Get ready for a major transformation in Ocean Reef! The long-awaited Sunset Plaza shopping centre is finally breaking ground in the coming weeks, but not without a few twists and turns in its development journey. And this is the part most people miss: the project has undergone yet another revision, sparking both excitement and debate among locals.
After securing unanimous approval from State planners, developers Saracen Property are set to replace the initially planned childcare centre with consulting rooms, alongside minor tweaks to parking and the building’s layout. But here’s where it gets controversial: this marks the second significant change to the original $22.7 million vision, which originally included a gym instead of the childcare facility. Is this a step forward or a missed opportunity for the community? We’ll let you decide.
Once completed, the three-storey centre will boast a Coles supermarket, approximately 16 specialty stores, a family tavern, and the newly approved consulting rooms. Parking, however, has been a hot topic. While the basement carpark adjustments reduced the number of bays by 30, the overall parking shortfall has actually decreased from 105 to 86 bays, thanks to the removal of the childcare centre. Is this enough to meet the community’s needs, or will parking remain a headache?
According to a development planner from Urbis, representing Saracen Property, these changes are a result of evolving leasing plans and feasibility assessments. “This amendment is minor but crucial for financial viability,” the planner explained. “It allows Saracen to start construction within weeks—a typical evolution in shopping centre redevelopments as initial visions adapt to detailed planning.”
Located between the Ocean Reef Retirement Country Club and Ocean Reef Primary School, the site has already seen progress with the completion of a new service station and two fast-food outlets as part of the first development phase. The old shopping centre was demolished in mid-2023, making way for this ambitious project.
So, what’s your take? Are these changes a smart move for Sunset Plaza, or do they raise concerns about community needs? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your thoughts!
