The Australian construction sector’s resilience is being underscored in 2025 as major urban development and infrastructure projects valued at more than $7.6 billion reshape the nation’s metropolitan areas.
From master-planned communities to data centres, the projects span Australia’s residential, commercial and technology sectors.
Queensland has emerged as a development powerhouse with three major projects slated for the new year, including the $2-billion Providence Ripley masterplan.
Victoria and New South Wales also have transformative projects in play, including Melbourne Quarter, where seven buildings up to 40 storeys will house 3500 office workers alongside 1690 apartments.
International investment is continuing to drive major developments in 2025, including Japanese developers Daiwa House and Sumitomo Forestry backing significant projects.
The scale ranges from traditional residential developments to Squadron Energy’s Clarke Creek renewable energy project, which will deliver 194 turbines across two stages with a combined capacity of 1014 megawatts.
Slated for the Sunshine State growth corridor, Providence is a master-planned community with established facilities and infrastructure.
The 670ha urban development at Ripley, about 42km south-west of the Brisbane CBD, encompasses 7000 residential lots.
The masterplan includes two primary schools, two high schools, early learning centres and extensive recreational facilities including an amphitheatre, sports ovals, and water parks.
Location: Ripley Road, Greenview Ripley, Queensland
Project value: $2 billion
Developer: Stockland Developments Pty Ltd
Builders: BMD Constructions (residential), JMAC Constructions (sports precinct)
Architect: Wilson Architects (educational component)
Additional stakeholders: Department of Education and Training (educational component), Queensland Health (health and wellbeing hub)
Construction start: May, 2015
Construction end: 2030
This landmark precinct in Melbourne’s Docklands features seven buildings up to 40 storeys comprising 1690 apartments, four office buildings and a 2000sq m elevated Sky Park.
Lendlease’s precinct is planned to be home to 14,000 workers and more than 3800 residents.
The development, scheduled for completion towards the end of 2025, incorporates a central piazza with extensive retail space, dining precinct and community facilities.
Location: 614-666 Flinders Street, Collins Street, Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria
Project value: $1.9 billion
Developer/s: Daiwa House Australia (Cosmos Australia), Lendlease
Builder: Lendlease Corporation
Architects: Fender Katsalidis (residential), Denton Corker Marshall (commercial), Woods Bagot (C2 and C3 Office Buildings)
Construction start: January, 2017
Construction end: Fourth quarter, 2025
The renewable energy project in Queensland’s Broadsound Range, backed by Andrew Forrest’s Squadron Energy, is due to complete its first stage of 100 turbines by mid-2025.
The project, contracted to Stanwell Corporation, is planned to generate 450 megawatts, while a second stage whill ad 94 turbine, a 564 megawatts capacity and battery storage facilities.
That second stage is due to begin construction in the next 12 to 18 months.
The development is one of Australia’s largest hybrid renewable energy projects.
Location: Sarina, Queensland
Project value: $1.56 billion
Developers: Squadron Energy, Stanwell Corporation
Builders: Yurika, CATCON, Goldwind Australia
Architect: AECOM Australia
Construction start: November, 2023
Construction end: Not specified
Cedar Pacific and Sumitomo Forestry have partnered to develop a $1.2-billion build-to-rent portfolio across Australia and New Zealand.
Their first project, Brisbane’s 50 Quay Street tower comprising 475 apartments, is under construction as part of Queensland’s build-to-rent pilot program.
Half the apartments will be offered at below-market rents, and the development is targeting 5-Star Green Star certification.
Location: 50 Quay Street, Brisbane
Project value: $1.2 billion
Developer: Cedar Pacific
Builder: Hutchinson Builders
Architect: Nettletontribe
Construction start: November, 2024
Construction end: 2027
A significant investment in Australia’s digital infrastructure capacity, the 122,546sq m development comprises a seven-storey data centre facility with 48 data halls, supported by dual electrical substations and comprehensive backup systems on a 9.17ha site.
According to application documents, “The facility will incorporate extensive resilience measures including 30 diesel fuel tanks for backup power generation”.
The project’s rapid construction timeline of approximately 12 months demonstrates the urgent demand for data centre capacity in the Australian market.
Location: Huntingwood, NSW
Project value: $974 million
Developer: AirTrunk Operating Pty Ltd
Builder: A W Edwards Pty Ltd
Architect: Greenbox
Construction start: May, 2024
Construction end: Second quarter of 2025
