As investment in Melbourne’s west accelerates, the Sunshine Precinct is emerging as a key node in Victoria’s long-term urban growth strategy.

Backed by more than $20 billion in public infrastructure projects, this historically working-class area is being quietly repositioned as a future metropolitan centre - one that may reshape how Melbourne’s west grows over the next three decades.

<h2>Strategic repositioning through transport infrastructure</h2>

At the centre of this transformation is Sunshine’s evolving role as a major transport interchange. A series of significant rail upgrades - most notably the Melbourne Airport Rail link - will establish Sunshine Station as a primary hub connecting regional Victoria, the western suburbs, and Melbourne Airport to the CBD.

Currently underway, the Melbourne Airport Rail project will deliver a 30-minute connection between the city and the airport, with Sunshine Station acting as a key transfer point. As part of this, Sunshine is being redeveloped into a transport “superhub”, including new regional platforms, extended concourses, track realignments, and improved signalling infrastructure.

This network shift, supported by complementary projects like the Sunbury Line Upgrade and Metro Tunnel, positions Sunshine at the crossroads of future movement patterns - both within the metropolitan area and beyond.

<h2>Growth Areas: Housing, Jobs and Urban Structure</h2>

Urban growth forecasts model significant shifts in the Sunshine Precinct’s population and job capacity over the next 25 years. According to Victorian Government estimates, the area could support:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">70,000 dwellings by 2051, up from 16,000 in 2021</li>
	<li aria-level="1">45,000 residents, compared to today’s estimated 27,000</li>
	<li aria-level="1">26,000 jobs, more than doubling the current base of 10,000</li>
</ul>

Importantly, this growth is concentrated around three primary nodes:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">Sunshine Station Precinct – envisioned as a mixed-use transit hub with commercial, civic and high-density residential development.</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Albion Quarter – a large redevelopment area surrounding the rebuilt Albion Station, planned to accommodate a mix of employment land and infill housing.</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Sunshine CBD – a civic and educational centre that includes Victoria University and Sunshine Hospital, with potential for further office-based employment growth.</li>
</ul>

These zones are positioned to support medium-to-high-density outcomes over time, particularly in response to housing supply pressures and the increasing viability of transit-oriented development in Melbourne’s middle suburbs.

<h2>Public Realm and Amenity Improvements</h2>

Complementing the transport infrastructure is a suite of urban realm projects aimed at improving the liveability and walkability of Sunshine.

The Sunshine Station Masterplan, supported by $143 million in government funding, outlines improvements such as:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">A new plaza and bus interchange at Station Place</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Shared user paths and landscaped public open space</li>
	<li aria-level="1">A new development site adjacent to the station</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Improved pedestrian connections across the rail corridor</li>
</ul>

Further north, the Albion Quarter Structure Plan is being prepared to support the transition of underutilised industrial land to mixed-use zones, with an emphasis on proximity to public transport and community infrastructure.

Meanwhile, early-stage planning is underway to revitalise Stony Creek, a concrete-lined drainage corridor, into a more ecologically integrated and accessible green space that could serve both flood management and recreational purposes.

<h2>Market and Investment&nbsp;</h2>

Although Sunshine has seen incremental renewal in recent years, particularly within its CBD and civic precincts, its broader built form remains relatively low in scale. Large parcels of land, legacy industrial uses, and fragmented development patterns have historically limited significant private investment.

However, that equation is beginning to change. Government-led infrastructure is laying the groundwork for long-term uplift in land values and development feasibility, particularly for medium- and high-density residential and mixed-use projects within walking distance of key transit points.

The opportunity, for now, lies in the early timing of intervention. As has occurred in precincts like Box Hill and Footscray, public sector certainty around infrastructure often precedes a wave of private-sector response. Sunshine’s relatively flat topography, proximity to established institutions, and substantial redevelopment sites give it a similar potential trajectory.

<h2>New housing opportunities</h2>

Well positioned to take advantage of the future growth in Sunshine is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/luma-sunshine-north-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north-vic-3020">LUMA</a>, a vibrant new community by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/development-victoria">Development Victoria</a> - the Victorian Government’s property developer.

Located halfway between Ginifer and Albion Stations and near the upcoming Sunshine Precinct infrastructure, LUMA Sunshine North will feature over 300 townhouses, with Melbourne-based SAW Constructions delivering the first two stages of the development.&nbsp;

The first stage of LUMA has delivered 86 homes, with all residents now moved in and enjoying all that the area has to offer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27783 project_image_fid=350574]

More than 3,600 sqm of open space has already been created at the newly opened Willowbark Park which features a playground, BBQs and picnic areas, enhancing liveability and local connection.&nbsp;

A direct connection to the Stony Creek pedestrian path network has also been integrated, seamlessly extending this key link and encouraging active travel both within the site and beyond. A future bridge over Stony Creek will directly link the new community with the existing residential area to the east, improving east–west connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27783 project_image_fid=255556]

Development Victoria has recently started construction on Stage two - a mix of 85 two, three, and four-bedroom townhouses to suit a range of households and budgets, from first home buyers and investors to young families and downsizers.

Homes at LUMA are designed with a focus on sustainability and are all-electric, featuring solar PV double-glazed windows, and a minimum 7-star <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides/what-is-a-nathers-rating-in-new-off-the-plan-apartment-developments">NatHERS</a> energy rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27783 project_image_fid=96896]

Development Victoria is a government agency partnering with industry and communities to create sustainable, liveable places for people. They unlock underutilised land to deliver housing across Victoria, from house and land communities in Officer and Springvale, to mixed-use precincts in Fitzroy and Kew. They build a variety of homes and communities where people can thrive while catering to different budgets, lifestyles and needs so that more people can live where they want to be at prices they can afford.

Stage two of LUMA is now selling and is due for settlement next year. Buyers can secure a home with a 2.5% upfront deposit, and receive a $10k discount on the full price of the homes until June 30.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=27783]

Well positioned to take advantage of the future growth in Sunshine is LUMA, a vibrant new community by Development Victoria - the Victorian Government’s property developer

Joel Robinson

Infrastructure drives new momentum in Melbourne’s Sunshine Precinct

Burgeoning South East Queensland builder-developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG) has its sights firmly set on their next Sunshine Coast apartment development.

GVG recently settled on a $19 million purchase of a prime 5,289 sqm site across 1–9 Bulcock Street and 45–47 Bombala Terrace. The acquisition paves the way for <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/eden-caloundra-1-9-bulcock-street-caloundra-qld-4551">Eden Caloundra</a>, a two-tower project with 179 apartments.

Early registrations are now open for Eden, with a full launch scheduled for September. Construction is expected to begin in January 2026, with the site already cleared.

The team revisited the original approved plans, which had included a hotel and nearly 3,000 sqm of retail and commercial space, and opted for a new direction.

GVG Director Sam Gardner says Eden presents an opportunity to reinvigorate Bulcock Street.

"Bulcock Street is one of the premier streets in Caloundra, but it's been left behind in recent years. We expect Eden to be just the start of the revitalization of the area," Gardner says.

He adds that the ground-level retail offering will be carefully curated, with a particular focus on the two hospitality operators that will play a key role in the precinct’s success.

<img alt="Eden Caloundra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6f20917c-6aa4-412e-aed9-39d88fbbb5a7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-06-04%20at%209.40.07%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=tqo8py25Vq1we1IXFosNRwQPaUOwxIST" />

The national expressions of interest campaign by Colliers&nbsp;agents Brendan Hogan and Baydn Dodds attracted more than 210 enquiries and seven formal offers.

Hogan said this site offered a significant development opportunity in one of the most in-demand and supply-constrained markets in Queensland and Australia.

“The strong demand for housing and accommodation in the Sunshine Coast region drew intense interest from local and national developers,” Hogan said.

“This was a particularly rare site as it is located in an established area close to beaches, shops, cafes and entertainment at the top end of Caloundra’s CBD but also offered an elevated site, offering potential ocean and mountain views."

Baydn Dodds said the transaction reflects the continued strength of the Sunshine Coast market and the high level of interest for premium development opportunities in lifestyle destinations such as Caloundra.

The population on the Sunshine Coast is expected to grow by 237,900 people between 2021 and 2046, requiring around 89,800 new dwellings. This equates to around 3,600 new homes needing to be delivered each year to accommodate the forecast annual population growth of more than 9,500 people.

GVG Director Sam Gardner says Eden presents an opportunity to reinvigorate Bulcock Street

Gardner Vaughan plans Eden Caloundra launch after $19m site purchase

Melbourne developer Central Equity is reviving its Surfers Paradise tower that was shelved three years ago due to escalating construction costs.

Central Equity, HIA Victoria's most awarded apartment developer—known for projects such as Melbourne Grand, Southbank Place, and Victoria Tower—has completed over 80 developments.

Back in 2022, the plan was for Pacific One, a 56-level tower comprising 486 dwellings. Although sales began successfully, it soon became clear the project was no longer feasible due to rising construction costs.

Now, there are renewed hopes that the skyscraper—set on a prime 3,259 sqm corner site at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/corner-of-frederick-street-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise">Frederick Street and Garfield Terrace</a>—will go ahead.

Central Equity has returned to the drawing board with architecture firm Marchese Partners, submitting a revised proposal for a 52-level tower with 347 apartments. The new design features six podium levels, up from the two originally approved. That will home the 387 parking spaces, rather than in basement-level parking, a costly and timely exercise.

<img alt="CE" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0cf7ffb-442b-4e8d-ae06-c37c0c1015ba" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Central%20Equity.jpg?VersionId=UkIDoY5fIGYQB4zfXvGvQPLrCa1JbfFC" />

A pre-lodgement meeting was held with the Gold Coast City Council before the recent application. Council supported the podium height, and identified reservations about the dark-glazed appearance, recommending finishes that complement the residential coastal character.

"In response to the above items raised, the development was revised to incorporate a more subtropical, coastal design palette with more incorporated articulation and recesses and deep planting," town planner Urbis noted in their submission.

Marchese Partners said in their submission that while&nbsp;the redesign of the development has been approached holistically, the design changes largely relate to the podium levels and tower base.

"The tower design remains primarily the same, with only minor revisions to the central column design. Given proposed increase in podium height, careful consideration has been given to the design strategy of these levels to ensure the tower base positively contributes to the streetscape character and coastal environment."

They said the podium design has been cleverly revised to emulate residential dwellings, by incorporating balconies and glazing with false windows.

"This creates the appearance of residential dwellings while also creating visual interest through balconies of varying height, width and depth and integrated landscaping. This in turn softens the overall appearance of the podium, reducing visual bulk and positively contributing to the development character of the area while maintaining the anticipated development intensity for the zone."

The extensive amenity that was on offer in the original building has been reduced.

Previously known as the Pacific Club (below), the sixth level will still feature two swimming pools, cabanas, barbecue areas, an indoor and outdoor gym, sauna, and a club lounge. Gone however is the exclusive rooftop club, reserved only for the use of skyhome and penthouse residents. There had been plans for a glass-edge pool, gym, sauna, and alfresco dining spaces.

<img alt="Central Equity" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b7097f57-ad14-445d-8841-26fdff92d5bf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-06-04%20at%209.54.54%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=MCrx6w01dAUCsSEv.8Hf3uSd5LRt93o3" />

When Pacific One launched, Central Equity Executive Director, Karl Kutner, said the market had been starved of the type of dwelling mix being offered in the development.

"There's not many projects at the moment in this location that offer one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments," Kutner said.

It is nearly two decades since Central Equity acquired their first block on Frederick Street. They had planned a more boutique building before acquiring several neighbouring properties to create a 19-lot compound.

The new tower will be Central Equity's first outside of Melbourne.

Central Equity has returned to the drawing board with architecture firm Marchese Partners, submitting a revised proposal for a 52-level tower with 347 apartments

Central Equity to revive shelved Surfers Paradise apartment tower

Developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a> and its joint venture partners MaxCap Group and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, have announced a significant construction milestone for The Queensbridge Building, with the project officially topping out and reaching its full height at 65-levels and 209 metres tall.&nbsp;

Celebrating the building’s structure reaching completion and acknowledging the hard work from construction workers and trades to achieve this in a safe and timely manner, particularly given the current construction climate, The Queensbridge Building’s topping out marks a major step towards welcoming its new residents home to the 353 apartments in Q4 2025.&nbsp;

It is also a milestone that serves as an early indicator of the upcoming opening of the signature component of the unique development, the Hannah St. Hotel.&nbsp;

The 188-key boutique hotel has been the focus of the design and brand team at Time &amp; Place and is the newest design-led property to join the Collection by TFE Hotels portfolio.&nbsp;

Collection Hotels, including the recently opened The EVE Hotel Sydney, are committed to quality design, exceptional experience, and connection to their community. Each is independently owned, with management services provided by TFE Hotels.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272102]

As the only high-rise residential tower in Southbank set for completion in 2025, The Queensbridge Building achieving topping out reinforces confidence for existing purchasers and prospective buyers in a current market where off the plan project delays are not uncommon. &nbsp;

Built by Hickory, renowned for its large-scale, high-quality developments across Australia, The Queensbridge Building’s future residents can be confident that their homes will be delivered to the highest standard, reflecting Hickory’s proven track record in luxury, high-density living.&nbsp;

Architects&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a> worked alongside Time &amp; Place and the award-winning interior designer David Flack from <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/flack-studio">Flack Studio</a>&nbsp;to design the timeless architecture that has become The Queensbridge Building.&nbsp;

The development features a series of luxe residential amenities including private rooftop terraces, lush gardens, lap pool, wellness studios, co-working space, and The Clubhouse for residents which will be serviced by the Hannah St. Hotel.

The hotel lobby and food and beverage will be located adjacent to the residential lobby and create a unique hospitality element to the precinct that significantly enhances the building’s overall services on offer, providing a unique premium experience for residents.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272082]

With The Queensbridge Building now directing attention to interior fit-outs to reach its full completion, Time &amp; Place is excited to add yet another leading residential development to their growing $5 billion development portfolio.&nbsp;

Tim Price, Founder and Director of Time &amp; Place, said the topping-out milestone was a proud moment for the project and a testament to the team’s dedication.&nbsp;

“This is a momentous step towards delivering The Queensbridge Building, and the dedication from our partners, Hickory and MaxCap Group, ensures a project of exceptional quality," Price said.

"Reaching this point gives buyers confidence that their home will be delivered on time, meeting the high expectations we’ve communicated from the outset."

Simon Hulett, Head of Direct Investment at MaxCap Group, highlighted the significance of the construction milestone.&nbsp;

“Reaching this milestone for a tower of this height, scale, and complexity reflects the superior execution capabilities of our partners, Hickory and Time &amp; Place," Hulett says.

"It also highlights the quality of product and outcome we are committed to delivering for our investors. We believe The Queensbridge Building will set a new benchmark for quality in Melbourne and is ideally positioned to capitalise on the improving market sentiment in 2025.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1504]

Tim Price, Founder and Director of Time & Place, said the topping-out milestone was a proud moment for the project and a testament to the team’s dedication

The Queensbridge Building, Southbank apartment tower, tops out

Multi-generational living is becoming increasingly common in modern apartment developments.

As baby boomers begin planning for retirement, many are looking to downsize—unlocking equity from their large family homes now that their children have left, or are preparing to leave, the nest.

They're seeking homes that are more low-maintenance and less demanding, but still spacious and practical.

Some downsizers wait until their children move out; others plan ahead for that eventual reality. The latter group often seeks large apartments with multiple living zones—allowing adult children, who might still be studying or starting full-time work, to retain some independence while staying within the family home.

With this in mind, Salter Brothers teamed up with architect John Demos to design their new Ivanhoe apartment development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela</a>, to meet the needs of downsizing families. The result: a limited collection of large, dual-level residences featuring multiple living zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336456]

These multi-zoned apartments are not only attracting downsizers with older children but also younger families looking for a more affordable, brand-new alternative to established housing—often out of reach in inner-city suburbs like Ivanhoe.

There is also a smaller, yet significant, market of buyers planning to accommodate ageing parents in the future. To cater for this, the two-level known as the loft style apartments in the Lustre collection feature a master bedroom on the ground floor—complete with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe—situated next to the main kitchen, living, and dining area. This thoughtful layout eliminates the need to navigate stairs, providing added comfort and accessibility. &nbsp; Additionally, the Lustre collection includes single storey apartment options for young families.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=212227]

Several apartments also include integrated study nooks, catering to children of all ages—whether for homework, remote learning, or working from home.

Candela offers four distinct apartment collections: Aurora, Brillante, Halo, and Lustre, with a mix of one- to four-bedroom floorplans.

From the Brillante collection upwards, each configuration is suited to family living. The curved walls in the master bedrooms of Brillante apartments, for example, lend themselves to being used as nursery corners or quiet study areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=212225]

The one-bedroom Aurora apartments offer yet another form of multi-generational living: adjacent, yet independent, residences. A grandparent or young adult can live nearby while maintaining their own private space. With only four of these unique layouts available in the entire development, they present a rare opportunity to achieve proximity with privacy in a new build.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=169534]

In addition to introducing new apartment living to a suburb traditionally dominated by detached houses, Salter Brothers is also delivering valuable amenities to Ivanhoe. The apartments will have access to commercial spaces—designed to foster community connection while serving both residents and the wider neighbourhood. Residents will also have exclusive access to private amenities, including a residential lounge and rooftop terrace.

Construction has commenced, with completion expected by the end of September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

The multi-zoned apartments are not only attracting downsizers with older children but also younger families looking for a more affordable, brand-new alternative to established housing

Chinese developer Dahua Group reweighting its Melbourne portfolio

Staff reporter

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