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A rail service to Melbourne's Tullamarine airport is a step closer with the State Government announcing it will join the Commonwealth in proceeding with a rail link that will run via the <a href="http://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/sunshine-employment-cluster/">National Employment and Innovation Cluster</a> (NEIC) in <a href="/new-apartments/sunshine-vic-3020">Sunshine</a>.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan announced a route options assessment undertaken by Transport for Victoria has resulted in the Sunshine route - also known as the Albion (East) route - has come out on top.  The strategic appraisal has now been <a href="https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/318571/MARL-Sunshine-Route-Strategic-Appraisal.pdf">published</a> on the government's Big Build website.

In the route selection process, the Victorian Government has reaffirmed what previous studies have resulted in - from a connectivity and constructability point of view, the Sunshine (Albion) corridor has the greatest merit.

The other three routes, via Flemington, Maribyrnong and Craigieburn have all rated lower than the Sunshine corridor.  Constructability and cost penalise the Maribyrnong and Flemington routes with the strategic appraisal estimating 8-10 years and $15-$20 billion via Flemington and a whopping 10-12 years and $20-$25 billion via the Maribyrnong defence site.

The Craigieburn route scored the best on lowest cost ($5-$10 billion) and had a similar constructability and delivery time (7-9 years) as the preferred Sunshine route ($8-$13billion).   Sunshine won out over Craigieburn in connectivity and reducing travel time to key economic centres.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/marl_routes1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The routes that were assessed - again. Image: Transport for Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="803" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/marl_routes1.png?itok=G4XN0p9L" title="The routes that were assessed - again. Image: Transport for Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The routes that were assessed - again. Image: Transport for Victoria</figcaption></figure>A new super-hub station will be created at Sunshine for facilitating greater interconnection with the Ballarat and Geelong regional lines.  

Reflecting the position we're in with regards to the electoral cycle - Spring Street goes to an election on the last Saturday in November - the language from the Premier and Minister for Public Transport is starting to sharpen up.

"Only Labor has removed the level crossings and is building the Metro Tunnel – and only a re-elected Labor Government will deliver the Melbourne Airport Rail Link," the Premier said.  "The Andrews Labor Government will build the airport link via Sunshine, so that all Victorians can access the airport by rail, no matter where you live," the Minister for Public Transport said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
BREAKING NEWS: Airport Rail is finally happening. We've spent the last few years removing level crossings, and building the Metro Tunnel. Now we'll get this done. Watch how. <a href="https://t.co/JxxXCBmQ8l">pic.twitter.com/JxxXCBmQ8l</a>
— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1020813444327485440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2018</a>
</blockquote>

<h2>Analysis &amp; Comment</h2>

All (rail) roads certainly do lead to Sunshine.

There's still a long way to go before shovels hit the ground.  The Strategic appraisal sets out a timeline over the next four years and now that the route has been selected, a detailed business case on that route will be conducted and finalised by '2019/2020'.

"This strategic assessment will now inform the development of a full Business Case," the documents published today say - and hopefully when the business case is finished we'll know why the line is expected to cost $8-$13 billion.

Noting that maps released today state city access options are to be explored, I'd expect the full business case to now focus on different levels of quality. 

Quality in the sense the Airtrain concept from the <a href="http://www.railfutures.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/180530-Airport-Brochure_v7.pdf">Rail Futures Institute</a> would be at the upper echelon because it's as strategic as the 1960s-era act of locating Tullamarine where it now stands and by comparison simply building a branch line to the airport from the metro tunnel track pair would be significantly lower in quality.

The Government's language is headed in the right direction - even though the new infrastructure is located entirely within metropolitan Melbourne, there are just as many benefits for regions outside the capital as well.

Another hope for the full business case would be that the powers-that-be take a more holistic approach to public transport planning for the airport. 

Beyond the headline heavy rail link this would including looking at the benefits/costs of extending the #59 tram to the airport from its current terminus at Airport West - therefore servicing the jobs located on airport land to the south of the terminals and connecting passengers (and employees!) who live in the inner-middle north-west with the airport.

We also have a robust freeway network that is going to see a lot of changes in the north-east very soon - taking a detailed look at a strategy to get faster/express bus services into the areas to the east of the airport on dedicated lanes on the Western/Northern Ring Road should also be studied.
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Alastair Taylor

Victorian Government commits to Sunshine-Albion corridor for Melbourne Airport Rail Link

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The Kororoit Creek Road level crossing in Williamstown North has been completed one week ahead of schedule just as community consultation starts ramping up on the Moreland Road, Brunswick and Bell Street, Coburg level crossing removal projects.

On Monday the Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, announced trains would start to roll again on the Altona Loop today (Monday), one week ahead of schedule at the Kororoit Creek Road level crossing removal program in Williamstown North.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority has built a new rail bridge over the road and has also duplicated a portion of the Altona loop line from the junction with the main Werribee Line to Kororoit Creek itself.

Another construction blitz is set to start in late August with the government confirming buses will replace trains on some sections of the Craigieburn between August 24th and September 9th to enable work to ramp up on the Buckley Street level crossing.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/shYPVPyTbAs" width="100%"></iframe>

Buckley Street itself will be closed for a period of 52 days from the evening on August 9th.

For a period of six weeks, Seaford Road and Railway Parade will be closed from August 17th to enable the Seaford Road level crossing to be removed.  Buses will replace trains southwards from Carrum on the weekend of 18th-19th August and the 8th and 16th of September.

Buckley Street and Seaford Road road underpasses will both be re-opened to traffic at the end of their respective shutdown periods.

Between August 28th and the 8th of September, buses will replace trains between Dandenong and Cranbourne as work enters the final stretch on the Abbotts Road level crossing removal project in Dandenong South.

Abbotts Road like Skye/Overton Road north of Frankston is a rail bridge over the existing road level.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/railover-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rail over road scenario for Bell Street would also see Munro Street level crossing removed. Image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/railover-2.jpg?itok=lt3R7R20" title="Rail over road scenario for Bell Street would also see Munro Street level crossing removed. Image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rail over road scenario for Bell Street would also see Munro Street level crossing removed. Image: <a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/publications/bell-street-coburg-and-moreland-road-brunswick-removing-a-level-crossing">LXRA</a></figcaption></figure>Originally announced as part of a wider package two years ago, the Moreland Road (Brunswick) and Bell Street (Coburg) level crossing removal projects are now entering their main public consultation phase.

Diagrams posted on the Level Crossing Removal Authority's <a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/publications/bell-street-coburg-and-moreland-road-brunswick-removing-a-level-crossing">website</a> show that in both cases road under rail or road over rail design and engineering solutions have been ruled out for those two-level crossing removals.

If a rail over road solution is chosen, in Coburg's case, there is an added bonus that Munro Street would also be removed at the same time as completing Bell Street's level crossing removal.

Community drop-in sessions were held last week however feedback can still be lodged on <a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/publications/bell-street-coburg-and-moreland-road-brunswick-removing-a-level-crossing">levelcrossings.vic.gov.au</a>.
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Level crossing removal projects: 1 newly complete, 3 about to go, 2 enter consultation phase

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Knox City Council in Melbourne's outer-east will at its council meeting tonight be presented with a <a href="http://www.knox.vic.gov.au/Files/MeetingsCouncil/2018_07_23_Council_Supplementary_Agenda.PDF">report</a> by council officers which recommends the council undertake a shift in its advocacy for Public Transport to and from and within the LGA in the run-up to the Victorian election in November.

The report recommends the council endorse a two-page advocacy brochure which outlines a three-stage light and heavy rail rollout that would better serve the wider middle-ring and outer eastern areas of metropolitan Melbourne.

Noting that its own advocacy of projects would be more effective when undertaken in the wider context of an Eastern Melbourne public transport plan, the report argues the economic case for the projects will improve when viewed across the sub-regional level.

To Knox's west is Monash, to the north is Whitehorse and Maroondah, to the south is Greater Dandenong and to the east is Yarra Ranges Shire - all these councils are a part of the <a href="http://www.etc.org.au/">Eastern Transport Coalition</a> which advocates for improved public transport in Eastern Melbourne.

The advocacy brochure appended to the council report certainly does take on a wider sub-regional context with two north-south light rail lines, one of which does not enter Knox's municipal territory, and the Rowville Rail project runs for the most part through the city of Monash before entering Knox.

It also includes proposals for three new bus routes which would better serve the employment precincts within the Knox LGA including one route which would require a road bridge to be constructed in Scoresby.

The report notes the history of studies relating to Rowville heavy rail but in light of the Federal Government's allocation of $24 million for planning over the forward estimates and a commitment of $475 million to build a heavy rail line, council officers recommend changing tack on its PT advocacy.

<blockquote>
As the Victorian State Government has essentially operated without a formal transport plan to guide investment across the last ten years, the only true gauge of Government’s position on Rowville Rail has been through direct approaches with elected representatives through both Council and the ETC.

Over the last 4-5 years, the Government response when pressed on Rowville Rail has remained consistent, namely that at best, it represents a longer term aspiration of Government, noting that delivery of the Melbourne Metro project and the Level Crossing Removal Program remain the top priorities

When the current Government established Infrastructure Victoria to assess infrastructure priorities across both metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria, the Rowville Rail project was considered, however ultimately disregarded. It was again seen as a longer term priority, noting that a lower order transit solution, namely bus rapid transit or light rail might be deemed more appropriate.
<cite>Knox council report</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/knox_advocacy1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Map from the draft advocacy brochure - image: Knox"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="406" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/knox_advocacy1.png?itok=zaTRKXY9" title="Map from the draft advocacy brochure - image: Knox" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Map from the draft advocacy brochure - image: Knox</figcaption></figure>Knox is one of the outer eastern LGAs that has zero capacity for outwards expansion and although limited at the time of writing, it is not without projects on the <a href="/developments?lga=Knox">Urban.com.au Project Database</a>.

The LGA has two projects under construction near Knox Shopping Centre with the remaining projects either under assessment, approved or at sales.

One such project, 711-717 Mountain Highway that was profiled on Apartments.com.au a year ago has had a redesign and its fate will be decided upon at the same meeting tonight.  The council officer report for the development recommends the council grant a town planning permit.

To view the council's public transport advocacy report and draft brochure, see <a href="http://www.knox.vic.gov.au/Files/MeetingsCouncil/2018_07_23_Council_Supplementary_Agenda.PDF">knox.vic.gov.au</a>.

Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.knox.vic.gov.au/c149">Knox Amendment C149</a>
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Knox City Council to vote on new Public Transport advocacy in light of recent Eastern Melbourne announcements

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Testing on the Sydney Metro Northwest has begun expanding across sections of the new line beyond the Tullawong terminus, storage, maintenance and operations depot area where testing has been limited to thus far.

Trains have begun rolling over the new Windsor Road bridge and onto the new Kellyville Station this week with the ultimate aim to move into the new 15km long tunnels between Bella Vista and Epping soon.

The NSW Government says so far there have been 10,000 journey kilometres of train testing contained within the Rouse Hill / Tullawong area, 44km of the project's catenary is now installed (out of a total 78km) and 9 out of the first 22 trainsets have been delivered.

Trains are limited to 60kph during the initial testing phase on the elevated track section through Kellyville and Rouse Hill, eventually, trains will be tested at 100kph before moving onto the underground sections.

Sydney Metro Northwest and the second phase City &amp; Southwest is Australia's first driverless railway that will provide passengers who sit at the front of the train a forward view - something that is not possible in any other Australian railway system.

The initial fleet of 22 trains will be expanded once the line is extended to Bankstown via the CBD as part of the Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest project.  Each 6-car train will seat approximately 400 people and the combined seating and standing capacity will be 1100 passengers.

When demand warrants it, Sydney Metro stations will be expanded to handle 8 car trains which coupled with up to 2-minute headways on the line could boost the passenger carrying capacity to over 45,000 passengers per direction, per hour.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/syd_metro_windosr_road2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Test train crosses the Windsor Road bridge - image: Transport for NSW"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="311" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/syd_metro_windosr_road2.jpg?itok=xu6XS8AE" title="Test train crosses the Windsor Road bridge - image: Transport for NSW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Test train crosses the Windsor Road bridge - image: Transport for NSW</figcaption></figure>The terminus and outer stations on the new Sydney Metro line are seeing significant planning proposals either proposed adjacent or within an easy walk of the new stations.

As Apartments.com.au reported on <a href="/news/tallawong-station-precinct-south-destined-for-intensive-urban-renewal">Tuesday</a>, NSW Government development agency Landcom will oversee staged development on a site located directly south of the Tullawong terminus station.

Upwards of 16 buildings scaled up to 8 levels in height producing approximately 85,000 square metres of residential space across 1,107 dwellings are on the cards.

A further 5 projects are currently before council, 3 have been approved and three other projects are currently under construction in the immediate area as well.

The first phase of the Sydney Metro is expected to begin operations in 2019 with the full line open to Bankston by 2024. 
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Sydney Metro Northwest train testing expands to Kellyville

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The City of Moreland has released a draft update of its Moreland Integrated Transport Strategy and Car Parking Strategy.  The update was not scheduled to occur for another two years, however given the rate of change, particularly in the south of the municipality, the review was accelerated.

In the draft Car Parking Strategy, changes are proposed that will enable development to occur with zero parking as of right and a proposed strategy to complement the parking changes would force behavioural change and stop on-street car parks filling up with residents cars.

After a community consultation round that commenced in December 2017, residents responded by telling council they dislike issues associated with increasing traffic - such as congestion, rat-running through minor residential streets - and that many would use active and public transport more to get around but can't owing to infrastructure and service deficits.

<blockquote>
Many people would support measures to improve walking, cycling and public transport options, even if this might make driving through the area a bit slower – this was the case in both the north and south of Moreland, and across users of all transport modes, including car drivers.

Parking has been identified as an important area over which Council has significant control. The Draft Parking Strategy shows how we would implement the parking actions in the Draft Moreland Integrated Transport Strategy.

It aims to reduce the growth of cars in Moreland as our population increases, while protecting the ability of existing residents to park on-street by introducing more parking restrictions.
<a href="http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/about-us/projects/transport-and-parking-projects/transport-strategy/"><cite>City of Moreland</cite></a>
</blockquote>

Some of the biggest changes relate to the Parking Strategy.

Parking minimums are proposed to be removed from the three main activity centres in Moreland - Brunswick, Coburg and Glenroy - and in their place, parking maximums would be implemented.  

In Moreland, residents are able to apply for a permit that exempts them from any parking restrictions on the street - this, however, does not apply to people who live in dwellings that were subdivided after 2011.

In conjunction with post 2011 permit exemptions, the switch from minimums to maximums, this would clear the decks for developments that seek to have zero or minimal car parking and in order to stop residents of dwellings in the new development from parking cars on the street, it is proposed that  restrictions based on time be added to streets in activity centres that do not currently have them.

Likewise, each of the three major activity centres would have buffer zones surrounding them that too would introduce timed parking restrictions if they don't already exist.

In twelve neighbourhood centres, it is proposed there will be no switch to parking maximums however minimum parking requirements would be reduced by 20% and these areas would also have time restrictions added to streets which don't have them.

Elsewhere in the <a href="http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/globalassets/areas/transport/draft-parking-strategy.pdf">Car Parking Strategy</a>, there is a section which deals with the reallocation of road space.  

"Support net reduction in car parking where this facilitates sustainable movement corridors or creates places for people, consistent with the road user hierarchy", "Continuously and proactively review whether car parking is needed and take steps to repurpose the space for movement or place for people" and "Seek opportunities to re-use Council off-street car parking areas as green community spaces" are but a few of the proposed actions.

The Moreland Integrated Transport Strategy and Car Parking Strategy can be viewed and submissions can be lodged on <a href="http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/about-us/projects/transport-and-parking-projects/transport-strategy/">moreland.vic.gov.au</a>.  Feedback closes at 5pm until August 17th.

Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/globalassets/areas/transport/draft-mits.pdf">Draft MITS</a>.
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New draft Moreland Integrated Transport Strategy seeks to reduce growth in cars

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Hot on the heels of announcing that, if elected at the Victorian state election in November, a new Liberal-National government would <a href="/news/victorian-opposition-commits-to-extending-cranbourne-line-if-elected-in-november">extend the Cranbourne line to Clyde</a>, the Victorian opposition has further announced another railway electrification and upgrade project to Baxter.

Extending the Frankston line to Baxter would include duplicating existing Stony Point line track, electrifying it and adding two stations at Frankston east and Langwarrin plus undergoing a major upgrade at the Baxter terminus.

The railway corridor in question currently operates as a diesel passenger service between Stony Point on Westernport Bay and Frankston station.  The line also sees freight trains run from the Long Island steel mills in Hastings.

The Victorian Government has a $3 million study to develop a business case for the upgrade underway and in the most recent Federal budget, $225 million was reserved for the electrification project.  Matthew Guy, the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-16/frankston-baxter-rail-upgrade-frankston-east-langwarrin/10000738">ABC reports</a>, has committed to match the Federal contribution if elected in November.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMatthewGuyMP%2Fvideos%2F10155376611576555%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>

The location of the Frankston East station is designed to cater for passengers travelling to the Peninsula campus of Monash University and the Frankston Hospital.  Leawarra station on the Stony Point line is within the vicinity but judging by the video from Matthew Guy's facebook feed above, the location of the Frankston East station would be located closer to the Moordooduc Highway.

The new Langwarrin station appears to be located in an isolated part of the rail corridor with the Langwarrin Flora and Fauna reserve to the east and another strip of open green spaces located to the west.

The terminus station at Baxter, historically the junction station between the Stony Point line and disused Mornington line, appears to correlate with the location of the existing station.

<h2>Analysis &amp; comment</h2>

There is clear pub test logic in creating the new 'Frankston East' station away from the current location of Leawarra.  Thankfully both major political parties are committed to not introducing new level crossings and given the Liberal party's resistance to elevated railway lines, I assume a trench will be dug with Clarendon St and the Moorooduc Highway passing at their existing grades over the top.

Locating the Frankston East station directly underneath Moorooduc Highway would allow station entrances to be created on either side of the road - similar to Nunawading on the Belgrave/Lilydale lines - and in turn it would become a task of improving pedestrian links to Frankston Hospital and into the Monash University campus to encourage usage of the station by those two large patronage generators.

The location of a station as shown in the Opposition Leader's video at Langwarrin does not appear to be all that clear-cut, however.  The station is isolated between a protected wildlife reserve and open space next to the Peninsula Link / Frankston bypass.  There's no obvious centre - or major existing residential settlement in the immediate vicinity - to serve by placing a station in this area unless there are also plans to develop either the reserve or open space.

The Langwarrin reserve and Peninsula Link open space are outside Melbourne's Urban Growth Boundary.

Locating the station further south nearer Robinsons Road has clearer logic but there is still a lack of patronage generators. Perhaps the station could become a major park and ride station however that appears to be better served at Baxter where the Peninsula Link / Frankston bypass has two major interchanges to the north and the south of Baxter station.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/MatthewGuyMP/status/1019039715847127040/photo/1">Matthew Guy on Twitter</a>.
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Victorian opposition continues its run of public transport announcements

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Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, has marked the start of construction at the Parkville station site while also announcing Spring Street has signed the final contract to deliver the Metro Tunnel project. 

The Rail Infrastructure Alliance contract has a value of $1 billion that covers the construction of the eastern and western portals that connect the tunnel and surface tracks.

A consortium of John Holland, CPB Contractors and AECOM have been selected as the preferred bidders to deliver the RIA package.

On top of construction of the dive structures in South Yarra and Kensington, the appointed consortium will be responsible for rolling out the new high capacity signaling system between Tottenham and the Western Portal as well as between Caulfield and the Eastern Portal according to the original contract <a href="https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/3958/rail-projects-victoria-rail-infrastructure-alliance-ria">scope</a>.

<blockquote>
The RIA also includes works on train lines out in the suburbs to maximise the benefits of the Metro Tunnel and take full advantage of the extra capacity it creates.

Public spaces near the eastern tunnel portal, including South Yarra Siding Reserve, Lovers Walk and Osborne Street Reserve, will be rejuvenated as part of these works before being returned to the local community once tunnel entrance works are complete.
<cite>Spring Street media release</cite>
</blockquote>

The 'works on train lines out in the suburbs' referred to above, according to the tender's original scope, relate to construction an extra platform at West Footscray, adding driver amenities at Oakleigh, improvements to the Frankston line tracks between Caulfield and South Yarra and the construction of rail network redundancy crossovers in the vicinity of the eastern and western tunnel portals.

Construction underway at the Parkville station site is focused on creating underground support structures to enable further excavation to occur.  Approximately 200,000 cubic metres of rock and soil will eventually be removed to create the Parkville station pit below Grattan Street.

The other major contracts that have been signed related to early works which have been ongoing since 2016 and the primary civil, build-and-operate contract that relates to creating the tunnel and stations.

The Premier visited the manufacturing site for the TBMs on a recent trade mission to China in late May.

Outside the scope of the Metro Tunnel project but related to its operations, the Victorian Government has also signed a $2 billion contract to build a dedicated fleet of trains for the Pakenham, Cranbourne and Sunbury lines as well as signing a $1 billion rail systems alliance contract which will see a modern communications-based train control high capacity signaling system on track between Watergardens and Dandenong.

According to the Minister for Public Transport, the new tunnel and associated extra capacity created on other lines, the Metro Tunnel project will create room for a further 100,000 peak passenger trips each weekday.

Early works on the tunnel portals will begin later this year.
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$1 billion contract to construct tunnel portals on the Melbourne Metro project signed

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<h2>Comment</h2>

Accurately projecting population growth in order for Governments to plan better for our cities and regions won't mean much if at the end of the day local electorate politics trumps region-wide progress.

WA Senator Dean Smith led the ABC's National Wrap program on Sunday night and as host Andrew Probyn said in the opening remarks, the Senator wishes to start a national conversation on population growth.

The Senator said the population story around the country has not been uniform and the country needs to review how population projections are made.

<blockquote>
I think what we need to do is take some time to accumulate the evidence. What is it that we know about our population projections? What is it that we know about why the population projections might have been so inaccurate for such a long time? 

And then around that, perhaps, [we need to] build better modelling so we can more accurately project population. 

Importantly, [we need to] make sure that we are properly planning for infrastructure and regional development against future population projections, and importantly it's not just the size of population but where the population might find itself.  

Does it find itself in regional towns and cities? Does it find itself predominanently in Melbourne &amp; Sydney?

Because we know that the population story across the country has not been uniform.
<cite>Dean Smith, Senator for Western Australia - <a href="https://iview.abc.net.au/show/national-wrap">National Wrap</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Evidence-based policy development and implementation is always welcomed and in any review of how population projections are made the Commonwealth Government will need to involve all the states and territories.  And should a new suite of tools for modelling population projections be developed, they need to be flexible enough to look beyond the federal level of government adn take state and local policy parameters into account.

In the population debate that has been running for a while now, attention seems to always shift to immigration - whether the numbers are right or wrong.  But as the Senator rightly points out, the population story across the country is not uniform, nor do states and territories callibrate their policies in the same way.

In 2008-2009 Australia had a net migration rate topping 300,000 people and in 2017-2018 the net migration level is down from that earlier peak in around the 250,000 level.

The difference between 2008-2009 and now is that late last decade the population growth was spread around the country evenly - Western Australia and Queensland were doing much heavier lifting than they are now.

This illustrates why trying to 'better' the projections for population growth must take a deeper dive on the policy work of each individual state and territory as they have many levers at their disposal which will have an effect on the population growth.

Whether it's long-term planning-focused reform like the Postcode 3000 project in Melbourne which turned the doughnut city into one which now is the most densely populated census region in the country or wielding economic policy that sees widespread regional employment opportunities that fuels population growth - like what happened to Western Australia and Queensland during the mining boom - states and territories have a major impact on overall national population growth.

States are getting on board the 'Infrastructure [State/Territory Name]' train and the primacy of the state/territory level agencies should remain in place.  States and territories are in a far better position to judge the needs of communities and the data, research and policy work should inform the federal body, not the other way around.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/night-view-from-melbourne-port-victoria-australia.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Road projects had their place but it's now time to focus on getting people out of their cars"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/night-view-from-melbourne-port-victoria-australia.jpg?itok=qquvonva" title="Road projects had their place but it's now time to focus on getting people out of their cars" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Road projects had their place but it's now time to focus on getting people out of their cars</figcaption></figure>Australian citizens and those on visas are free to move from region to region within the Commonwealth and any attempt to restrict that movement will likely result in a date with the High Court and therefore, once we are able to accurately project population growth (if we can at all), policy should focus on economics when it comes to rebalancing the load of growth around the country.

Political parties also need to get real about the state of our cities as well.  

While you can apply transport policies which favour active modes across the spectrum of Australia's cities - whether big or small - the needs of the metro areas of Melbourne &amp; Sydney are different to those of Adelaide and Darwin and the needs of Benalla and Mittagong are different to Bendigo and Toowoomba. 

We see it around every state or federal election, the swinging voters are king and broadly located in areas that are seeing the highest amount of growth - in our context, that's generally on the fringe of suburbia where the normally the only infrastructure built to transport the new residents to and from their home is roads.  The logic follows that, well, a freeway! That'll buy us votes!

Melbourne &amp; Sydney may be congested and have major public transport projects under construction, but they also have equally enormous road projects which suck up more even more capital and will invariably turn into congested arteries &amp; orbital routes once the very well-researched induced demand phenomenon takes hold.

There's plenty of evidence out in the wild that public transport carries more people with a much smaller footprint, and if our electricity network keeps up the pace in its transition to more renewables added to the generation mix, electrified public transport will increasingly aid in reducing emissions levels in the transport sector.

There is very little appetite to pick a winner when it comes to delegating dollars to transport projects among state and federal governments, we're told we need more roads and rail ad nauseum.  

But how much longer can Melbourne &amp; Sydney grow, both of which will have populations over 5 million soon, with this 'balanced' transport manifesto that sits alongside a policy of continued outward growth into defined corridors?

The Senators remarks are welcome, but having better population evidence isn't enough when a major part of the problem lies within the electoral DNA of political parties which find it hard to have a rational debate about appropriate transport policy for our largest cities.

Some political parties have targets - quotas - in areas such as gender which aim to get more women elected to parliaments around the country; we need targets which aim to rebalance the totally out-of-balance &amp; reliance on the private car in our biggest cities.  Will the Federal Government come to the table on that?
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Better population projection is good, but implementing better transport policies would be better

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Laurence and I discuss the news in Melbourne this week.

We're getting toward the end of 'developing' Docklands, Southbank Boulevard changes kick off, Infrastructure Victoria has surprisingly gone out early for its first 30-year strategy refresh and shots fired! - the Victorian state opposition has announced their first public transport-focused election initiative.

And remember to subscribe to the Apartments.com.au podcast through your favourite podcasting app - just search for Apartments.com.au.

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 23 - Docklands, Southbank Boulevard, Infrastructure Victoria and Cranbourne-Clyde

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The Victorian Government has announced planning changes in order to move forward with its Inclusionary Housing Pilot that will deliver 100 new social housing dwellings and works to update ageing rail infrastructure in Melbourne's south-east will throw up another round of train replacements.

Victorian Planning Minister, Richard Wynne, announced amendments to local planning schemes for four different sites in Boronia, Broadmeadows, Parkville and Wodonga that move pilot sites forward and the government anticipates adding up to 100 new social housing dwellings as part of its programme.

"We need to build and invest in liveable communities and make the most of the land we already have, and this pilot will create up to 100 new social housing homes to support our most vulnerable," the Planning Minister said.

The amendments relate to the introduction of new zones, overlays that will preserve vegetation, ensure adequate traffic and parking management, provide public open space and ensure the proposed developments respond to local neighbourhood character.

In Broadmeadows, a 7,500 square metre park will be created for the local community's use and in Boronia there will be planning scheme protection for significant trees and local habitats.

The development of the new social housing dwellings will be pursued with community housing providers. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/vline_steamrail.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Despite the shutdown, Steamrail excursions will still run - hooray! Image: wikipedia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vline_steamrail.jpg?itok=TqSey8n0" title="Despite the shutdown, Steamrail excursions will still run - hooray! Image: wikipedia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Despite the shutdown, Steamrail excursions will still run - hooray! Image: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_VLine_trains_passes_a_steam_locomotive_at_Pakenham.jpg">wikipedia</a></figcaption></figure>In August another round of train replacements for the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines will occur because work will begin on updating old railway infrastructure that will enable the new fleet of High Capacity Metro Trains to run on the rail line.

On the 4th and 5th of August, buses will replace trains between Dandenong and Cranbourne and between the 4th and 12th of August, buses will replace trains between Dandenong and Pakenham.

On the 13th and 14th of August, buses will replace trains between Westall and Cranbourne and Westall and Pakenham.  All Gippsland V/Line services will be replaced by coaches for the entire journey between the 6th and 14th of August.

Despite the shutdown, the Steamrail Snow Train excursion, as it won't require overhead electricity, will still run as scheduled on the 5th of August.

Platform works at Dandenong, Officer, Cranbourne and Hallam will continue during the train replacement periods.  The other 9 stations beyond Dandenong already have platform lengths that will comply with the longer HCMTs that will soon be introduced.

Overhead wires and stanchions and signaling are the primary corridor-wide upgrades happening in the area with the government describing the infrastructure as 'decades-old'.  

The Cranbourne line has two level crossing removal projects underway at present with multiple between Dandenong and Pakenham still in the early planning phase.

Each new 7-car HCMT train will have passenger carrying capacity of 1100 people and the first train is set to begin operations from mid-2019.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/affordablehousing/housing-supply-and-planning/inclusionary-housing">vic.gov.au</a>
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Victoria's Inclusionary Housing Pilot one step closer, works to extend Cranbourne and Pakenham platforms kick off

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

Alastair Taylor

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