Sunset Plaza Construction in Ocean Reef to Commence Shortly Following Plan Amendments
Main construction of the highly anticipated Sunset Plaza shopping centre in Ocean Reef is scheduled to begin within the coming weeks, following the approval of key amendments to the development plan on Wednesday. Developers Saracen Property received unanimous approval from State planners to modify the project, which includes replacing a proposed childcare centre with consulting rooms, along with minor adjustments to parking arrangements and the building's layout.
Evolution of Development Plans
This decision represents another alteration to the original plans for the $22.7 million development. Initially, the project had envisioned a gym, which was later changed to a childcare centre before the latest amendment introduced consulting rooms. The three-storey centre, upon completion, will feature a Coles supermarket, approximately 16 specialty stores, a family tavern, and the newly approved consulting rooms.
Parking capacity has been adjusted as part of these changes. The number of carparking bays has been reduced by 30 due to modifications to the basement, resulting in a total of 266 bays across the basement and level two. However, the removal of the childcare centre has improved the parking shortfall, decreasing it from 105 to 86 bays in the updated plan.
Reasons Behind the Amendments
A development planner from Urbis, representing Saracen Property, explained to the Metro Outer Development Assessment Panel that the shift to consulting rooms stems from evolving leasing strategies. "This current amendment, and there have been several amendments to the original approval, is a result of Saracen advancing its tenancy leasing program, detailed design, and feasibility assessment," the planner stated. "Ultimately, this amendment is minor in our view and will ensure the development is financially viable, allowing Saracen to commence on-site work literally within the next couple of weeks."
The planner further noted that such planning changes are common in shopping centre redevelopments. "Obviously, there is a vision at the start, but that does change as you move through the detailed process," they added, highlighting the adaptive nature of large-scale projects.
Site Location and Progress
The site for the planned Sunset Plaza is situated between the Ocean Reef Retirement Country Club and Ocean Reef Primary School. Since the demolition of the old shopping centre at this location in mid-2023, initial development phases have already been completed. This includes the construction of a new service station and two fast-food outlets on the northern portion of the site, marking progress in the broader redevelopment effort.
As construction nears, the community awaits the transformation of this key area, with the Sunset Plaza set to become a central hub for retail and services in Ocean Reef.
