Central to Intrapac Property’s proud legacy of creating inspiring residential communities across Australia is a commitment to people-centric placemaking. As global leaders in placemaking, our team stays at the forefront of industry trends and developments to continue delivering vibrant, sustainable, and connected living environments

A prevailing movement that has shaped many of our current projects is the concept of a 20-minute neighbourhood, which encourages residents to ‘live locally.’ Through considered urban planning and fostering a thriving local economy, a 20-minute neighbourhood enables each member of the community to meet most of their daily needs within a 20-minute return walk, cycle or public transport trip from home.

We recently sat down with Intrapac Property CEO, Max Shifman, to discuss the benefits of a 20-minute neighbourhood, and how we are doing it differently.

Designing Connected Communities

“Each Intrapac Property project has its own distinct character. Building upon existing amenities and infrastructure, we deliver supremely liveable neighbourhoods. These offer residents easy access to everyday essentials and vibrant green spaces, creating a strong sense of community,” said Max.

According to the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, there are six hallmarks that a traditional 20-minute neighbourhood achieves:

• Hallmark 1 – Safe, accessible and well-connected for pedestrians and cyclists to optimise active transport
• Hallmark 2 – Facilitates thriving local economies
• Hallmark 3 – Provide services and destinations that support local living
• Hallmark 4 – Support climate-resilient communities
• Hallmark 5 – High-quality public realm and open spaces
• Hallmark 6 – Delivers housing/population at densities that make local services and transport viable

Other features that should be accessible in a 20-minute neighbourhood include schools, childcare, health services, public transport connections, sports and recreation facilities, nature, parks, open spaces, shops and hospitality.

Adventure Playground, Whiterock

Social & Environmental Benefits

In addition to convenience, the 20-minute neighbourhood also produces many health, social, economic and environmental benefits for residents.

Higher levels of walking not only result in lower levels of illness and obesity but can also reduce driving pollutants by up to 40%. Additionally, evidence suggests that walkable neighbourhoods experience a 40% higher rate of incidental trading in local shops compared to car-dependent areas.

“As cities grow and evolve, the concept of the 20-minute neighbourhood has never been more important,” says Max.

“At Intrapac, we’re proud to integrate this vision into our developments, fostering healthier, more connected communities that will thrive for generations to come.”

Residents outside Display Village, Whiterock

Whiterock, Queensland

Whiterock, located in Queensland’s Ripley Valley, is just one of many Intrapac communities that exemplify this approach. Partnering with the leading minds at social consultancy, Communitas, Whiterock Estate has been meticulously designed to blend existing infrastructure with conservation-centric urban planning strategies to deliver thoughtfully designed residential communities.

The future Whiterock Village will include a robust retail and commercial offering, complemented by a community centre, a nearby primary school and multi-purpose sporting fields. A series of paths and walking trails will also connect to existing trails within the neighbouring White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, offering residents the opportunity to easily enjoy the natural surroundings.

In addition, Whiterock Estate will on-ground. The role of the CDO will be to encourage and facilitate community engagement and interaction through a dedicated in-person presence and calendar of public events, with a base of operation at the newly completed, Whiterock Community House.

Artist Impression – Kinley Masterplan

Kinley, Victoria

Similarly, our leading urban planners have built upon existing infrastructure and amenities for the Kinley community in Melbourne’s East. This community will be boosted by the delivery of a unique town centre that incorporates pre-existing industrial architecture from the town’s former life as a quarry to deliver a premier destination for community gatherings.

Kinley’s 6 Star Green Star Communities rating, awarded in 2022, highlights its world-leading achievements in community building, environmental stewardship, and sustainability—underscoring the success of its thoughtful planning and environmental strategies

“Intrapac Property has long championed innovative placemaking methodologies including the 20-minute neighbourhood. By integrating them into developments like Whiterock and Kinley, we can ensure that residents enjoy the benefits of local living every day. Our commitment to continue building communities where convenience, lifestyle, and wellbeing intersect sets a new standard for modern masterplanned living,” he concluded.