Warralily celebrates 10,000 resident milestone
Warralily is celebrating a significant milestone since launching as Geelong’s first master planned community amid much fanfare in 2010. With an impressive 4,232 contracts exchanged and 3,620 homes completed, the thriving community now boasts a population of 10,000 residents all happy to call Warralily home.
Due to exceptional demand, the first land release was performed by a ballot process to give all purchasers equal opportunity. Geelong local Anthony Barnett was the first name to be pulled from the barrel, making him the first purchaser at Warralily and the broader Armstrong Creek Growth Corridor.
Mr Barnett said being the first purchaser was a great surprise on the excitement-charged launch day and meant he had his choice of the lots. His leap of faith as a pioneer of this new community has been rewarded with an ideal lifestyle that has lived up to his every expectation.
“I was attracted to the new growth area, with its detailed plan for infrastructure and ample open spaces, as a good place to raise children and a setting where community feel would grow,” said Mr Barnett. “I also wanted to live close to Geelong and local beaches, as well as with easy access to Melbourne.”
“Life is good at Warralily. The people are wonderful and it’s awesome having great neighbours who look out for each other. The environment is fantastic too and there are lots of places for my boys to explore and be active with their friends.”
Warralily’s close-knit community, ideal location and established environment are all big drawcards for purchasers. The last financial year was a record breaker, with 604 lots sold, making Warralily the number one selling greenfield project in Victoria and the only project from Geelong in the top 10, averaging over 50 sales per month.
Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy said the spectacular progress of Armstrong Creek is a key reason why Greater Geelong is one of the fastest growing regions in the country.
“It has been great to see Warralily develop over the past decade into such a thriving and connected community.” said Cr Murrihy.
Warralily General Manager Mark Whinfield said Warralily was the first master planned community to release land at Armstrong Creek back in 2010 and continues to lead the local market, both in terms of sales and community development.
“We invested in community development from the very beginning, when our first resident moved in, and the sense of belonging from this still resonates with residents a decade later. A strong community spirit is what sets Warralily apart and is something we are really proud of.” said Mr Whinfeld.
Warralily has the full array of community services and retail outlets needed in daily life including a local shopping village with supermarkets, specialty shops, cafes and more, plus three schools including primary and secondary, a local bus network, community centre, childcare centres, sports ovals and landscaped creek, playgrounds and parklands, all connected by 30 kilometres of walking and bike paths.
In another win for residents, the Armstrong Creek lifestyle is in high demand and has resulted in strong capital growth. The sale price for a 448m2 lot at Warralily was $159,000 in 2010 and is currently $450,000. Warralily is 88% sold, with approximately 568 lots remaining and additional local community facilities planned for coming years.
Cr Murrihy said there is some exciting work underway on major infrastructure projects in the Armstrong Creek Town Centre, which will make the suburb an even more attractive place to live, work and play.
“We’re looking forward to providing more local spaces and places as the population continues to rise in the coming years.” said Cr Murrihy.
When asked if Mr Barnett would recommend Warralily to friends, his answer was a resounding “Absolutely!”.
“It’s a fantastic location - close to Geelong, local beaches and restaurants. A family friendly environment with great facilities.” said Mr Barnett.
“Full credit to the developer for delivering the master plan and creating a wonderful community, while also preserving key conservation areas and respecting the local environment.”
Warralily has been recognised as an exemplar of urban growth by a plethora of state and national awards for its contemporary design, environmental excellence and community development. With 10 years experience, Warralily has the relationships with council and associated authorities to ensure consistent delivery for residents.