A new bus interchange will be created at Sunshine train station and the station entrance revamped under the state government’s Sunshine Precinct Masterplan.
The masterplan was released by the government on Sunday, October 30.
The government will spend $143 million on the first stage of the masterplan as part of the Melbourne Airport Rail project.
The first stage of the masterplan includes a new bus interchange as well as new station plaza and entrance, shared user paths and open space, pick up and drop off areas and intersection upgrades around the bus interchange.
Development sites will be created, which the government said will make it easier to deliver further stage of the masterplan in the years to come.
The masterplan is based on draft Sunshine Station Super Hub Masterplan which draws on the vision Brimbank council established for the Sunshine CBD based on extensive community and stakeholder feedback.
Council welcomed the masterplan and funding, with mayor Jasmine Nguyen describing Sunday’s announcement as the result of significant advocacy by council and the community.
“This is a significant step towards the transformation of the working class area of Sunshine into the powerhouse of Melbourne’s west through leveraging the Melbourne Airport Rail and other mega infrastructure investment,” she said.
“The transformation of the Sunshine Precinct has the potential to break the cycle of inter-generational unemployment and disadvantage by maximising the benefits the airport rail can provide for the local community.
“The Sunshine Station upgrade will give the entire precinct a facelift, with modern facilities and better access bringing this busy local hub up to the standard commuters in Melbourne’s west expect and deserve.”
Council estimates about $500 million will be needed to fund the Sunshine Station Masterplan in full.
St Albans MP Natalie Sulyeman said the government looked forward to seeing works begin at Sunshine and to the delivery of further stages of the masterplan in the years to come.
On Sunday, the government also announced that works on the airport rail link were under way at Keilor East. The first tranche of works works will include the removal and relocation of six AusNet electricity transmission towers between the Western Ring Road (M80) and the existing Albion-Jacana freight corridor.
