The long-awaited development of the former Eastern Golf Course in Doncaster into an incredible lifestyle estate combining apartments, townhouses and freestanding homes with acres of parklands has proven to be a huge hit with buyers, demonstrating the depth of demand for property in the area. With planning approval granted for another $500 million redevelopment of Westfield Doncaster, increasing its size by 30% to include an additional 43,000sqm of retail and 18,000sqm of commercial office space, this suburban pocket has unquestionable claims as one of Melbourne’s premier economic hubs.

Transport links remain a key strength for the area, with the $15.8 billion North East Link, Victoria’s largest ever road project, recently given the green light promising better transport connections to the CBD and beyond, ensuring Manningham is well-connected to more of the city.

Doncaster’s lack of a rail connection has long been a pain point for residents but will finally be addressed by a new underground train station, proposed as part of the $50 billion Suburban Rail Loop.

If completed, the project will deliver connections to middle-ring suburbs and the airport via an orbital link and will include investment for a new activity precinct, further enhancing what Doncaster has to offer. Further local road improvements will benefit amenity and reduce congestion, including the upgrading of Fitzsimons Lane at Templestowe.

Schools in the Manningham area continue to attract buyers and strong competition, with homes in soughtafter government zones attracting premiums. Doncaster Secondary College, East Doncaster Secondary College, Templestowe College and Warrandyte High School have embarked on significant building and school improvements, while in the non-government sector, Marcellin College and Whitefriars College draw strong market interest to the area.

Community sporting and recreational facilities are undergoing significant improvement and enhancing Manningham’s appeal to families, with Pettys Reserve in Templestowe to get a new pavilion and soccer pitches in an $8.6 million project, the Domeney Recreation Centre at Park Orchards getting a $1 million upgrade and $1.2 million allocated for a pavilion upgrade at Rieschiecks Reserve in Doncaster East. Playspaces at Lynnwood Reserve in Templestowe Lower, Allara Reserve in Donvale, Lawford Reserve in Doncaster and Thea Reserve and Dehnert Reserve in Doncaster East have received recent improvements, with more green spaces to follow elsewhere.

While 2020 has presented its challenges, Manningham remains both a hive of activity in the property market and a major destination for new infrastructure and development, all of which bodes exceptionally well for the area as it moves towards 2021 and beyond.