Melissa Taylor and her fiance Clinton Modinger settled on Wallis Creek for its blend of convenience and lifestyle.

“I’m originally from Stockton, still working in Newcastle, and Clinton is from Maitland and working up the Valley,” Miss Taylor said.

“We had heard the Hunter Expressway was going in so we started to look at Gillieston and what we like about it is that it’s quiet, close to places like the vineyards and surrounded by shops.”

Once complete Wallis Creek will be a family-orientated community five minutes’ drive from historic Maitland, and will deliver 406 homes on the 56 hectare site.

The master-planned development has lots ranging from 450sq m to 783sq m from $159,000.

“The people who have bought around us are lovely and it’s an up-and-coming area with young families,” Miss Taylor said.

“To build a home and plan a wedding in a year is a bit daunting but the cost of building was quite reasonable.”

The arrival of the first residents caps a busy period for the developer Walker Corporation having opened 10 display homes in July.

“This marks a major milestone for the community and signals the next exciting phase of Wallis Creek’s development,” director Chad Walker said.

“It’s a proud moment for all of those dedicated to bringing Wallis Creek to life to see families moving into their much-anticipated dream homes.”

The Wallis Creek land sales information centre is on Cessnock Road at Gillieston Heights and is open from 11am to 5pm daily.

For information call 1800 925 547.