The Cloverton Metropolitan Activity Centre (Cloverton MAC) is a state-significant centre, anticipated to serve a significant population across three distinct Local Government Areas (LGAs) – Hume, Whittlesea, and Mitchell. To address the complexities of infrastructure needs for these diverse communities, we were engaged under a joint partnership agreement by the three Councils to prepare a comprehensive Regional Community and Recreation Infrastructure Needs Assessment for the Cloverton MAC.
The assessment provided an integrated and contemporary evidence base to inform the likely facility needs. This was achieved through extensive consultation across 20 state and local government agencies, best practice provision approaches, demographic analysis, and tailored performance criteria. We developed a series of funding and delivery models in collaboration with the Councils, which were socialised to Council staff and executives through a series of workshops.
The project was further supported by a range of technical reports we prepared, including indicative layout diagrams of the recommended infrastructure for the Cloverton MAC and a rapid Cost Benefit Analysis to inform future business cases, all of which was supported by a dedicated One Urbis multidisciplinary team.
“The work has informed how the Regional Partnerships will operate into the future, with a commitment to delivering timely and contemporary infrastructure for maximum benefit.
This project has not only provided the Councils with a clear understanding of the likely needs, challenges, and opportunities for regional infrastructure across the Cloverton MAC, but also offered practical advice for funding and delivery.
In recognition of its strategic and master planning excellence, the Cloverton Regional Community and Recreation Needs Assessment was awarded the ‘Strategic and Master Planning Award’ at the VIC/TAS Parks and Leisure Australia industry awards. This project, one of the largest and most complex undertaken by Urbis, is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the One Urbis team, who worked tirelessly over the better part of a year to deliver this significant project.
The Cloverton Regional Community and Recreation Needs Assessment project has set a new benchmark for strategic planning and collaboration between different agencies to maximise community outcomes. It has outlined the infrastructure required to serve a new community the size of Canberra in Melbourne’s north and provided a roadmap for how this infrastructure should be delivered and funded. This project has not only shaped the future of the Cloverton MAC but also provided a model for other regions to follow.