By Oliver Lees
The $100 million transformation of Sunbury South into a major town centre with extensive commercial and retail space is one step closer, with Sandhurst Retail & Logistics (SRL) having submitted their urban design framework to Hume council.
The ambitious project will include a national supermarket and discount department store, dining venues and retail spaces among outdoor amenities and a pedestrian-focused environment.
The proposed Sunbury South town centre will be situated on the corner of Sunbury Road and Shepherds Lane.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull said the development would help cater to the needs of Sunbury’s growing population.
“The Sunbury South major town centre presents a unique and wonderful opportunity for our growing community – local residents speak with me often about the need for greater retail options, more local jobs and more opportunities close to home,” Mr Bull said.
“This project is genuinely exciting and I look forward to its delivery and what it will mean for Sunbury and surrounding suburbs in the north west.”
According to data analytics organisation .id, Sunbury’s population is expected to double over the next 20 years, from 42,494 (2021) to 86,640 (2041).
Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said he was looking forward to seeing the community-focused space come to life.
“I think the centre will become a social space that facilitates community and economic growth, that the residents of Sunbury will benefit from for years to come,” Cr Haweil said.
“The centre will also create employment opportunities for local residents alongside other economic benefits, increasing employment rates and expenditure in the area. The full-line supermarket and specialty tenancies, as well as construction, will offer a variety of opportunities for our community.”
SRL has announced Dutch-based architecture firm Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) will lead the design of the precinct.
OMA director Paul Jones said his team is hoping to deliver a one-of-a-kind town centre.
“We’re using good urban principles and planning strategies to bring urban design, architecture and landscape together to deliver a completely different type of outcome – I don’t think there is anything like it,” Mr Jones said.
