THE Heritage Parc subdivision in Rutherford has been named Subdivision of the Year at the Urban Development Institute of Australia awards.
The residential subdivision was one of nine city and regional properties across the state that were shortlisted for the award.
The 450-lot subdivision was launched in November 2013 and is now in its second stage of construction.
It was recognised for its “unusual and impressive range of open spaces and outdoor recreation facilities” around a series of lakes, and the developer’s decision to consider the site’s former life as a golf course.
The judges noted that more than half of the 102-hectare site had lakes and parkland and concluded it would offer a “very attractive lifestyle for residents”.
They also praised the developer for carefully mitigating the visual impacts of the nearby industrial estate.
Hunter-based developer McCloy Group was surprised the project received the accolade.
Managing director Louise McCloy said it reinforced what the estate had to offer at such an early stage and the group would build “something different where residents can explore, flourish and belong”.
Future amenities will include an outdoor art gallery, cycleways and sporting fields.
Urban engineer Laurie Rose said Heritage Parc was spelt with a ‘c’ because the parks and facilities would belong to the community.
Source: Newcastle Herald, 4 August 2014