Developers pour millions of dollars into Brimbank

An aged care home, childcare and residential towers were among the projects signed off by this western suburb council in 2020. Here are the big builds coming to your street.

Sunshine North real estate agent Ben Malaga said young families were flocking to Brimbank in droves post lockdown.

Childcare centres and a hotel were among almost $1 billion worth of planning applications considered by Brimbank Council in the past 12 months.

Council figures revealed exclusively to the Leader show $888 million worth of planning applications and subdivision certifications were decided by the council between January 1 and December 31 — but not all were approved.

A total of 1164 applications were considered, 163 more compared to the previous year.

The total value of development proposals also outstripped those considered by the council in 2019 by $57 million.

Big projects that won council approval included:

■ A residential hotel at 112-116 Anderson Rd in Sunshine, which was given the green light in September.

Two planning applications worth a total $132 million were approved by the council.

They covered stage one and two of building work to construct the hotel, food and drink areas.

The 2.2 hectare site previously sold in mid 2019 to a mystery buyer for $33 million according to media reports.

■ A new sport ground worth $44,000 with electronic score board was approved for 45C Stadium Drive in Keilor Park.

■ An aged care home for Brimbank’s ageing residents will be built at 21A Copernicus Way, Keilor Downs, Derrimut, after receiving planning approval in October. The project is estimated to cost $31.29 million.

■ Two childcare centres will be built at 158-160 Cornwall Rd, Sunshine, and 9-11 Suffolk Rd, Sunshine North. The centres are expected to cost 800,000 and $2 million respectively.

■ A data centre worth $60 million will be built at 210 Swann Drive, Derrimut. The site previously sold for about $12 million in 2019. An amended permit was issued by the council.

■ Two seven-storey towers containing 176 apartments were approved for 265 Duke St, Sunshine North. The developer’s $15 million development proposal was approved with amendments.

■ Offices, child care and shops will be housed in a $49.22 million seven-storey tower at 324-328 Hampshire Rd, Sunshine.

■ 29 warehouses and eight offices worth $17 million were approved for construction at 90 Castro Way, Derrimut.

Brimbank Council’s $60 million St Albans Leisure Centre redevelopment at 90 Taylors Rd was also given planning approval in February.

The project involves demolition of the former St Albans Leisure Centre and construction of a new recreational hub including a 50 metre, 10 lane pool, two water slides, a 24-hour gym, fitness studios and meeting rooms.

An artist’s impression of Brimbank Council’s new St Albans Leisure Centre. Picture: Brimbank Council

Malaga Real Estate director Ben Malaga said COVID-19 brought Melbourne to a standstill, but Brimbank had proven it was still a lucrative area for developers to invest in and a great place to live.

Young families were flocking to the area due to its affordable house prices and he said his agency had never been busier.

“I can’t remember the last time I sold a property under reserve,” Mr Malaga said.

The Property Council of Australia’s Victorian executive director Danni Hunter said Melbourne’s lockdown highlighted the importance of community infrastructure after people found themselves confined to their local areas.

“The increase in planning applications in part reflects the need for this infrastructure, such as libraries, community centres, childcare and aged care, to be modernised and expanded” Ms Hunter said.

Record low interest rates and state and federal government grants had also helped many people buy property in 2020, particularly first homebuyers, she said.

“More than 21,500 Victorians have applied for (the) home builder (grant) already, and the stamp duty discounts announced in last year’s State Budget should keep demand for housing strong well into 2021.”

Development proposals knocked back by the council last year included a planning application to build 62 warehouses and a cafe at 1 Calarco Drive and 4 and 12 Buys Court, Derrimut, worth $10.5 million.

The council also rejected a planning application for a $55 million residential development comprised of 227 townhouses and 61 apartments at 99 Derby Rd, Sunshine, but a six-storey motel worth $8.6 million was approved for the same site.