Artist’s impression of Kinley’s masterplan.

When creating a new Intrapac community, several key characteristics are assessed to determine the feasibility of a site.

A major factor in this comes down to infrastructure, including existing, future and potential. The location of a site, the services and essentials that lie in close proximity as well as the natural history of the site all play a key role in this decision.

Nestled in the vibrant community of Lilydale, our project, Kinley offers a lifestyle seamlessly integrated with nature’s best features and the conveniences of contemporary living.

The project presented a unique opportunity to find a new purpose and breathe new life into one of Melbourne’s largest former quarries whilst leveraging existing suburb amenities.

Lilydale Lake

A Natural Haven

As the gateway to the Yarra Valley, Kinley’s careful positioning affords residents an abundance of existing amenities.

Lilydale’s charm lies in its rich natural offerings, with the jewel of the region being the beloved Lilydale Lake. This picturesque haven, located just moments from Kinley, is a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting walking trails, a dog park, picnic spots, and even opportunities for fishing and canoeing

Adding to its outdoor appeal and natural beauty, Kinley is connected to the surrounding area by the nearby Lilydale to Warburton rail trail. Spanning 40 km, this trail winds its way through the Yarra Valley by following the historic railway that once occupied its site.

When planning Kinley, we knew that these existing elements would play a significant role in the site’s future and needed to identify ways that we could preserve elements of its former life, whilst also ensuring it fit into the existing landscape and community.

While its purpose has changed over time, Kinley will take lessons learnt from its origins to deliver a community that is focused on connectivity in every facet.

Artist’s impression of the vision for Kinley’s main precinct.

Building Upon Historic Foundations

Kinley has been designed to complement and amplify Lilydale’s natural beauty and community spirit. Spanning 163 hectares, Kinley introduces an interconnected network of parks, wetlands, and trails.

Hilltop Park will be one of Kinley’s signature features, celebrating its historic roots and heritage of the traditional landowners, the Wurundjeri people.

Spaces for relaxation, reflection and community gatherings border native wetlands to create serene natural retreats while sustainable stormwater management systems foster the natural biodiversity.

Kinley’s strategic proximity to Lilydale’s vibrant Main Street and extensive public amenities also ensure a lifestyle of unmatched convenience for residents.

For over a century and a half, a bounty of convenience has provided for Lilydale residents and the wider region.

Today, Main Street is a bustling hive of activity with a mix of specialty stores, eclectic charm, everyday essentials and dining hotspots. The iconic strip is equipped to provide everything from gourmet experiences at Locavore to everyday needs like pharmacies and supermarkets.

Beyond the charm of Main Street, Kinley’s proximity to the new railway station and bus hub ensures seamless city commutes and regional connectivity.

Artist’s impression of the escarpment park at Kinley.

A New Purpose

From the tranquil shores of Lilydale Lake to the bustling heart of Main Street, Kinley connects residents to what matters most: quality of life.

By restoring historic structures, enhancing public spaces, and introducing new facilities Kinley is not just adding value for its residents—it’s creating a ripple effect that will enrich the lives of everyone in the region.

In its new era of life, Kinley will be home to a bounty of community amenities designed to create a vibrant connected community. With the former silos being repurposed as permanent art installations, they will act as the backdrop to Kinley’s Heritage Quarter.

This zone will be a bustling community centre where residents can come together to enjoy farmer’s markets, art galleries, regular live music and entertainment, event and function spaces and participate in community workshops.

Kinley’s centrepiece, the Escarpment Park will tie these new amenities together. Designed as a central active hub, the park will feature cycle paths, jogging tracks, sports facilities, a skate park and an adventure playground all bordered by expansive green open spaces. Spanning 19 hectares, the area will be a resource for district-level and junior sports competitions across multiple multi-purpose courts.

All of these amenities will be further enhanced by their proximity to the natural beauty of the surrounding wetlands, offering a chance for young minds to partake in native wildlife expeditions and exploration into this vital natural resource.

Discover how Kinley is redefining community living and enhancing one of Victoria’s most beloved regions here.