Kinbrook Residential Community
Located in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor, Kinbrook is a masterplanned residential community shaped by Moremac’s design-led vision that balances purposeful engineering with carefully planned infrastructure and open space.
The development encompasses 1,170 dwellings across four distinct neighbourhoods: Ashbourne, Oakham, The Glide, and Lavender Rain. As lead engineering consultant, SMEC supported Moremac to translate planning ambitions into practical outcomes enabling the creation of an inviting, well-connected neighbourhood.
Planning and Authority approvals
Kinbrook has been developed under the English Street Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), a strategic framework established by the Victorian Planning Authority to guide urban growth. The Moremac development team provided strategic leadership which set the tone for collaboration and ensured technical decisions aligned with long-term outcomes.
From project inception, SMEC assisted Moremac with early stage planning support, contributing to the preparation and refinement of the Development Contributions Plan (DCP). This early involvement included preliminary design and detailed costings for DCP-funded infrastructure items such as arterial road intersections, drainage infrastructure, and a bespoke pedestrian bridge, giving Moremac confidence in scope, budget, and delivery strategy from the outset.
Infrastructure planning required close coordination with multiple authorities. SMEC and Moremac led extensive negotiations, particularly in sewer and drainage approvals. A key outcome was Melbourne Water’s acceptance of a catchment-wide Drainage Strategy in lieu of a prescriptive Drainage Scheme, enhancing design flexibility and streamlining the authority approval process.
Environmental considerations were also integral to infrastructure planning. Kinbrook borders Merri Creek and includes sensitive conservation zones such as the Growling Grass Frog habitat. SMEC worked closely with DEECA and environmental consultants to ensure wetlands, stormwater infrastructure, and pedestrian links respected ecological requirements while integrating seamlessly with the conservation corridor.
1170
residential lots
100
+
hectare site (approx.)
12500
km
internal roads (approx.)
10002
m2
wetlands (approx.)
Agile Engineering
SMEC’s multidisciplinary services spanned civil and geotechnical engineering, surveying, town planning, traffic engineering, and water modelling. Engineering solutions were underpinned by practical, site-specific design and responsive delivery. Moremac’s willingness to stay closely involved across design stages enabled responsive decision-making and timely revisions that ensured engineering remained aligned with evolving project objectives. As the project evolved over several years and across multiple stages, SMEC adapted to changing market conditions, revising lot yields, precinct boundaries, and service alignments as needed.
Earthworks and Road Design
SMEC designed the internal road network to support staged delivery while maintaining connectivity throughout the estate. Key infrastructure included arterial roads and a signalised intersection at Donnybrook Road. Earthworks were optimised across the site for both grading efficiency and functional drainage outcomes. In one location, SMEC recommended targeted fill and regrading to redirect drainage back into the estate—avoiding the need for third-party land access and maintaining delivery autonomy.
Water and Drainage
Development of a catchment wide drainage strategy enabled SMEC to review and optimise the number of wetlands allocated in the PSP. Through modelling and consultation, the number of wetlands was reduced from three to two—resulting in lower construction and maintenance costs without compromising water quality, amenity, or ecological performance. Temporary outfalls were implemented where necessary to enable staged construction while preserving stormwater function across the site.
A Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) was prepared as part of the planning approvals process. The CHMP identified a culturally significant area adjacent to Merri Creek, which informed the realignment of wetland infrastructure in the southern part of the site. SMEC worked collaboratively with Moremac and the project archaeologists to adjust the wetland footprint, ensuring respectful integration with the cultural landscape and compliance with heritage requirements.
Sewer Infrastructure
Kinbrook’s sewer network was designed around gravity-fed systems to support long-term performance and ease of maintenance. Deep branch sewer infrastructure was developed in close consultation with Yarra Valley Water to coordinate delivery requirements and reimbursements. Forward planning enabled the sewer infrastructure to be delivered ahead of future stages, avoiding rework, and improving construction efficiency. As the masterplan evolved, sewer layouts were adjusted to ensure compliance with the Small Lot Housing Code, with access points positioned to practical serviceable locations.
Open Space and Connectivity
From the outset, Moremac prioritised a welcoming neighbourhood identity — championing the creation of active and passive recreation spaces that underpin Kinbrook’s sense of place. SMEC collaborated closely with the landscape architect to ensure service alignments supported tree planting, and integration with the open space network. As part of the DCP, a pedestrian bridge is being delivered across Merri Creek to connect Kinbrook with future open space and recreation trails beyond the estate boundary.
Outcomes
Kinbrook will be home to more than 1,170 families, supported by robust infrastructure, open space, and integrated services. From early vision to final delivery, the project reflects what can be achieved through a clear client vision, cohesive planning and multidisciplinary problem-solving.
SMEC’s role extended beyond design. Acting as an extension of Moremac’s development team, we helped translate their ambitions into actionable outcomes, navigating the complexities of the PSP framework and supporting the delivery of a community built for long-term liveability.
The combination of forward-thinking town planning, comprehensive infrastructure design, and proactive authority engagement positions Kinbrook as a benchmark for greenfield suburban development within Melbourne’s northern growth corridor.
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Talk to one of our specialists about our role in the Kinbrook Residential Community, Donnybrook, VIC.
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