Big things are happening in Sunshine, and investors had better get in quick.
That’s the message from Brimbank council administrators chairman John Watson, who showcased the development potential of the suburb at a recent invitation-only investment forum, which included presentations from Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA) chief executive Peter Seamer and Eureka Report co-founder James Kirby.
Growth estimates by the MPA reveal Sunshine’s emergence as a national employment cluster has the potential to bring 28,000 new jobs, 30,000 new homes and 58,000 new residents into the area.
“Council and the MPA are working very closely to develop a framework for the future growth of Sunshine,” Mr Watson said.
“Sunshine is transforming before our eyes.”
Mr Watson believes Sunshine has become the heart of Melbourne’s west, thanks to recent and ongoing investment in the area, including:
■ Redevelopment of the Sunshine railway station and bus interchange, and removal of two level crossings on Anderson Road as part of Regional Rail Link works;
■ Construction of the nine-storey, $150 million Foundry Towers, which will offer a mix of apartments, office space and retail;
■ Construction of a new $52 million Brimbank civic centre, which will centralise council operations on the Hampshire Road site and include an expanded library over two levels, a range of community and activity spaces, exhibition spaces, and tenant spaces for other organisations;
■ The $44 million trade industry training facility at Victoria University; and
■ A $5.8 million extension to the Visy Cares Hub.
Meanwhile, there is planning approval for a seven-storey, 150-bed private hospital on Furlong Road, while events such as Pho Fever, the Sunshine Short Film Festival and Sunshine Lantern Festival are bringing people to the area in droves.
To top it off, Sunshine’s Hampshire Road is set to be transformed into a boulevard-style shopping and entertainment precinct.
Releasing its Hampshire Road master plan last month, Brimbank council detailed plans to upgrade the road in four stages, including a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly strip with a town square, civic green, public art and improved lighting to encourage on-street trading, dining and events such as markets or festivals.
“The state government has also announced Sunshine as a major link in the airport rail project,” Mr Watson said.
“Our advice to investors is to seize this opportunity to become part of the story of a new bigger, brighter and better Sunshine.”
