Development in the Adelaide Hills seems to be everywhere. New housing estates have been popping up from one end of the region to the other. To those who feel development is a dirty word, just watch this space as the Burke family show some exciting innovation around community, environment, wellbeing and lifestyle.
The $350 million Newenham estate on the outskirts of Mount Barker is the latest project from developer Burke Urban and, following extensive community research and District Council of Mount Barker consultation, will reflect the desires of the community for a neighbourhood where all elements combine to create a nurturing and nourishing living environment.
A community farm, a character homestead and barn, a neighbourhood hub and proposed school, softly landscaped streetscapes and meandering creek-side park trails are at the heart of a new Adelaide Hills address that’s destined to set a new benchmark for urban design that delivers wellness and healthy living.
In the words of company Chairman, Kym Burke, “Newenham is set to capture the essence of urban tranquility with modern Australian living in a beautiful, timeless setting where people and their health, happiness and wellbeing are paramount”.
“Our approach at Newenham combines the location’s natural strengths and magnificent existing buildings earmarked for restoration. Our vision is to create a country residential community centred on the beautiful Western Flat Creek and a mosaic of walking and cycling trails winding their way to the centre of Mount Barker,” Kym said.
“We are delivering a residential community with innovative design intended to foster the well-being of those who call it home. Some attributes of this design include a proposed community farm, a proposed private school, sports and recreation facilities and a community and information centre. We also hope to add a fresh food and artisan market to complement the nurturing village-style address and open this beautiful piece of land to the public.”
Kym added that the Burke Urban team had conducted extensive market research prior to embarking on the project and was delighted to discover a strong desire for holistic offerings such as the community farm concept, as well as for a new style of housing and landscaping design that is more gentle and less urban than is found in many new housing developments.
“Our research confirmed that South Australians are ready to embrace a new style of living where heritage and nature are respected, community facilities are central and housing and streetscapes reflect modern country design,” he said.
Kym, whose company has more than 30 years’ experience in creating some of South Australia’s iconic living environments, confirmed that Burke Urban has been careful to retain and celebrate the rich history of the area by embracing the original homestead name of Newenham.
Situated on the western flank of Flaxley Road, the homestead takes its name from Charles Burton Newenham, Sheriff of South Australia from 1839 to 1856, and was named such by relative Lieutenant Colonel JM Irwin, who lived there from the early 1930s to the early 1950s.
In that time, he transformed what was a small house into a gracious country homestead that still stands today. Lieutenant Colonel Irwin is also credited with establishing one of South Australia’s most scientifically managed farms on the Newenham estate.
Kym and his daughter Olivia are leading a team of experts to bring their vision to life and create a very special and defined community.
“We’re committed to preserving the rich history of the area and will retain and restore a number of historic buildings – including the original homestead – on the 100 hectare site that will incorporate approximately 730 larger than normal allotments,” he said.
“We are confident too, that Newenham will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on the prosperity of the region and will inject more than $350 million into the region’s economy while creating literally hundreds of construction-related and ongoing jobs.”
Most of the Newenham allotments range in size from approximately 600sqm to 1,100sqm. Allotments in the first ‘Botanic’ release are priced from $215,950 and are a minimum of 666sqm. Some rear- loaded courtyard housing product will also be introduced to the development for those seeking a lower- maintenance lifestyle, but on the whole this is a community for those seeking a real tree-change.
It is anticipated that the development will unfold over the next decade, with some 50 to 60 allotments created each year.
Watch this space.
Adelaide Hills Magazine article, posted 8 December 2015.
If you’d like to learn more about Newenham, visit our Sales & Information Cottage at 164 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker from 12pm to 5pm every day. You can also book a site tour or view our land for sale to find a block that’s perfect for you and your family. Newenham is a truly unique development, you won’t find anything else like it in Mount Barker…come and experience it for yourself!
