Sunkin Property Group has been given the green light to transform the former CSIRO site in Highett, in Melbourne’s southeast, into a $500-million-plus residential precinct that will focus on urban renewal, sustainability, nature, and town centre connectivity.
The developer seeks to provide a range of dwelling types to meet housing demand from singles, couples, and families and improve housing diversity in the area.
Within walking distance to Highett train station, the Clarke Hopkins Clarke-designed development is expected to generate 280 jobs a year during construction, and once complete, will support local retail with $50 million per year expenditure by 2032.
Sunkin general manager development Lloyd Collins said he was thrilled to have received development approval for the former CSIRO site from Bayside City Council.
He said: “Throughout the development application process we really listened to the community and as a result, we received a number of suggestions and great ideas that were included in our proposed amendments to the development plan approval.
“We are incredibly excited to deliver a project such as this for the wider community, which not only provides new public amenities and open space but will have significant positive impact on the local economy in terms of job opportunities and supporting local businesses.
“We are delighted that council has approved this development plan and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with council and the wider community to deliver this much needed development.
“We are seeing pent-up demand within the Bayside area and believe our park setting and connection to the station and vibrant town centre retail will be highly attractive to local buyers.”
The proposed development will benefit from the close proximity of Highett train station and Highett town centre and will have a significant positive impact on the local economy by generating new jobs in the area.
Sunkin will deliver four hectares of parkland surrounding the development on the 9.34-hectare site, including a new public park and conservation reserve.
A new public library is also proposed to be provided by Sunkin on the site, as well as a maternal and child health centre and the sinking of overhead high voltage power lines along Graham Road.
