$68M Aston Square and 8,000 homes reshape Craigieburn's north

Craigieburn's northern growth corridor is entering its most intense phase of transformation, with the $68 million Aston Square retail hub under construction and a freshly gazetted precinct set to deliver more than 8,000 new homes. The developments, spanning Elevation Boulevard to Mickleham Road, signal a sustained push to accommodate Melbourne's northward expansion.

$68 million Aston Square takes shape

Ground has been broken at 179 Elevation Boulevard, where the Aston Square complex is expected to open in late 2026. The centre will house a supermarket, a gym, a childcare centre and more than 18 new businesses, according to the Victorian Planning Authority. It is the largest single retail investment in Craigieburn's northern corridor in recent years and is designed to serve the thousands of households already moving into surrounding estates.

Craigieburn West to deliver 8,000-plus homes

To the west, the newly gazetted Craigieburn West precinct is earmarked for more than 8,000 new dwellings, a local town centre, schools and community hubs. The precinct forms part of a broader plan that envisages up to 15,000 new homes across Melbourne's northern growth corridor. The gazettal clears the path for developers to submit detailed plans and start civil works, meaning the first land sales could follow within 12 to 18 months.

Montview Estate and Aston Craigieburn add supply

Potter George has opened Stage 3 at the Montview Estate on Mickleham Road, with land lots priced from $420,000. Titles are anticipated in mid-2026, giving buyers a concrete timeline. Meanwhile, Peet Limited is releasing 802 lots, including townhomes, in its Aston Craigieburn community, a 62-hectare project where construction started early this year and sales began after March. Both estates are within walking distance of the future Aston Square retail precinct.

ALDI approval adds grocery choice

ALDI Australia received planning approval for a new store at The Base Craigieburn, located at 650 Hume Highway. The discount grocer had been expected to open in mid-2025, which would provide an additional option for shoppers in the southern part of the suburb. The approval underlines the broader retail and amenity uplift occurring across Craigieburn's established and emerging neighbourhoods.

For residents and prospective buyers, the combined effect of these projects is a suburb that is rapidly filling in its remaining greenfield paddocks with the infrastructure of a full-fledged suburban centre. The next 18 months will determine whether the promised schools, shops and open space keep pace with the steady stream of new house lots.

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.