Published 27 Oct 2025
S4. Ep 18. Talking with Ben Rowe about 'New Epping', and what it takes to deliver a $2 billion mixed-use precinct, and his insights to Property Development
Good on you for joining us for another episode of The Building Talks Podcast! This time, I had the chance to speak with Ben Rowe, Project Director at RIVERLEE, who's overseeing one of Melbourne's most ambitious urban transformations, the regeneration of the 'New Epping' precinct. It's a 50-hectare site that's evolved from a 10-year plan to a 20-year vision, and Ben's been at the centre of it for the last eight years.
We get into the realities of managing a multi-decade, multi-asset development that includes housing, healthcare, commercial, and retail, all while adapting to planning delays, shifting markets, and rising construction costs. Ben shares his approach to keeping long-term momentum, how to build trust with councils and communities, and what it takes to navigate risk, pick the right builders, and bring patient capital into the fold. He also opens up about his advocacy work through Queers in Property, driving visibility and inclusion in the built environment.
Takeaways:
- ✅Keeping momentum on long-term, complex projects
- ✅Balancing risk, resilience and changing market conditions
- ✅Building stakeholder trust through clear communication
- ✅Why developers need adaptability and strong networks
- ✅The importance of inclusion in property and construction
Chapters:
- 06:38 – The Journey into Property Development
- 09:21 – The Complexity of Large-Scale Developments
- 12:03 – Creating a Vision for Urban Regeneration
- 19:32 – Creating People-Friendly Spaces
- 24:38 – Understanding Community Needs
- 29:48 – Challenges in Construction Costs
- 34:36 – Managing Diverse Asset Classes
- 37:31 – User-Centric Design in Healthcare Projects
- 41:58 – Current Status of New Epping Project
- 49:09 – The Art of Development: Storytelling and Influence
- 52:00 – Current Challenges in Melbourne's Property Development
- 58:13 – Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Role of Queers in Property
- 1:08:31 – Future Projects and Industry Outlook
Tune in for a real-world look at what it takes to deliver a future-ready precinct from the ground up.
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
#UrbanRegeneration #PropertyDevelopment #EppingProject #Riverlee #BuiltEnvironment #PrecinctPlanning #LongTermVision #ConstructionLeadership #InclusiveDesign #QueersInProperty #BuildingTalksPodcast
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The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.
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Talking to professionals in construction, property development, architecture, and beyond.
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