Altona North: From thriving industrial precinct to creative corridor
Melbourne’s Altona North is renowned for its industrial past.
The suburb's industrial origins can be traced back to the establishment of the Altona Oil Refinery in 1949, which was built by BP and was the largest oil refinery in Australia at the time.
Factories and warehouses followed, as did prominent industrial companies, with the likes of Ford Motor Company establishing themselves in the area in 1956.
The industrial development of the suburb had a significant impact on the local community. A population boom ensued as people moved to the area in search of employment, which led to extensive infrastructure improvements such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
And now Altona North, just 11 kilometres of Melbourne CBD, is undergoing a huge gentrification, and is being targeted by young professionals and families.
Acquiring the site back in 2017, ASX-listed developer Stockland identified Altona North as a thriving suburb for their latest residential community, Haven.
In conjunction with the property undergoing a rezoning from Industrial use to General Residential Use, the newly established community was created as one with convenient connectivity and liveability, catering to residents from all walks of life.
Haven forms part of a broader 67 hectare Precinct 15 urban renewal zone which will eventually include approximately 3,000 new dwellings as well as office buildings, retail premises, and public areas.
Stockland, during the design phase, focused on a vision to create an active inner west neighbourhood that brings together contemporary designs influenced by the industrial heritage.
In collaboration with renowned SJB Architects, the homes boast seamless, open-plan living spaces that integrate with the surrounding environment.
In conjunction with this, one of Haven’s key pillars is a strong sustainability focus and that is showcased through community initiatives and townhome designs.
The community combines smart, sustainable features as standard with open, flowing living spaces.
The townhomes, which have an average 6.5 star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rating, have features including 1.5kW of solar panels, double glazing, a rainwater tank or solar hot water unit, while also incorporating natural light and economical water usage to reduce the overall household carbon footprint and energy bills.
The biggest uptake in the community has come from first home buyers, due to Haven’s competitive price point, with the cheapest two-bedroom offering currently priced from $694,065.
Connectivity has also been a big drawcard, with the suburb easily accessible by car, train, bus and bike, offering quick and easy access to Newport and Spotswood train stations, which connect directly to Melbourne’s CBD within 15 minutes. And for those heading further afield, the train line offers a direct link to regional centres like Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo.
A number of bus routes traverse Altona North as well, while cycling and walking trails along the Maribyrnong River offer a scenic way to explore the area. For drivers, the West Gate Freeway is just a stone’s throw away, making it easy to commute to the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
What sets Haven apart, however, is its commitment to creating a sustainable, green, and close-knit community. Stockland is creating a small neighbourhood, which includes a 4,000 sqm park with a playground designed for four to 10-year-olds, a picnic shelter, and barbecue facilities. The park will be the focal point for community events.
Haven’s parks and trees will be nurtured with passive irrigation that captures storm water without wasting precious drinking water. This improves tree growth and increases amenity in the streetscapes.
Residents will also be within close proximity to a range of sports and recreational facilities within the Altona North community, including a gym, public pool, badminton centre, indoor climbing, and a golf course. And with the Maribyrnong cycle path, parklands, and reserves all within reach, there will be no shortage of opportunities to stay active and explore the neighbourhood.
Of course, it’s not all about physical activity. Altona North also offers an abundance of local eateries, shops, and retail therapy opportunities, from major shopping centres to local boutiques.
For families with young children, Altona North has plenty to offer as well. With quality day care, swimming, art, and drama centres all within the catchment area, with families well catered for in the area.
Plus, there are a number of established schools within walking distance, including Altona North Primary School, Newport Lakes Primary School, and Bayside Secondary College. The nearby Altona North Library also provides learning options and community activity spaces.