A render of wetlands set to be built at the Ovata development replacing the Knoxfield Horticultural Research Station.
The Victorian government’s developer arm has kicked off work on an about 400-home estate at a site once used to develop poisons.
Formerly run as the Knoxfield Horticultural Research Station by the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning the 19.2ha site was once used to develop disease-resistant strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, potatoes, tomatoes and a variety of fruit trees.
In the 1940s it played a role in pioneering modern potting mix used around many homes today.
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It is slated to be turned into about 400 new homes by Development Victoria, with early ground works recently commencing and sales expected to start later this year, while construction is expected to continue into 2027.
But the 609-621 Burwood Highway, Knoxfield, site was also used as an agricultural and plant quarantine centre, and had extensive pesticide and herbicide testing conducted in situ from the 1950s through to the early 2000s.
It was closed in 2014, and has been earmarked for redevelopment for much of the time following.
Environmental testing of the 19.2ha site was completed in 2015, 2017 and 2018, but community concerns remained with now ex-Liberal MP Nicholas Wakeling raising concerns that the site had not been thoroughly tested for contamination as recently as 2020.
Modern potting mix was among the products developed at the site.
In response, then Special Minister for State Gavin Jennings noted that the site had been deemed suitable for development for residential purposes after detailed studies by senior environmental scientists.
They determined the majority of the site as having a low or low to medium contamination risk and that development of the site was unlikely to pose risks to surrounding communities.
But the assessment did carry a recommendation that if any anomalous or odorous fill was unconvered during development a qualified professional should be brought in.
The site’s approval also raised the ire of Knox Council, with then mayor Jude Dwight expressing dissapointment at the site’s 2024 approval for development despite habitat risks to the blue-billed duck with changes.
To be called Ovata, the site will eventually host a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes with intentions they will suit a variety of price points — though these have not been determined yet.
It will also include a range of open spaces including its own wetlands system.
In addition to almost 400 homes, custom-built wetlands will also be a feature.
Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Jaclyn Symes said the project would add hundreds of homes to the state and create a haven for native species.
“Hundreds of families will get the chance to put down roots in Melbourne’s east, in a community built for the way people want to live today,” Ms Symes said.
Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor said it would also help boost housing choices for local families.
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