Creating Communities’ genesis was land development – the intentional work with developers, local government and community members to grow a vision of what could be while connecting threads of community and joining the dots between vision and reality.

At Brabham, the opportunity was strong. While future planning included a primary school, a retail precinct, recreational parks and a diverse range of housing, the area offered natural assets, including St Leonard’s Creek, parklands and natural bushland, offering active and passive recreational opportunities for future residents.

With a mix of low-density houses and land, medium-density townhouse homes, as well as high-density apartments concentrated around the future MetroNet Whiteman Park station, the development would grow to yield 3,300 dwellings for about 8,910 people.

To prepare for this growth, Creating Communities was appointed to support the development of a vibrant community. Our work at Brabham resourced our 3D Model of engagement and the Intentional Communities Matrix.

The 3D Model enables clients and communities to co-create throughout the discovery, design and delivery phases.

The discovery phase recognised the unique geographical and community contexts of each project. It involved various levels of research to understand community needs and aspirations and identify the potential issues that need to be addressed in future planning. 

In concert with Peet and other stakeholders in the community, the design phase considered the masterplan for the community and the location of significant amenities, retail and infrastructure.

The delivery phase saw Creating Communities engage with the many opportunities, groups and organisations active in the region. It was crucial to draw new residents together regularly so they quickly developed a sense of belonging in the community. BBQs, slab parties, Parkrun events and regular community celebrations were all important to this process when coupled with interviews and surveys that helped co-create the community development plan for Brabham.

Creating Communities has also embedded the 8 Phases of Land Development (also known as The Peet Community Way) into all Peet developments. The approach follows a process of feasibility, planning, approvals, construction, first settlers, consolidation, exit strategy and post completions with clear plans and objectives for each phase.