At a time when many growth areas are being built almost from scratch, Kilmore – in Victoria’s fastest growing municipality, the Mitchell Shire – offers something different: real heritage, a town center full of character and a sense of who you already are.
One of the country’s oldest residential areas, Kilmore is entering its next chapter, with new homes expanding its appeal to buyers looking for a small-town experience, everyday amenities and easy access to Melbourne.
One of Victoria’s oldest inland towns, Kilmore is at the heart of a rapidly developing area. Photo: realestate.com.au
A strong heart
“Kilmore’s appeal lies in its balance of heritage, nature and connectivity,” said Mitchell Shire Mayor, Councilor John Dougall.
“The village offers a strong village identity, historic streets and attractions and a close-knit community, while still providing easy access to downtown Melbourne.”
With a main street dotted with buildings dating from the mid-1800s, the town has plenty to offer heritage seekers looking for a community with built-in charm. At the same time, it has recently emerged as a very popular destination for buyers looking for a private home in a large area, without sacrificing access to the city.
Kilmore’s growth is supported by strong transport links, such as regular trains from Kilmore East station, existing and emerging educational opportunities, and planned residential development to the south-east and west.
In recent years, the town has also become one of the most efficient centers in the region, as there are new restaurants, bars and restaurants that continue to appear and add energy and attraction.
For buyers, that means a place that feels established instead of speculative, where housing choices continue to expand in an area that surrounds the city with history, greenery and an already established community.
Consumer choice
Among the developments taking place, Broadstead Kilmore is perhaps the clearest expression of Kilmore’s heritage-meets-growth story. Developed by Jinding, the 60-acre community is designed to lean on Kilmore’s rural feel rather than eliminate it, with large lots, wide streets, open green space and design guidelines that encourage both farmhouse style and modern homes.
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An artist’s photo of Broadstead Kilmore, which is emerging south of the city centre. Photo: realestate.com.au
“Space to breathe and grow sits at the heart of Broadstead’s vision, with property sizes designed to suit a variety of lifestyles and aspirations,” said Jinding’s national director of development Chris Ravat.
“Broadstead offers the best of country living with a touch of urban culture.”
Beyond the masterplan, the project will deliver 11 hectares of open space, including a waterway tunnel, walking trails, green spaces and a central public park, with a future P-6 school and sports ovals also planned, subject to government delivery.
Affordable entry point
Mr Ravat says Broadstead has attracted a mix of buyers – from up-and-coming locals to first-home buyers moving out of Melbourne and down under – united by a desire to live the country life while being close to Melbourne.
Among them are Wallan locals Navdeep Singh and Sugandha Kurana, who bought in Broadstead and plan to build their first home there in the coming years.
“The land in Kilmore is very affordable compared to Wallan and the surrounding areas, and we have managed to secure a large area of ββaround 800sqm, which will be good for our dog to run on,” said Mr Singh.
Buyers at Broadstead Kilmore include Navdeep Singh and Sugandha Kurana, who plan to build their first home in the new development. Photo: Jinding
Broadstead has reached a milestone, as settlement has begun and the first homes are expected to start construction soon. The bundle is still available in its initial stages from $296,000.
The project also shifted its sales to a new location in the city center, following the fire incident.
“We are taking the opportunity to rethink our retail experience. In the coming months we will be opening an exciting new retail space that will showcase everything Broadstead Kilmore has to offer and enable us to better connect with our local community,” said Mr Ravat.
Elsewhere in the city, Parkview Estate adds to Kilmore’s housing mix, with titled land, 18- to 20-metre open spaces and plans for future sports parks, retail and childcare. Although small in scale, it is aimed equally at families looking for space and everyday comfort close to schools and the city centre. Together, these two projects address the range of housing now coming to Kilmore – from large country-led developments to family-oriented properties close to leisure facilities.
Kilmore’s Hume and Hovell monument was erected to honor local explorers. Image: Mitchell Shire Council
Connected communities
And beyond Kilmore, developments around Beveridge including Stockland’s Lyra and Mandalay reflect the wider growth taking place in Melbourne’s north, with well-planned communities focusing on open space, amenity and commuter mobility.
As Councilor Dougall put it, the task now is to grow without losing what makes the area unique.
“Kilmore is growing rapidly, and we are working hard to ensure that growth is supported with the right services, from schools and transport improvements to parks and recreation. At the same time, we want to protect the character and values ββthat make Kilmore such a special place to live.”
“With strong planning, targeted investment and continued support from other levels of government, we can support Kilmore’s growth while preserving the qualities our community values ββmost.”
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