Equiset’s managing director, Mr Lorenz Grollo, said: “The Coburg community has placed enormous trust in our group to deliver for the people a physical environment at the heart of the community that meets the needs and aspirations not only of today but of future generations.”

The Equiset Grollo Group proposal has at its core two fundamental principles:

• The importance of public space must be the starting point for all creative thinking.
  
• The best outcome will be achieved only through genuine open partnerships with the City of Moreland, the people of Coburg and the team of assembled experts from Equiset.
  
  www.thecoburginitiative.com/
  

The City of Moreland has adopted a Structure Plan that will help guide and develop the Master Planning process. Equiset will work with the Coburg Initiative Team throughout the next year to develop a Master Plan that will:

• Enhance local work opportunities and create a strong local economy
  
• Improve livability by creating sought after living environments
  
• Enhance the colours of Coburg, building on its diverse and vibrant community
  
• Provide a sense of vitality and safety
  
• Create a sustainable, green environment

Through a partnering approach both Equiset and the City of Moreland will aim to promote innovation and creativity to help deliver the desired outcomes.

Located 8km from the city and nominated as a Principle Activity Centre, the Coburg Initiative will look to provide 65,000sqm of additional retail and commercial space, 1,500 new dwellings and over 1,400 new jobs over a five plus year period.

It is proposed that a final Concept Plan outcome be completed by the end of 2009.