Ten years of community in Lucas

THIS month marks ten years since construction began on Ballarat’s biggest-ever master planned suburb, Lucas.

Integra director of land Nick Grylewicz said the vision was always for everything to be on residents’ doorsteps.

“That’s shops, schools, parks, open space, and I think we have really achieved that here in Lucas,” he said.

Major milestones along the way include the completion of 1500 homes, and the establishment of shopping centre Coltman Plaza, the Ballarat Community Health site, a Community Hub, and Lucas and Siena Catholic primary schools.

Now a decade in, Mr Grylewicz said the benefits of Lucas’ full development are being seen.

“Walking trails are connecting, trees are establishing themselves, we are planning our seventh park now, all the community infrastructure is really arriving and it is a thriving community,” he said.

“In this milestone year it’s a great time to look back at what has been achieved in Lucas over ten years and I believe that is something our whole community is really proud of.”

Establishing a healthy natural landscape has been a priority for Integra staff, and a “living green spine” and waterway, which attract birds and other wildlife, now runs through the centre of the suburb, linked by various tracks and trails.

Mr Grylewicz said he and his colleagues are now looking towards the next 10 years of growth with as much enthusiasm.

Due to the weather, a formal celebration day for families at Lucas Central Park has been postponed to Friday, 2 December, 4pm to 8pm.

It will include kids’ activities, enviro and sports zones, live music, entertainment, a movie screening, and food.