THE former bluestone quarry off Racecourse Road is in the early stages of transformation after an 18-lot subdivision commenced earlier this month.
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Keronga Developments owner Jim Simpson said earthworks began earlier this month, with kerb and guttering the next step in the process.
“So far, it’s just been putting in the services,” he said.
The subdivision, which will be kept as community title, will include 14 single housing blocks and four multi-dwelling lots.
They will front a private lake formed by the former quarry, which holds about 150,000 megalitres of water.
Mr Simpson said community title was important for the lake’s maintenance, because each landholder would carry responsibility.
“It’s common in places like London to have a garden surrounded by houses where people can enjoy some relaxation,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity for people who would like to share something big, but it’s also their piece of space.”
With blocks ranging in size from 700-1925 square metres, Mr Simpson said they would be highly competitive against two- and five-acre offerings on Orange’s outskirts.
“It’s just something that’s very unique to Orange because it has water views and 270-degree views of the town,” he said.
“It’s a hybrid on inner-city living and rural living.”
The site is state heritage listed because Orange’s bluestone kerb and guttering was sourced from the quarry, which operated until 1977, and the area was also home to a concrete plant.
Recreation took hold during the 1980s, with residents waterskiing and stocking the lake with fish, but the site has not been used since 2004.
danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au