By Tate Papworth
The Sunshine Marketplace looks set to undergo a much-anticipated redevelopment.
Vicinity Centres confirmed that management is planning to develop the ageing mall and evolve with the suburb.
“Vicinity Centres, owners of Sunshine Marketplace are continuing to move forward with long-term master planning for redevelopment of the centre,” a spokesperson for the company said.
“The opportunity exists to ensure the centre reflects the changing needs of the local community and federal and state government’s investment into the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, including the proposed super hub at Sunshine.
“As we move through planning our long-term vision we’ll continue to work closely with all levels of government and other key stakeholders to understand what the proposed airport rail project will mean for the people who live, work, study and shop around Sunshine Marketplace.”
The company was tight-lipped on details, but
Star Weekly believes key stakeholders, including the Brimbank council and Sunshine Business Association, have been briefed on the proposed development.
Sunshine Business Association president Carson Luk said the redevelopment was a long-time coming.
“Sunshine Marketplace is well-established and an important part of the Sunshine community,” he said.
“The community has quietly and patiently longed for the marketplace to evolve and lift.
“The mixed-use makeover appears to be market-driven, responding to future demands and is timely, with the state and federal government stepping up plans for an airport rail link through Sunshine.
“I am quietly excited about the redevelopment as it has the potential to result in social and economic benefit to the local community through employment, expenditure, attracting new investment to the area, creating linkages with tourism and a physical regeneration of out-dated areas.”
The marketplace celebrated its 20th birthday last year. It has undergone just one major redevelopment in 20 years.
