Brimbank Council reveals hub vision for Sunshine Station redevelopment

Sunshine and Albion train stations would get a radical make over to revitalise the area and create a transport super hub.

Render for Sunshine Super Hub and Albion Station. Picture: Brimbank Council

A key inner city train station would become a vibrant community hub under local council plans.

The City of Brimbank has created a Sunshine Super Hub vision that could involve moving Sunshine and Albion stations.

Sunshine will be on the Metro Tunnel, Melbourne Airport Link and Suburban Rail Loop lines so the area has been designated a priority precinct by the government.

“The station has the capacity to function as a world-class multi-nodal transport hub and as a catalyst in unlocking the immense potential of the west,” the council’s document says.

The concept envisages a new concourse plaza space integrated with wide pedestrian ramps, “ensuring that the station precinct feels as part of the vibrant CBD and not a stand-alone station”.

Render for Sunshine Super Hub and Albion Station proposal. Picture: Brimbank Council

Offices, cafes and restaurants and civic uses such as art galleries would be included in the project.

Brimbank has consulted the community and will work with the state and federal governments to ensure that transport, economic and social outcomes for the precinct are maximised.

A “sky rail-type” option for Sunshine and Albion stations has been rejected, but the council is considering a proposal to move both stations to the north.

A redeveloped Albion Station would address the adjacent heritage-listed John Darling Flour Mill building, with a new hotel and eateries to take advantage of links to the Airport Rail, Sunshine CBD and new Energy Park. The area’s makeover would need the removal of level crossings and support from the likes of Victoria University and Melbourne Airport.

“By 2040, Brimbank envisages a thriving cultural and sustainable Sunshine Priority Precinct, which is the economic powerhouse of the west,” the council said.

“However, this will begin by securing federal and state government support for council’s vision around the precinct now, and as we begin responding to COVID.”

Also on Brimbank’s agenda is the $60m “shovel-ready” St Albans Health and Wellbeing Hub that will create 100 construction jobs and 120 ongoing jobs in the centre.

The state government has already earmarked $2m for the project, but the council is seeking more funding from federal and state sources in response to COVID-19.