Bundoora Commercial Approvals Reach $46.1 Million as Investment Flows Build

Bundoora recorded $46.1 million in commercial approvals during the current financial year, a figure drawn directly from City of Whittlesea planning data. This total tracks alongside staged retail openings that include Woolworths and Dan Murphy's as anchor tenants.

Major Projects Driving Activity

La Trobe University’s 235-hectare campus is advancing a $5 billion masterplan that converts the site into La Trobe University City over 30 years. The plan targets housing for 15,000 residents plus dedicated research, health and commercial zones. MAB Corporation is separately delivering its $1 billion University Hill mixed-use scheme on a 10-year timetable, with the project forecast to create more than 3,500 jobs. On the former Larundel Hospital site, the $500 million Polaris 3083 development has reached 80 percent completion on its residential component while adding a new town centre and more than 1,100 dwellings overall.

These figures illustrate how capital is moving into both institutional research facilities and private mixed-use precincts. The approvals total captures only the commercial portion of planning decisions processed so far in FY26 and does not include residential or infrastructure spending already committed under the university masterplan or the University Hill schedule.

Rezoning Expands Future Supply

The City of Whittlesea has endorsed rezoning of industrial land at the former quarry site at 149 McKimmies Road. The change is expected to yield approximately 730 new homes, of which 10 percent will be reserved for affordable housing. This step adds to the pipeline of sites that can support further commercial and retail operators once residential population grows.

Local planning staff continue to process applications against the endorsed development plans for Bundoora. Developers and businesses seeking sites can review current approvals lists and endorsed plans on the City of Whittlesea website to identify parcels aligned with the recorded commercial activity levels.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.