The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) coordinates planning and delivery activities across priority precincts identified in Plan for Victoria as places where significant growth is being planned to deliver new jobs and homes.
Located approximately 15 kilometres west of Melbourne's Central Business District, the Sunshine precinct is a major centre for transport, employment, education and community activity in Melbourne's west. Sunshine was identified as a priority precinct due to planned investment and its role as a major centre in Melbourne’s west. It is also identified as an Employment and Innovation Area (EIA) in Plan for Victoria.
With Sunshine’s population expected to more than double over the next 30 years, DTP released Sunshine Precinct Opportunity Statement (2021) to give other relevant state government agencies, the community and investors the confidence about how the Sunshine precinct will grow and develop over time. The Sunshine Precinct Opportunity Statement sets out a long-term vision for Sunshine, including increased housing and employment and a more intensive urban environment. Future growth is centred around three distinctive hubs: Sunshine Station, Sunshine CBD and Albion Quarter.
Image: Map showing Sunshine Station, Sunshine CBD and Albion Station as the key opportunity areas for future growth to be delivered through the Sunshine precinct.
Sunshine Station
Sunshine Station is planned to play an expanded role in Melbourne’s transport network connecting Sunshine to Melbourne’s CBD through the Metro Tunnel, the airport via the upcoming Melbourne Airport Rail, and increased connections to the regional rail network. Together, these projects are intended to increase rail capacity through Sunshine and improve connections with Melbourne’s CBD, Melbourne Airport and the regional rail network.
Melbourne Airport Rail
$12 billion of funding has been allocated for Stage 1 and 2 of the Melbourne Airport Rail, including improvements to Sunshine Station and the expected delivery of a new modern Albion Station by 2030, which will also enable the electrification of the Melton Line in future.
Sunshine Station Masterplan
A further $143 million of funding has been allocated to the delivery of the Sunshine Station Masterplan (2022), to help guide change and investment in the area. The Masterplan was informed by community and stakeholder engagement throughout August 2021 and April 2022, together with input from the Sunshine Precinct Community Reference Group.
The Sunshine Station Masterplan includes proposed improvements to pedestrian and cycling connections, the bus interchange, station forecourts and public open space.
As part of the Sunshine Station Masterplan, $7.5 million of grant funding was allocated to Brimbank City Council to deliver a suite of urban renewal and precinct activation projects in the Sunshine CBD, complementing the significant infrastructure investment and works already underway. The projects include a new plaza and modular arts hub on Clarke Street and a range of urban art installations and community safety upgrades which are proposed to be completed by early 2029.
Albion Quarter
As part of works for Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1, the rail corridor between West Footscray and Albion Station will be upgraded, alongside the delivery of a new accessible Albion Station. Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 2 is planned to connect Keilor East to Albion across a viaduct.
The draft Albion Quarter Structure Plan will guide future growth and planning in Albion Quarter to respond to planned transport investment and guide future land use and development in the Sunshine Priority Precinct.
For more information on the new Albion Station and Albion Quarter, please visit the Albion Quarter webpage.
Planning and Engagement
Planning for the Sunshine precinct has been informed by ongoing collaboration between government, community and industry stakeholders.
Consultation has occurred on the Sunshine Station Masterplan, and to develop the Albion Quarter Structure Plan – key planning documents.
The Sunshine Precinct Community Reference Group, comprised community representatives, businesses and key stakeholders, played an important role in informing planning and development across the Sunshine precinct. The group has contributed local knowledge and stakeholder perspectives to support the precinct's long-term growth and transformation.
Key Achievements
- Sunshine Precinct Opportunity Statement released in 2021
- Sunshine Station Masterplan released in 2022
- Funding allocated for improvements to Sunshine and Albion Stations
- Consultation undertaken on the Albion Quarter Structure Plan
- More than $5.5 million in State Government Building Works funding allocated to walking, cycling and open-space projects across the precinct.
- Funding secured for the Community Connectors program at Sunshine Station, which provides outreach, crisis support and referrals to people accessing the precinct.
Got a question?
Email the team at precincts@transport.vic.gov.au to learn more about the precinct.
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