Stockland Buys Estate in ‘Fastest-Growing’ Melbourne Suburb

Communities developer Stockland has bought a major estate in a North Melbourne suburb, the final development opportunity of its scale in the growth hub. 

The estate comes with a permit attached and sits 45km north-east of the Melbourne CBD in the City of Whittlesea local government area, touted as one of Victoria’s fastest-growing municipalities. 

The population of Whittlesea was forecast to grow 47.8 per cent in the 20 years to 2041.

The 33.4ha site on 25 Hunters Road was reportedly acquired by Stockland in a deal worth about $120 million. 

The estate in up-and-coming South Morang is approved for 387 lots of about 421sq m, and two additional medium density sites for up to 200 homes. 

There is also a 3600sq m commercial/mixed-use site included in the sale.

The estate is adjacent to the Hawkstone railway station, and sits on land described as the “last major generationally held development parcel” in the Plenty Road development corridor.

▲ The estate is also close to South Morang station.

It was put up for sale by B&S Land, with expressions of interest closing in August 2025. 

With a population of 24,989, South Morang residents have a medium age of 36 years and a weekly median household income of $2078. 

Along with the wider Whittlesea area, it has experienced continued growth in recent years, and developers have increasingly recognised its potential. 

A project at 18 Bush Boulevard in Mill Park was lodged this year, with developers planning 254 units across two eight-storey towers, upscaling previous plans for the site.

Riverlee’s $2-billion New Epping project is also in the works, and a precinct plan is in place aiming for faster greenfield growth.