Bundoora Commercial Approvals Reach $46.1 Million as Mixed-Use Projects Advance

Commercial approvals in Bundoora reached $46.1 million during FY26, a figure that underscores ongoing demand for retail and office space amid several large-scale projects.

The approvals reflect an average of 75 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five years, a pace that has supported mixed-use developments with ground-floor commercial components. This activity occurs while the 235-hectare La Trobe University Bundoora campus advances toward a $5 billion University City plan that will add commercial, retail, medical and cultural facilities over 10 to 30 years.

Active sites shaping supply

The $500 million Polaris 3083 project on the former Larundel Hospital site has reached its tenth year and is releasing the final Nova townhouses, with move-ins scheduled for late 2024. That development includes retail and commercial space already integrated into earlier stages. At 1091 Plenty Road a site carrying a permit for 361 apartments across six towers plus more than 1,000 square metres of commercial and retail floor space is listed for sale above $10 million. Separately, the City of Whittlesea has endorsed rezoning at 149 McKimmies Road, the former quarry, for roughly 730 homes that will incorporate 5 percent social housing and 10 percent affordable housing.

These projects create pockets of new commercial floor space at different price points and timelines. Businesses evaluating leases or fit-outs can compare the established retail offerings inside Polaris 3083 against the permitted space at 1091 Plenty Road, where delivery will follow the current marketing campaign.

Practical steps for local operators

Operators looking to secure space should review the remaining commercial allocations within the La Trobe University City master plan and the permitted retail component at 1091 Plenty Road before further sites reach construction. Monitoring the pace of approvals through the City of Whittlesea will give early signals on when additional zoned land may become available for commercial use.

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.