This place snapshot provides a summary of future development in the Bundoora area for current and future residents, business owners, investors and community groups.
You can download the full Bundoora place snapshot or explore areas of interest on this webpage by clicking the above links.
Download Place snapshot: Bundoora(PDF, 1MB)
For snapshots of development in other areas, see Place snapshots: a guide to development in your area.
Only a small part of Bundoora is within the City of Whittlesea boundary. The rest of the suburb is served by Darebin and Banyule councils. Approximately 45% of the population lives in the City of Whittlesea, 37% in Banyule and 18% in Darebin.
‘Bundoora’ is a local Aboriginal word meaning ‘the plain where kangaroos live'. Bundoora was named after Keelbundoora, which is the name of the parish (land) where Bundoora exists today.
Keelbundoora was also the name of the young boy present at the signing of the Batman Treaty. This was an historic land agreement made by European settler, John Batman, with the Aboriginal peoples of Melbourne in 1835. The treaty was later ruled invalid by the government of the day.
European settlement of the area dates from 1838, with land mainly used for farming.
The number of residents was small until the late 1800s. Significant development did not occur until the post-war era with Bundoora experiencing substantial growth in the 1960s because of home affordability and employment opportunities.
It was estimated that 13,500 people lived in Bundoora in 2015, with a projected increase of about 1,800 people by 2036.
Bundoora has the largest proportion of young adults aged 18–24 in the municipality; a total of 13%. This is probably because of having two universities in the area.
By 2036 the most populous age group is expected to be 35–49 year olds.
In 2015 it was estimated there would be 169 births, which is an average of three births per week. It's estimated that this birth rate will remain constant to 2036.
Almost half of the residents in the area (45%) speak a language other than English at home. The most common languages are Mandarin, Italian and Macedonian.
In 2015 there were approximately 5,000 dwellings. By 2036 this is expected to increase to 5,700 dwellings with an average household size of 2.8 people.
More Bundoora residents work in retail, health care and social assistance than in any other industries.
Compared with averages across the greater Melbourne area, there is a higher proportion of Bundoora residents attending university and fewer enrolled in preschool, primary and secondary school.
Seven out of ten residents drive a car to their place of work with more than 60% of households having access to two or more motor vehicles.
Residential, retail and commercial growth is expected to continue in the area.
University Hill development plan
The University Hill (Janefield) development plan shows the proposed development for this housing estate in Bundoora. Development of the estate will generally follow the plan, but is subject to change.
Find the location of University Hill on our interactive map
University Hill contains more than:
- 130 national and international businesses
- 1,500 employees
- 100 retailers and big name brands at the Uni Hill Factory Outlet (UHFO) and the town centre.
Facilities and services in the area include:
- supermarket
- bank
- post office
- cafes and restaurants
- fitness centre.
- E6 construction from Metropolitan Ring Road to Bridge Inn Road.
- Extending the tram line (route 86) from Bundoora to South Morang.
Read more about our current advocacy priorities
Bundoora Netball and Sports Centre is a large recreational facility catering to a range of sports. Located within the grounds of RMIT University, the facility also includes a fitness centre.
Sports catered for at the centre include:
- basketball
- netball
- badminton
- volleyball
- tennis
- squash
- hockey
- soccer
- running.
Dedicated netball sessions are available for people of all ages with intellectual disability.
Location
Building 203, RMIT University
McKimmies Road
Bundoora
Phone: 03 9925 7999
Email: sportcentre@rmit.edu.au
RMIT University's Bundoora campus specialises in:
- engineering
- biosciences
- education
- medical sciences.
The university has also leased space at University Hill town centre to assist with the delivery of further courses.
For further information visit rmit.edu.au
Bundoora Square Shopping Centre has almost 100 shops and services, including:
- post office
- medical centres
- a range of speciality stores.
In 2015 Council undertook improvement works at Dennison Mall in the Bundoora Square shopping precinct. Upgrades included:
- installing a pedestrian crossing linking Bundoora Arcade and Dennison Mall
- car park upgrades
- a new pedestrian walk
- wider footpath connection.
Location
Corner of Plenty Road and Settlement Road
Bundoora
For more information visit Bundoora Square
Northpark Private Hospital is a 153 bed hospital with capacity for more than 100 healthcare specialists. The hospital was built in 1979.
It offers a range of in-patient, day-patient and out-patient services including:
- surgical
- medical
- mental health
- maternity
- nursery care
- mother/carer and baby services.
For more information visit northparkprivatehospital.com.au