfield Celebrates the Year of the Monkey

Despite fierce competition for Lunar New Year events in the region, Somerfield residents – young and old – turned out in the hundreds to celebrate the Year of the Monkey with their neighbours and to watch a magical lion dance and firecracker display in the estate.

“It’s important for us to celebrate all the cultures within our diverse community at Somerfield,” says Maxwell Shifman, Chief Operating Officer for Intrapac Property, the company behind the popular estate. “So, we are pleased to see the event growing in numbers. This was the third year Lunar New Year was celebrated at Somerfield and it was our best turn-out yet.”

One of the youngest at the event was three-month-old Riley Soo, dressed up in traditional Chinese New Year costume alongside his brothers Hayden (5) and Tyler (3). Their grandparents Dennis and Soo Ngeeann wore matching Chinese slogan t-shirts translated as “Everything is Successful”. They brought gifts for their grandchildren, including almond tarts and love letter biscuits, a nod to Valentine’s Day also being celebrated on the day.

One of the first couples to buy a home in Somerfield, Patrick and Noëlla Gueit, said they go to as many events as they can in Somerfield: “It’s so good to be able to connect with people who live nearby, because the world is so impersonal these days. Many people don’t even know people down their own street, so it’s a great opportunity for us to make new friends.”

Hien-Ly Phom met her teenage neighbours Isabelle and Skye at a similar Somerfield event and now they walk together to attend all the events with Hien-Ly and her three-year-old daughter Delta.

“It’s amazing, you forget there’s so many people in your neighbourhood,” says Isabelle. “It’s nice to connect with them.”

Lucky oranges symbolising wealth were thrown out to the crowds, as well as free fortune cookies for the kids. Firecrackers were also set off to ward off evil spirits and the colourful lions were a hit with the crowds, scrambling for photos with them after the show.

Somerfield is now over 90% sold, but new packages of land are soon to be released onto the market, as well as new 2 & 3 bedroom apartments starting at $395,000.

www.somerfield.com.au

 

 

 

Somerfield Welcomes the Year of the Monkey

Somerfield Welcomes the Year of the Monkey

The Year of the Monkey is upon us and to celebrate, Somerfield Social Club will be celebrating Lunar New Year with a special Chinese dragon performance from the Hong De Lion and Dragon Dance Association. There will also be a colourful firecracker display to herald in the New Year.

“Recognising the diverse ethnic groups within our communities is extremely important to us,” says Maxwell Shifman, Chief Operating Officer at Intrapac Property. “We enjoy taking time to celebrate each culture, whether it’s Christmas, Diwali or Lunar New Year events.”

The event, now in its third year at Somerfield, allows neighbours to come together and enjoy an exciting display while catching up with friends and family in the local community. Somerfield encourages everyone to dress in traditional Chinese dress, especially children, who will be given free fortune cookies at the event.


Somerfield Lunar New Year Event 2016

When: Saturday 13th February, 2016

Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm with dragon dance at 4pm

Where: BBQ area along Clarendon Drive near the lake
“The Year of the Monkey offers everyone a chance to make great changes in their lives and to innovate,” says Shifman. “Somerfield is full of a diverse range of people, making it a vibrant place to live and we wish everyone a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year.”

www.somerfield.com.au

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Somerfield Townhomes Releases 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments

Somerfield Townhomes Releases 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments

If you’re looking for a relaxed lifestyle at the heart of everything, Somerfield estate in Keysborough is now offering its luxurious architect-designed townhomes in spacious 2 and 3 bedroom apartments starting at $395,000, as well as the popular 3 or 4 bedroom townhomes.

All Somerfield Townhomes come complete with luxury inclusions, such as 6+ star energy efficiency; high-quality materials, including stone bench tops, open plan living areas, abundant natural light and alfresco areas and balconies for relaxed outdoor living and entertaining.

“Watching Somerfield blossom from empty lots into a thriving community and prestigious neighbourhood has been very rewarding,” says Max Shifman, Chief Operating Officer for Intrapac Property, the company behind the award-winning project.

“With the new apartments now we can offer investors and homebuyers new opportunities to own a part of Somerfield,” says Max. “With affordable prices, more people can now buy into a great lifestyle that includes quality landscaping, modern urban design and plenty of open spaces located right in the heart of everything.”

Residents of Somerfield have access to great shopping at Chadstone, or Southland, a walk along Mordialloc beach (around eight minutes’ drive away) or a game of golf at one of the ten courses located within five minutes’ drive away.

The lock up and leave lifestyle will appeal to people wanting a low maintenance home life, so they can travel or enjoy all that’s on offer in the local area – including all the events of Melbourne CBD, less than 30 mins away, or a quick drive to the heart of the wineries, beaches and shops along the Mornington Peninsula.

 For those who would rather stay home, Somerfield Townhomes are set amidst beautiful surroundings, which include award-winning landscape designs, boardwalks along the wetlands and secluded tree-lined streets. Each home is within 400m of parkland or wetland and each home has access to high-speed Internet broadband.

Max Shifman believes the great Australian dream of home ownership should include a sense of belonging: “The community at Somerfield enjoys regular social activities where neighbours can meet and mingle. It’s reassuring for residents to know they live in a neighbourhood where people watch out for each other.”

Situated within the Somerfield estate in Keysborough, this new release of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are nestled among established suburbs with all essential amenities close by, including top primary and secondary schools, such as Haileybury College. Monash University also has two campuses less than 15 minutes’ drive away. Healthcare facilities and hospitals can also be accessed within minutes.

“With all the surrounding area offers, as well as the quality design elements that set Somerfield apart, Somerfield Townhomes offer a distinguished home without the high maintenance,” says Max.

Homebuyers can register their interest to purchase a Somerfield Townhome by calling the sales team on 1300 570 460 or visiting www.somerfield.com.au

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Parkview Release B Now Selling

Parkview Release B Now Selling

The final land release at Somerfield is one of the very finest.

It’s in the prestigious Parkview precinct, an exclusive area in the heart of Somerfield. Each of these premium lots are within 250
metres of the local park, with most enjoying direct parkland views. It represents the last opportunity to build your luxury new
home at Somerfield.

Start planning your life in Parkview at Somerfield today, call 1300 719 223 or visit somerfield.com.au.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PARKVIEW RELEASE B FLYER

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Somerfield Social Club Volunteers Recognised

Somerfield Social Club Volunteers Recognised

The Somerfield Social Club was recognised at the annual Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Services (GDVRS) evening in December. The group was commended for its contribution to creating a positive community in Greater Dandenong.

GDVRS is a partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong and highlights the crucial role of volunteer organisations in maintaining the healthy and vibrant nature of the Dandenong community.

“Creating a sense of neighbourhood in our developments is as critical as the urban design and the homes that are built. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the huge volunteer effort the Somerfield Social Club has put into building such a tight-knit community,” says Max Shifman, Chief Operating Officer for Intrapac Projects.

Somerfield Social Club, in conjunction with Intrapac, has run numerous successful events during the year from Chinese New Year celebrations to the recent Christmas event featuring the CFA Santa, and many activities focused on providing fun for the young families in the development.

The Somerfield Social Club was recently recognised for its hard work at the recent Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Services awards.

Follow the Facebook Somerfield site to be kept up-to-date with future events.

Somerfield Residents Celebrate the Season with a XMAS Event

Somerfield Residents Celebrate the Season with a XMAS Event

 

Somerfield Social Club welcomed the holiday season with a community Christmas event full of festive fun, including an animal petting farm, face-painter, balloonist and a visit from Keysborough CFA’s Santa.

“The Christmas party was the last in a long line of community events held at Somerfield over the last year, from Chinese New Year to Diwali,” says Max Shifman, Chief Operating Officer for Intrapac Projects, the company behind the development. “It’s rewarding to see such amazing community spirit.”

Held on Saturday 12 December at the popular pirate playground, Somerfield’s Christmas event was another chance for residents to come out and get to know their neighbours while celebrating the festive season.

The well-attended event was organised and run by the Somerfield Social Club. Together with the help of Intrapac, volunteer residents from the social club help coordinate events within the neighbourhood, reinforcing the true sense of Christmas within the community.

The Somerfield Social Club was recently recognised for its hard work at the recent Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Services awards.

Follow the Facebook Somerfield site to be kept up-to-date with future events.

A proposed new bus route for Keysborough South

A proposed new bus route for Keysborough South

Workshop held on November 18, 2015 by Public Transport Victoria for a proposed new bus route for Keysborough South

 

The Victorian Government are proposing a new bus service for residents in Keysborough South.

Public Transport Victoria will be holding a workshop discussion on the proposed bus route and would like to hear from the community about what their views on the bus proposal and people’s travel needs and priorities are.

The workshop will be held from 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 November 2015 at
Keysborough College Acacia Campus, 28 Isaac Road Keysborough.

The Somerfield Social Club encourages Somerfield residents to attend.

 

Further details: https://getinvolved.ptv.vic.gov.au/Keysborough-south