LA TROBE RELEASES MASTERPLAN FOR UNIVERSITY CITY
19 Nov 2025
La Trobe University has released its masterplan for its Bundoora campus in Melbourne's northern suburbs. The $5-billion development will transform the 255ha campus into a mixed-use innovation precinct encompassing three residential villages, a major city centre and even more academic offerings.
The 30-year La Trobe University City project vision aims to create a new urban hub for Melbourne’s north, supporting a population of 40,000 students and helping shape a vibrant, sustainable and future-focused city.
Developed in consultation with stakeholders, community groups and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, the masterplan details the 30-year vision for the campus precinct that combines research, industry partnerships, education and high-quality urban living.
The long-term redevelopment would deliver the connected neighbourhoods that include 15 percent affordable housing alongside 230,000sq m of academic space, 330,000sq m of research and innovation space, 160,000sq m of commercial space and 50,000sq m of hospitality and retail outlets.
Featuring four connected neighbourhoods, La Trobe University City will include:
- North Village will focus on residential living, linked closely to existing surrounding communities.
- East Village will be a mixed-use area anchored in student accommodation and offering walkable access to Macleod Station.
- South Village will expand the campus’s research and commercial presence, supporting deeper collaboration between industry and academia.
- City Centre is the existing campus core, growing westward with new commercial, retail and academic developments.
Chancellor John Brumby said University City could boost gross regional product in Melbourne’s north-east by $440 million annually. “La Trobe University City will not only transform our campus, it will also create a thriving community that drives innovation and economic prosperity,” Brumby said.
Plenary Group - La Trobe's preferred master development partner - Head of Infrastructure Damien Augustinus said University City would redefine how university precincts were designed and delivered. “University City will cement La Trobe as a global university of choice for students and staff, increase engagement with government, industry and the community, and showcase it as a sustainability exemplar.”
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the initiative would enhance the quality of life for students and staff and contribute significantly to the economic and social fabric of Melbourne's north.“With world-class research, teaching and talent at its core, University City is a connected ecosystem of industry, health, housing, culture, sport and green space. It's a new model of how knowledge, place and imagination come together."
Development would incorporate more than a million square metres of regenerative open space, including the Nangak Tamboree Eco-Corridor. The university has submitted change-of-use plans to the state government to permit land sales for private development.
