Next phase of medium density eco development begins in Castlemaine

Australia is experiencing rapid population growth. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, our current population, which sits just under 25 million, is projected to increase to between 36.8 million and 48.3 million by 2061.

While growth in regional areas is slower than in the capitals, we still need to find ways to adapt if we want our communities to remain sustainable, resilient and liveable.

One of the ways the towns and communities of the Mount Alexander Shire are responding is evident in a shift towards more medium density housing. While the majority of homes in the shire are still separate houses, the number of semi-detached, terrace or townhouses has more than doubled in the last five years.

"The trend towards more concentrated, medium density living in towns like Castlemaine and Maldon reflects changes we are seeing all over the country," says Waller Realty Agent, Nick Haslam.

"More people in our region are choosing to build and live in smaller homes for reasons of convenience, for cost and, in many cases, to reduce their environmental impact. We expect to see this shift in thinking continue to grow in the next few years."

The completed sale of the Bull Street Terraces development in the heart of Castlemaine is a great example of this new way of building and living.

Designed by Geoff Crosby of Crosby Architects, the Bull Street Terraces development incorporates four innovative townhouses with impressive environmental credentials. Small when it comes to footprint, the properties encourage more connection with the township, its facilities and surrounds.

Carolyn, who purchased one of the terraces says she's looking forward to having a strong community around her and being close to the train station and town. Leaving an old Victorian home in Melbourne, she's also looking forward to being in a low maintenance property that's been designed for sustainable living.

"When I've spent time in buildings that have been sustainably built in the past I've always felt like there was an atmosphere or a 'breathability' about them. I'm excited about living in a space with that kind of ambience," she says.

"I knew I wanted to downsize. I've been retired for a few years and living in my family home on my own. I had visited Castlemaine a few times but it was really the development that drew me to the area, not the other way around."

"This property just ticked all the boxes."

The Bull Street Terraces development is scheduled for completion by mid 2019 and also includes the renovation of an existing cottage and a new stand-alone house. For more information on this and other developments in the area contact Nick Haslam on 0418 322 789 nick@wallerrealty.com.au