Oakden Park: Reclaiming nature, building community

Oakden Park represents a landmark achievement in residential development, demonstrating how a multi-disciplinary approach can transform a challenging site into a thriving, sustainable community. Located in Youngtown, this project saw the design, construction, and registration of 216 new residential lots on a 21-hectare site, making it one of the largest subdivision projects in recent Launceston history.

A challenge transformed into an opportunity. The original site, heavily modified pasture, was burdened by regulatory complexities and a compromised waterway—the Kings Meadows Rivulet. Our primary challenge was not only to navigate these hurdles but to turn a weed-infested farm drain back into an ecological asset.

6ty° worked with a fantastic team, including our experienced subdivision delivery team, to achieve planning and infrastructure approvals. We utilised advanced 3D civil modeling and hydraulic design tools to design the site’s topography and infrastructure. A key component of the endeavor was the successful realignment of the Kings Meadows Rivulet, designing it to safely accommodate major storm flows while also serving as a parkland that captured and reinstated natural values. This monumental effort included removing two farm dams and introducing select native species to restore the waterway.

A Project of Unique Heritage and Ecological Value. What makes Oakden Park truly special is the successful integration of residential needs with significant environmental and heritage outcomes. We are proud of our collaboration with Launceston City Council, which included in the design and delivery of two stormwater bioretention basins on the urban outlets to the rivulet, further enhancing its ecological value and resilience. The project carefully preserved the historic Oakden House homestead, an original period building on the property’s highest point. Through a substantial investment, the developer fully restored the homestead to a modern luxury standard while retaining its classic character. The rapid uptake of the lots by the community demonstrated the significant need for quality, affordable housing that the project successfully fulfilled.

6ty°’s role: Our key services on this project included Town Planning, Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Project Management. Benefitting from initial guidance of subdivision guru Graeme Eberhardt, our team’s pragmatic problem-solving and expertise were instrumental in delivering an outcome that provides a beautiful native waterway parkland in the heart of suburbia, proving that great urban and environmental synergies are possible.