By VANESSA VALENZUELA
WORKS have commenced on the construction of a controversial $150 million development in Sunshine.
State Planning Minister Matthew Guy turned the sod yesterday for the first stage of the development which will be home to 119 apartments and 13 shops on the corner of Foundry St and Hampshire Rd.
The nine-story apartment, retail and office precinct was first proposed in December 2005 and was met with strong opposition when council received more than 130 objections to the plan in 2006.
The Metrowest development will progress in several stages and will include a 12,500 square metre commercial office tower.
Acting General Manager of City Development Stuart Menzies said the project would set a benchmark for quality development in Sunshine.
“This development offers a new form of apartment style living that is not otherwise available in Sunshine. It will provide for greater housing choice for some existing residents and new households in Brimbank,” Mr Menzies said.
He said focusing on higher-density development in the centre of Sunshine was a key direction of council’s recent Housing Strategy ‘Home and Housed’.
“More people living in the centre of Sunshine will bring people and vitality to the streets, and support local business,” Mr Menzies said.
“It also helps protect the surrounding heritage areas and neighbourhoods around the town centre from higher-density development.”
Mr Menzies said council also supported the investments because it encouraged employment business opportunities.
“There are significant jobs generated in the construction period, and with new residents and workers occupying the development after completion, this will also increase the retail and service sector spending in Sunshine,” he said.
“Along with the rebuild of Sunshine Station as part of the Regional Rail Link and the new developments at Victoria University’s Sunshine campus, it is an exciting time for Sunshine.”
