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Victoria's Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, has provided an overview of new train services that will operate across Melbourne's network once the Mernda extension opens toward the end of the year and on the same day, the Minister announced a new Skybus contract had been signed.

190 new metropolitan train services will be spread across lines to the north, west and south-east.

On the South Morang line, an additional 115 new and extended services will run up and down the line and when the terminus shifts to Mernda upon that station and the extension's opening, the new stations beyond South Morang will have access to 982 services every week.

The Werribee line will see 35 new services over weekdays that will provide passengers using South Kensington, Seddon, Yarraville and Spotswood stations with a turn-up and go services until just after 8pm on weekdays.

Passengers living between Eltham and the City will see 35 new and extended services each week and the Dandenong corridor will see 80 new and extended services each week which will see that corridor's frequency increase so as turn up and go services (a train every 10 minutes) until 10pm on weeknights.

The numbers announced by the Minister across the different rail line corridors represent 40 extensions of service on top of the 190 new services.

No exact date has been provided for when the new timetable is expected to come into effect however it is anticipated it will be in force later in the year.   

<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/skybus_wiki_cc_by_sa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Skybus in Docklands - image: wikipedia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/skybus_wiki_cc_by_sa.jpg?itok=Hs2jjQ5v" title="Skybus in Docklands - image: wikipedia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Skybus in Docklands - image: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Skybus_number_65_(5177AO)_Scania_in_Wurundjeri_Way,_2013.JPG">Wikipedia</a></figcaption></figure>Melbourne Airport's Skybus service has had a shakeup as well with a new 10-year performance-based contract signed with the state government coinciding with the launch of a new route from Melbourne's western suburbs to the airport.

The new Skybus route will go from Werribee via Tarneit to Tullamarine Airport and will run on 60-minute frequencies between the hours of 7am and 7pm.

Skybus services to the Mornington Peninsula will see lower fares and more services will run from Rosebud and Mornington as well as new stops will be added in Mordialloc and Mentone.

A Ministerial media release says 'the newly consolidated contract also allows the government the ability to introduce an airport rail line between the Melbourne CBD and Tullamarine Airport.'

The new contract commences on July 1st and will run for 10 years if the operator meets strict performance targets.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/camperdown/27711567484/in/photolist-8Lf58H-8SdGCT-PxJucC-PZ2yw8-K17R3L-JdPZqU-K7gSMC-8Li83j-KqNxud-yR6XHw-8Lf3QR-8bxmYh-8Li8AS-96jMNE-eLAJBW-UnkSt1-9AyPm3-8KnPuz-EAxMVg-yTR6L9-PqtLVD-P3Avdd-P3AxdA-PsFAFL-K7dQNU-2bh3g-PFFnRT-K3jUjt-PoAFMm-K41PqS-K2Fvgi-JHHkd5-NLnaqy-Pssevz-PxzoJA-JdM2yh-Kach2W-K14SQ9-Kacg5q-zMKJvg-K3i7o2-Pvc8CK-qT9s93-PBzAM7-QHuwxD-QHuuuR-Pre3UW-NPaDHv-KA5vwS-wfwkf8">flickr</a>
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Alastair Taylor

Swathe of Melbourne train lines, skybus to see new and extended services

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Infrastructure Australia has released a new report titled Making Reform Happen and it argues the Federal Government, who holds most of the purse strings across Australia's three tiers of Government, should make additional investments - over and above existing commitments - in return for delivery of reforms.

One of the highest priority recommendations from IA is that Canberra should establish mechanisms that link and provide additional infrastructure funding to the delivery of reform outcomes - for instance, the asset recycling program set up during the Abbott Government incentivised state governments to privatise assets in return for bonus payments on top of the sale prices.

The report claims after reforms through the urban water, public transport, land tax, electricity market and road user charging sectors, Australia's GDP would increase by $66 billion and the country would enjoy a $19 billion ongoing increase in national tax revenue.

Land tax reform and road user pricing reform are the two main revenue sources which make up the vast majority of the projected $19 billion of national tax revenue by 2047.

IA notes 'the revenue gathered through [fuel excise and vehicle registration] is not directly linked to the cost of road use' and that 'Australia needs to adopt a new approach to the way we fund, deliver and operate our roads, otherwise we can expect significant deterioration and congestion across the nation's networks over coming decades'.

Victorians might find this familiar, as Infrastructure Victoria has put road user pricing reform in its top three infrastructure priorities for the state.

<blockquote>
A reformed charging framework for roads would see all existing taxes and fees removed and replaced with direct charging that reflects each user’s own consumption of the network, including the location, time and distance of travel, and the individual characteristics of their vehicle such as weight and emissions.

This would also include the implementation of supporting technologies, and fundamental change to legislative and funding arrangements.
<cite>Infrastructure Australia - <a href="http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/policy-publications/publications/files/IFA_224631_Making%20Reform%20Happen%20Reform%20Paper_WEB_FA3.pdf">Making Reform Happen</a></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/making_reform_happen1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Projected impacts of road user pricing reform - Infrastructure Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="173" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/making_reform_happen1.png?itok=dCXGKqse" title="Projected impacts of road user pricing reform - Infrastructure Australia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Projected impacts of road user pricing reform - Infrastructure Australia</figcaption></figure>To read the Making Reform Happen report, see <a href="http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/policy-publications/publications/making-reform-happen.aspx">infrastructureaustralia.gov.au</a>

<h2>Comment</h2>

Marking Reform Happen has an indicative reform agenda which includes Federal Government responses.

The first recommendation on introducing road user charging states that 'Federal, state and territory governments should commit to the full implementation of a heavy vehicle road charging structure in the next five years'.  

Likewise, 'federal, state and territory governments should commit to the full implementation of a light vehicle road charging structure in the next ten years'.

The heavy vehicle road charging structure is supported by Canberra and it notes the recommendation for light vehicles.  When the Federal Government 'notes' the recommendation, in the road user pricing reform area, it is referring to the fact the matters are primarily state/territory issues.

Notice that as soon as reform agenda gets closer to the individual - the voter - the enthusiasm recoils?  That's what happened when Infrastructure Victoria recommended, for the most part, the same thing - the Andrews Government ruled it out almost immediately.  
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Infrastructure Australia argues for greater federal investments in state and territory infrastructure

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A development application seeking concept approval has been lodged with the New South Wales Planning &amp; Environment department and is currently on exhibition via the department's Major Projects website.

The application seeks approval for a building envelope, maximum gross floor area, land uses, future subdivision and general development strategies to inform the future detailed design of the over station development on a site bounded by Miller Street, Berry Street, Denison Street and the heritage listed MLC Building in North Sydney.

The L-shaped site of the Victoria Cross station and over station development (OSD) concept slopes from a high point of 66.5 metres near the corner of Miller and Berry Streets downwards, in an easterly direction, toward the Denison Street frontage.  

The bulk of the of the envelope is massed within a 42 level tower setback from Miller Street, however, the Denison St frontage has a continuation of the envelope which reaches 15 levels.

Documents lodged with Major Projects shows an envelope that stands at 230m RL, producing a building envelope height between 163.5 metres and 171 metres above ground, depending on which street frontage you use as the ground level.  The application refers to the concept's nominal height at 168m.

Application proponent Transport for New South Wales says as a result of building the Sydney Metro and the Victoria Cross station, North Sydney will be "only six minutes to the heart of the city at Martin Place and four minutes to Barangaroo, North Sydney will be more connected than ever before."

<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/victoria_cross_concept2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Building envelope for the over station development concept at Victoria Cross - image: Transport for NSW"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="559" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/victoria_cross_concept2.png?itok=QOY6tcDi" title="Building envelope for the over station development concept at Victoria Cross - image: Transport for NSW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Building envelope for the over station development concept at Victoria Cross - image: Transport for NSW</figcaption></figure>The concept has a total of 67,000 square metres of gross floor area - 60,000 relates to the over station development, 2,500 square metres for the station operations and 4,500 squares for retail components attached to the station.

The 168-metre envelope seeks approval for 40 commercial levels and 2 for rooftop plant equipment.  The low-rise portion of the building envelope fronting Denison Street measures approximately 55 metres in height and can fit approximately 15 levels.

Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest is the second phase of the Sydney Metro project that will join the first phase at Chatswood and see trains run through North Sydney, Barangaroo, the CBD, Waterloo, Sydenham and then out to Bankstown. 

Phase 1 of Sydney metro will open in 2019 and see driverless trains run from Tallawong at Rouse Hill to Chatswood.  Services will operate every 4 minutes in the peak and the same operational frequencies are anticipated to extend through to phase 2 when it opens in 2024.

To view the concept's planning application, see <a href="http://www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&amp;job_id=8874">majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au</a> 

Lead image credit: TfNSW.
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Victoria Cross over station development concept application on exhibition

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Back in the earliy 2000s, the Bracks/Brumby Government announced a masterplan for the Southbank arts precinct would be drawn up with one of the key components pedestrianising Sturt Street and building a ramp from St Kilda Road down to Sturt Street to Southbank Boulevard.

Today, the Premier and Arts Minister announced the concept is not dead, committing $208 million to planning and kicking off phase 1 of a project that would see a new contemporary art gallery added to the building asset list for the National Gallery of Victoria.

Opposite Aunty's Melbourne broadcast centre, on the triangular block bounded by Sturt Street, Southbank Boulevard and Kavanagh Street, the former Carlton &amp; United Breweries headquarters will make way for the new NGVC - National Gallery of Victoria Contemporary.

Likewise, 1 City Road, which sits as a vacant site on the intersection of City Road and Sturt Street, will also become the home of a new hub for the precinct. 

The hub will house the Australia Performing Arts Gallery, an expanded Australian Music Vault, administrative, education and research facilities, and a new centre for small-to-medium and independent arts organisations.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DKEFOIyhxaM" width="100%"></iframe>

The Victorian Government says 18,000 square metres of new and expanded open space will adorn the precinct with an elevated park at the Southbank Boulevard end allowing precinct visitors to meander all the way from Princes Bridge down through the precinct to a new linear park on Southbank Boulevard.

The City of Melbourne is just about to ramp up <a href="https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/southbankboulevard#/features">phased construction</a> of the new linear park along Southbank Boulevard from Sturt Street to City Road which will see one carriageway closed and converted to new green space.

According to reports across <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/game-changer-melbourne-to-build-nation-s-largest-contemporary-art-gallery-20180603-p4zj5f">other outlets</a>, the $208 million announced today will be used to buy the former CUB headquarters and to begin design and planning work.

Tony Ellwood, speaking to the <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/billiondollar-arts-centre-bonanza-to-become-our-next-worldclass-attraction/news-story/4bc3271584a6b778cdb5cbfabc912a39">Herald Sun</a>, hinted at an international design competition for the new NGV Contemporary.

“It needs to be one of the symbols of the city, it needs to be internationally respected, it needs to be projecting the future of architecture. What we need to do is go with an international search and see what the best designers in the world come back with,” Ellwood told the HUN.

The Victorian Government expects 10,000 jobs to be generated during the construction period with 260 ongoing jobs once construction is complete.

The NGV currently receives approximately three million visitors a year and with the expansion outlined today, the Victorian Government expects that number to double.  Creative industries support 240,000 jobs and contribute $22 billion to the state's economy.

<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/ngvc_precinct2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render of the pedestrian precinct and ramp down Sturt Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="245" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ngvc_precinct2.jpg?itok=Q35YOxnZ" title="Render of the pedestrian precinct and ramp down Sturt Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render of the pedestrian precinct and ramp down Sturt Street</figcaption></figure>Images: <a href="https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/ngv-contemporary-announcement/">NGV</a>
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Back to the noughties: Melbourne's arts precinct set to get a major makeover

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I freely admit I was sceptical at first.  An enormous tower on a tiny little site on the northern side of La Trobe Street.  "Hold on, isn't that zoned capital city zone? How on earth would that get past plot ratio rules?"

"And surely, you'd only be able to get an apartment or two per floor - it's a bit much.  Property economic - how will it work with this?"

Well, scratch all that because my colleague Laurence Dragomir sat down with Dylan Brady from deciBel Architecture recently to talk about the concept, including its purpose.

The project is still very much motivated by profit, however, it's about what the profit from the development will be used for.  And no, it's not for a list of shareholders but for an endowment fund run by the Royal Society of Victoria.

The RSV has a decorated history, Brady explains, being the oldest such society in the country and which during the gold rush era was the headquarters of all the engineers and innovators in a very young Melbourne.

Melbourne's water and sewerage system, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Melbourne's railways - the Royal Society of Victoria had a hand in many of the city's early utility, transport and cultural infrastructure.

Fast forward to today and the society has been on a long and slow decline with a diminishing funding base and the tall building that's garnered so many headlines, even though a planning application has not been lodged, will be done in the spirit of the Royal Society of Victoria - to recapitalise and generate a permanent endowment fund.

The permanent endowment fund is designed to allow the society to be the interface between the commercially-driven university precincts as well as fund an outreach program for the communities of Victoria.  RSV, in an equitable way, wants to facilitate, distribute and deliver increased science, engineering, mathematics and arts education throughout every school in the state.

<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/magic_hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Magic Melbourne concept at 1 Victoria Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/magic_hero.jpg?itok=IcNcc-cj" title="Magic Melbourne concept at 1 Victoria Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Magic Melbourne concept at 1 Victoria Street</figcaption></figure>Dylan Brady explained deciBel was working with wind engineer <a href="http://www.melconsultants.com/personnel">Bill Melbourne</a> on the slim concept for the tiny wedge site that has an address of 1 Victoria Street.

The Victoria-Melbourne nods and references don't stop there, Grocon, synonymous with Melbourne's tallest buildings, is onboard, aiding the project team and Brady mentioned the original concept's constructability was based around jump-form, pioneered by the Grollo family.

Brady sees this kind of development as a new model - specifically, profit motivated, not for shareholders but philanthropic purposes.

To fully appreciate the background of the concept we're adding last week's podcast below.  Don't forget, you can subscribe to our podcast through your favourite podcast app so that you will hear them as soon as we publish.

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/451599093&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=true&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Magic Melbourne, a skyscraper concept with a philanthropic purpose

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The Victorian Government has unveiled updated &amp; finalised designs for the stations on the Melbourne Metro project with each station entrance, concourse &amp; ticketing area and platform level having its own distinct identity.

With a nod to each station location's context and heritage, the station entrances are anything but uniform.  Hassell in conjunction with Weston Williamson and Rogers Stirk &amp; Harbour and Partners are the architects responsible for the finalised designs.

Starting at the westernmost station, North Melbourne, working eastward to the last of the new stations, Anzac, the designs have been described by the government as follows.

<h2>North Melbourne</h2>

"North Melbourne Station has an impressive large-scale brick arched entrance to reflect the area’s industrial heritage and skylights to enable natural light to filter down on the platforms and concourse." 

For the external render of the entrance, refer to the lead image above. 

<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/northmelbourne_concourse_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="North Melbourne concourse - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/northmelbourne_concourse_1024x576.jpg?itok=Tz2gPTiY" title="North Melbourne concourse - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>North Melbourne concourse - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure><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/northmelbourne_platform_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="North Melbourne platform - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/northmelbourne_platform_1024x576.jpg?itok=1ZkkfgE3" title="North Melbourne platform - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>North Melbourne platform - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure><h2>Parkville</h2>

"A glass feature roof at the Grattan Street entrance provides passengers visiting this world class health and education precinct with a tree-lined view as well as natural light into the station concourse."

<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/parkville_grattanst_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Parkville's Grattan St entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/parkville_grattanst_1024x576.jpg?itok=4pem76a-" title="Parkville's Grattan St entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Parkville's Grattan St entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure>​​​​​​

<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/parkville_concourse_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Parkville concourse - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/parkville_concourse_1024x576.jpg?itok=fbkJuHKb" title="Parkville concourse - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Parkville concourse - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure><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/parkville_platform_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Parkville platform - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/parkville_platform_1024x576.jpg?itok=lfmG7rnq" title="Parkville platform - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Parkville platform - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure><h2>State Library</h2>

"Grand entrances at State Library and Town Hall Stations in the heart of the CBD will create new meeting places, with redesigned laneways including cafes and retail shops. Below Swanston Street, passengers will enjoy wide and spacious platforms framed by sweeping arches."

<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/statelibrary_swanstonst_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="State Library Swanston Street entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/statelibrary_swanstonst_1024x576.jpg?itok=5qeAyNZi" title="State Library Swanston Street entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>State Library Swanston Street entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure><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/statelibrary_platform2_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="State Library platform - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/statelibrary_platform2_1024x576.jpg?itok=fnyOz6wz" title="State Library platform - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>State Library platform - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure> 

<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/statelibrary_platform3_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Another perspective on State Library's platform ceiling - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/statelibrary_platform3_1024x576.jpg?itok=SPFHqRZe" title="Another perspective on State Library's platform ceiling - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Another perspective on State Library's platform ceiling - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure><h2>Town Hall</h2>

<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/townhall_citysquare_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Town Hall City Square / Collins Street entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/townhall_citysquare_1024x576.jpg?itok=H7cGW4sq" title="Town Hall City Square / Collins Street entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Town Hall City Square / Collins Street entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure> 

<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/townhall_fedsquare_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Town Hall Federation Square entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/townhall_fedsquare_1024x576.jpg?itok=yDzcT7h_" title="Town Hall Federation Square entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Town Hall Federation Square entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure> 

<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/townhall_concourse_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Town Hall concourse - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/townhall_concourse_1024x576.jpg?itok=I-rtPPjj" title="Town Hall concourse - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Town Hall concourse - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure><h2>Anzac</h2>

"A key element at Anzac Station in Domain will be an architecturally designed canopy reaching up from below ground, providing both natural light and weather protection for the thousands of passengers each day who will move between trains and trams."

<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/anzac_stkilda_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Anzac entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/anzac_stkilda_1024x576.jpg?itok=qGSRQr3F" title="Anzac entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Anzac entrance - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure> 

<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/anzac_concourse_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Anzac concourse - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/anzac_concourse_1024x576.jpg?itok=onDQhc_n" title="Anzac concourse - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Anzac concourse - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure> 

<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/anzac_platform_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Anzac platform - image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/anzac_platform_1024x576.jpg?itok=VUXtEipn" title="Anzac platform - image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Anzac platform - image: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure>The Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, and newly elected Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp, also announced a wide-scale upgrade to the Elizabeth Street and Degraves Street pedestrian subways this morning.

Upgrades will include restoration and cleaning of heritage tiles in the subways and the metal partition in the Elizabeth Street subway will be replaced with glass.  

The pedestrian subway works are part of the previously announced $100 million upgrade for Flinders Street station.

Spring Street has also stated Flinders Street station will be the first of the metropolitan stations to see signage and passenger information displays where each railway line will have its own colour.

North Melbourne station, née Arden, will be the centre of a new redevelopment zone in which the state government is a <a href="/news/the-current-state-of-play-within-arden-macaulay">major landholder</a> and has previously announced it intends to use that position to effect a greater supply of residential development within the zone.  

The Premier is currently on a trade mission to China where he's set to inspect the progress on the construction of the tunnel boring machines that will build the Melbourne Metro Tunnel.

Trains are set to commence running through the new stations in 2025.
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Melbourne Metro's finalised station designs unveiled

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Infrastructure Victoria (IV), the agency set up by the Victorian Government to produce the state's 30-year infrastructure plan, in its capacity as advisor, has produced a series of documents which are the first step in attempting to the look at the future of trucks and cars in our cities.

While Infrastructure Victoria's focus is, naturally, on Victoria, the advice the agency has now published just as easily apply to the rest of the country.

IV has chosen to structure their advice into seven different futures which have different variables applied to them.  For instance, the variables include whether the vehicle is autonomous, what the vehicle's energy source will be and what ownership structure vehicles in the future might have.

The seven futures are as follows.

<ol>
<li>Electric avenue, a world where all cars are electric</li>
	<li>Private drive, a world where your car drives you</li>
	<li>Fleet street, a world where no one owns their own car</li>
	<li>Hydrogen highway, a world where trucks lead a hydrogen revolution</li>
	<li>Slow lane, a world where man and machine meet on the road</li>
	<li>High speed, a world where driverless and electric cars arrive much sooner than we expect</li>
	<li>Dead end, a world where the hype never happened</li>
</ol>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QQ5ZjmiHqoY" width="100%"></iframe>

Each future attempts to outline the broad benefits and risks associated with each and the advice broadly addresses infrastructure-related issues.

In the 'Hydrogen Highway' future, for example, the note that a high level of thought would need to be applied to how hydrogen would be produced and distributed.

Electrolysis for hydrogen production involves the decomposition of water into oxygen and hydrogen and the advice notes that using electricity from renewable sources - wind or solar - from a climate &amp; emission abatement angle, is the best way to do it.

The sixth future presents a scenario where electric, autonomous or both vehicles arrive much sooner leaving governments unprepared for the rapid change.

One of the risks IV has outlined in this scenario is that older combustion vehicles will need to be rapidly disposed of and they point out the potential for negative amenity and environmental impacts in a rapid disposal scenario.

The Victorian Special Minister of State, Gavin Jennings, requested the advice from IV stating in the terms of reference letter that "road vehicles stand on the verge of what could be the biggest changes since the mass market of the combustion engine."

"While Victoria already has the largest electric vehicle charging network and the highest number of electric vehicle registrations in Australia, any barriers to increasing the proportion of zero-emission vehicles in the Victorian fleet may delay or reduce the benefits that the community can achieve in terms of environment, and hamper the future deployment of automated vehicles."

The evidence-based used to inform the advice will be published in August 2018 and the findings and recommendations will in turn influence the next update to Victoria's 30-year infrastructure strategy in 2019.

To view the published advice, see <a href="http://infrastructurevictoria.com.au/AVadvice">infrastructure.vic.gov.au</a>
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Infrastructure Victoria gazes into the crystal ball, looks to the future of vehicles in cities

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The past six months have been an eye-opening exercise for the editors.  As we've broadened our scope to a national perspective, we've had to grasp the concepts of other state's planning systems.

Clear data trends have emerged.

Some of the trends are confirmations of chatter among industry, analysts and other media; some of them are, to our mind's, are certainly not quite what was originally expected.

Different states and territories, of course, in fact, do things differently, but overall there are many familiarities. New South Wales is a little more complex with its regional and state panels system working in tandem with the local councils and South East Queensland's mega-councils simply mean you need to go to fewer places to find the information you want.  

Except for you ACT and your wayward section/block/suburb planning-address scheme that runs parallel to what the rest of Australia would call a 'real' address!  "Block 2, Section 1, Capital Hill" or "Parliament Drive, Capital Hill" - those two addresses lead to the same place, Parliament House.

While the Urban National Project Database is still a work in progress (it never stops!), we have near-on 700 projects from metropolitan Sydney present and accounted for.

<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/sydney_project_map_2900518.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The geographic spread of Sydney's projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sydney_project_map_2900518.png?itok=50QIi9rA" title="The geographic spread of Sydney's projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The geographic spread of Sydney's projects</figcaption></figure>If you have a conversation with anyone in industry, media or through social media channels, the consensus that you're likely to find is that when comparing the two largest cities in the country Sydney has a wider geographic spread of medium and high-density projects.

You could split ends about which city's got more projects in their inner and middle rings but where there is a major difference is on the fringe - in Sydney you are far more likely to come across greenfield developments with slabs of apartments contained within them.

We wrote about <a href="/news/terminus-station-on-sydney-metro-northwest-renamed">Rouse Hill last week</a> which is on Sydney's fringe. It's receiving a new rail line and has an extraordinary amount of apartments contained within more typically low-density suburban development.

While we wouldn't want to claim with absolute certainty the follow statement is set in stone, the emerging trend we're finding in Sydney is that new residential developments are, on the whole, larger than those in Melbourne.

Larger in the sense that a single development will have more apartments contained within it. For instance, at the time of writing, there are 679 Metropolitan Sydney projects which have a touch over 70,000 apartments contained within them.  That's an average of 105.8 apartments per development.

For Metropolitan Melbourne - and the Victorian numbers are much more complete given our history - there are 1611 projects with 147,000 dwellings in them - an average of 91.29 apartments per development.

We fully excpect the numbers to fluctuate - certainly the number of projects in Sydney will rise (since writing the Rouse Hill article last week, the Metropolitan Sydney numbers have increased by 40) - however we expect the average number of apartments in a development to fluctuate as well.
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Melbourne and Sydney; Urban National Project Database observations

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The final construction blitz on the Dandenong corridor level crossing removals starts tonight with buses set to replace all train services from 8pm until the first train on Monday 18th of June.

The level crossings at Grange Road, Koornang Road, Murrumbeena Road and Poath Road will be erased at the completion of the works along with two new stations open from the 18th of June.

Workers will be installing new power and signalling systems on the elevated track at the same as the connecting ramps are built in order to connect existing tracks west of Caulfield and east of Oakleigh to the new superstructure.

Rail service interruptions include:

<ul>
<li>Pakenham/Cranbourne line trains will be replaced with buses shuttling between Caulfield and Westall between 8pm tonight (Tuesday 29th of May) until the last service on Sunday 17th of June.</li>
	<li>On the Queens' Birthday weekend (9-11 June) and on Saturday 2nd of June, upgrade works at Caulfield junction will see buses run between Westall and Flinders Street.</li>
	<li>Frankston line trains will also be interrupted by the Caulfield junction works on the Queens' Birthday weekend and Saturday 2nd of June and buses will replace trains between Flinders Street and Moorabbin stations.</li>
	<li>Gippsland V/Line passengers will see coaches replace the entire rail route between 9pm tonight and the 17th of June.</li>
</ul>
According to the state government, the targeted shutdown periods both past and present have avoided the scenario that would have required the total shutdown of the Dandenong corridor for 9 months.

When the railway infrastructure reopens, for the first time, trains will operate between the city and Dandenong without interacting with a level crossing.

The Pakenham branch beyond Dandenong has three level crossing removals on the government's list of 50 - South Gippsland Highway, Hallam South Road and Clyde Road.  Designs for these level crossing removals have not been released as yet.

The Cranbourne branch beyond Dandenong has two level crossing removals on the government's list of 50 - Thompsons Road and Abbots Road.  Both of which are currently under construction.

There are two other level crossings on the Cranbourne branch, including Greens Road serving the heavy-duty Dandenong South industrial area and Camms Road located just in front of the Cranbourne terminus station.  

On the Pakenham branch, beyond the three that are already on the list, there are a further 8 existing level crossings ranging from the small Progress Street which links an industrial area south of Eumemmering and Doveton with the Princes Hwy to the recently duplicated (although puzzlingly not separated) Cardinia Road in Pakenham. 

Like at Cranbourne, there is a level crossing immediately adjacent to the terminating station on the Pakenham branch at Main Street.
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Final Dandenong corridor level crossings to be removed by June 17th

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The Altona loop is next in line to get the construction blitz treatment with the level crossing removal programme for the area set to shut the line down for approximately six weeks.

Between the 16th of June and the 29th of July buses will replace trains on the Altona Loop as work continues to remove the Kororoit Creek Road level crossing.

Contracts were signed in May 2017 for the Altona Loop line level crossing removal at the same time as contracts were awarded for Abbotts Road in Dandenong South, Aviation Road in Laverton and Furguson Street in Williamstown.

The Altona loop railway track will be elevated above Kororoit Creek Road and the new rail bridge will also include duplicated track.  The existing level crossing consists of a single bi-directional track which splits in two at the junction with the main Werribee line to the north of Kororoit Creek Road.

The level crossing removal will extend the duplicated track south of Kororoit Creek Road, however, the entire Altona loop will not be duplicated as part of the level crossing removal programme.

A Spring Street media release says there will "also be some overnight closures of Kororoit Creek Road at the level crossing with traffic detours in place, and some off-peak closures of the Werribee Line, where buses will replace trains between Newport and Werribee".

Continuing an Australian-first construction technique that has already been used in rail bridges on the Skye/Overton Road level crossing removal and Mernda railway line extension project, the Kororoit Creek Road level crossing removal will be made up of forty L-shape beams that will be transported overnight from Kilmore and then craned into place during the day.

<h2>Mobile Myki trial announced</h2>

The Minister for Public Transport has announced a trial to allow public transport commuters to use their Android smartphones to pay for fares.

The trial will utilise a custom-built Android app and near-field communication technology to integrate with the existing Myki ticket barriers and card readers across the Victorian public transport network.

Initially, the trial will be limited to a small industry-based test user group on Android devices with a wider public test group to be included in the trial later in the year.

A Spring Street media release states "discussions will continue during the trial to explore other smartphone users access Mobile Myki".

The trial period is expected to run until early 2019 when a decision will be made about a system-wide rollout.

For more information, see <a href="https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/mobilemyki">ptv.vic.gov.au/mobilemyki</a>
</body></html>

Level crossing removal construction blitz for Altona as mobile Myki trial announced

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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