Mentone is Just 22 kilometres south of Melbourne’s CBD, Mentone is a family-oriented hub in the City of Kingston with a sandy beach, 11 public parks and easily-accessible shopping centres. Founded in the late 1880s, its name derives from the resort town of Mentone in the French Riviera. Retirees, singles and couples are drawn to smaller properties that form the backbone of this suburb however a large house portfolio is having interest to larger families.
Medium-density development in the form of large blocks of flats and units is common around the Mentone station area. There has been some redevelopment along the coastal strip but there is no significant undeveloped land. The population of Mentone-Moorabbin Airport remained steady at approximately 11,200 persons between 2001 and 2006.
Major features of the area include the Port Phillip Bay foreshore, Mentone Grammar School, Mentone Girls Grammar School and St Bede’s College.
Because of its development, Mentone is already an established suburb. Mentone’s walk score of 74 indicates that it is within close proximity of facilities such as restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, libraries and schools.
According to the latest Census demographics, the majority of Mentone residents originate from the UK, but greater numbers of Greek, Italian and Chinese families are also settling here. Community centres and facilities are well provided for throughout the suburb. Residential architecture ranges from older-style brick townhouses to modern apartments to substantial four-bedroom contemporary properties.
Population
Population: 14158, 76% are Australian born, the largest age group is 20-39 representing 29% of the population and the second largest is 40-59 representing 27% of the population. 47% are married, and the largest occupation group are professionals representing 9% of the population. 57% live in a separate house, 24% in a flat and 16% live in a semi/terrace.
Public Transportation
Mentone railway station is located at the Southern end of the Balcombe Road level crossing, with station access from Como Parade and Balcombe Road.
The station consists of two side platforms; Platform 1 has a large weatherboard building housing an enclosed waiting area, ticket facilities and toilets, while platform 2 has a smaller weatherboard building.
Education
Proximity to both primary and secondary education is a drawcard for Mentone and a key reason why families choose to buy or rent in the area. Along with Mentone Primary, Mentone Park Primary and St. Patrick’s Primary, parents can choose from a selection of highly regarded secondary schools within the suburb. These include Mentone Grammar, Mentone Girls’ Grammar, Kilbreda Secondary, St. Bedes College and Mentone Girls’ Secondary College.
Kilbreda College – A Catholic Secondary School for girls, founded in 1904. The school is owned and administered by the Brigidine Sisters.
St Bede’s College – A Catholic boy’s high school founded in 1938. It is administered by the De La Salle Brothers.
Mentone Grammar School – Co-ed since 2006, Kindergarten to Secondary Education. The school competes in the AGSV (associated Grammar Schools of Victoria).
Mentone Girls’ Grammar School – An Anglican school for girls from ELC to year 12, founded in 1899.
Mentone Girls’ Secondary College
St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School
Mentone Primary School
Facilities
Mentone Shopping Village is a lively retail strip and super-convenient for local residents. It runs along Balcombe and Mentone Parades and adjacent streets and is moments from Mentone’s train station and bus terminal. By car, it can access Mentone Shopping Village from Nepean Highway, Warrigal Road or Beach Road. Another retail choice is over in Mentone East. Thrift Park Shopping Centre on the corner of Lower Dandenong Road and Nepean Highway is an older-style neighbourhood centre with more than 40 specialty shops, a small Safeway, a post office and plenty of parking. It’s also close to many restaurants meaning you can shop then dine. Plans for a $15 million Thrift Park Shopping Centre upgrade, including the addition of a larger Safeway and 30 specialty shops, is proposed for commencement in 2010.
Given its prime position right on the Port Phillip Bay foreshore, Mentone’s history has been shaped to a large extent by Mentone Life Saving Club. Established in 1920, the Club has programs for members of all ages, starting with their Nippers program for children aged seven and over. Serving the older members of the community are Mentone Bowling Club, Mentone Ten Pin Bowling and the Mentone RSL. The Mentone Hotel on Beach Road is a well-known and well-used local fixture. Open daily, it has live music and draws crowds with a contemporary menu and open layout.
Future Growth
Charter Hall will deepen its activities in Victoria with a $75 million residential project at Mentone, in Melbourne’s south-east. Charter Hall Group will build townhouses on land that it bought in a joint venture with Harvey Norman, which plans to build a bulky goods centre that fronts the Nepean Highway.
The $75 million project is being developed by Charter Hall Group’s Opportunity Fund No.5, and opens up a new front on the company’s activities in Victoria. The Mentone development, called Aquilo, will comprise 119 two-bedroom and three-bedroom townhouses, all with north-facing living areas. It is about two kilometres from Mentone beach.
There are 13 floor plans and house types, with prices ranging from $495,000 for a two-bedroom (150 square metres) apartment to $595,000 for a three-bedroom (180-200 sq m), 2.5-bathroom home.