It has been a big year for Hunter-based property developers the McCloy Group. It marks 50 years since Don McCloy launched the family-based business.

Then it’s 10 years this month since they opened Northlakes Estate, their master planned subdivision in Cameron Park near Lake Macquarie.

But it’s the Northlakes Estate residents who are enjoying the birthday spoils.

“A new community centre has just opened up in Northlakes so we’re going to use that to host a huge 10th anniversary celebration to say ‘thank-you’ to our residents,’ says McCloy Group joining managing director Louise McCloy.

And with 752 lost already snapped up at Northlakes Estate (of a maximum lot yield of 1501), that’s a sizable party.

“The interest in the state has been just phenomenal,” Louise says. “We’re currently selling our future stages off the plan and they’re going like hot cakes.”

Louise believes much of this success is due to the variety of lot sizes. The next release to hit the market has lot sizes ranging from 529sq m to 4862sq m.

Northlakes also offers residents the choice of land near bushland reserves, with lake glimpses or side access for boats.

“Northlakes is close to Newcastle; there’s bus transport and there’s the F3 less than five minutes away,” Louise says. “Newcastle University is only 10 minutes up the road and there’s a TAFE at Glendale and it’s absolutely surrounded by schools. The estate is really close to employment opportunities, as well.”

It’s no surprise to Louise then that, like any family, some residents simply can’t leave the nest.”

“We’ve got families in Northlakes that bought land when it was first released and never plan to leave,” Louise says. “One family is on their third home in the estate.”

Sense of Belonging

Tony Neal, his wife Kellie and their daughters, Jade, 9, and Brooke, 6, didn’t need a second invitation to build at Northlakes Estate.

“When we saw the estate we went out that afternoon and put a deposit on the land,” Tony says. “It just felt like home straight away.”

Six years later, the Neals are upgrading to accommodate their growing needs but they can’t bear to leave Northlakes so they plan to rebuild within the Estate.

“It’s such a friendly neighbourhood,” Tony explains.

“There are lots of young families so it’s a great place to let the kids grow up. Everyone looks out for everyone and there’s a real sense of belonging here.”

Of course, the fact Northlakes Estate is only a stone’s throw from the beautiful Lake Macquarie doesn’t hurt either, Tony says.

“Every possible spare minute we can find we get the boat out on to Lake Macquarie. If you’ve got that on your doorstep then you’ve got to use it.”

Source: Daily Telegraph, 14 November 2011