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<h2>Analysis and Comment</h2>

Despite both the Federal Infrastructure Minister and Premier telling <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/federal-money-talks-in-melbourne-transport-debate-20180515-p4zfgv">The Age</a> they were both committed to waiting for the outcome of the various studies business cases into new public transport links that were commited to as part of the budgetary process, the sniping and one-upmanship of both state and federal governments does not look like it'll end all that soon.

In the Federal Budget, $475 million was allocated in the forward estimates for a 'Monash Rail' project which has no link to any 'real' project other than the Rowville Rail concept which was studied under the previous state Liberal government.

Back in 2012 when the Napthine Government released the heavy rail network development plan, Melburnians got a glimpse into what the rail planners in the state government were thinking long-term for the city.

Since then many different rail projects have kicked off - mostly 2014 election promises by the Andrews Government - but there's been no effort to provide an updated bigger picture for public consumption by the current state government. 

That said, the Federal Government appears to be referencing the 2012 era plan with its surprise allocation of funds for what appears to be a first phase of the Rowville Rail concept.  

$475 million won't build 10+ kilometres of double track, 5-6 stations, a flying junction to connect to the Dandenong corridor or procure the vehicles to operate services.

In fact, for such a small amount, it's incredibly hard to see that amount of money building nothing more than an on-the-cheap flat rail junction at Huntingdale, maybe some elevated track down North Road with a station at Monash University.  If the state government were to match the amount, that might pay for a proper flying junction, a few new train sets and pay for the operations of the stub for a few years.

The biggest question mark hanging over this announceable from the Federal Government is how operations will work.  Where will these trains eventually run to?  Through the new metro tunnel?  Shuttle back and forth to Huntingdale, Oakleigh or Caulfield with some more track and platform investment?

For a while now there's been murmurings about the possible lack of capacity on the pair of tracks that will operate services from Pakenham and Cranbourne to Sunbury and Melton through the metro tunnel.  The 2012-era plans show both an Airport and Rowville branch hanging off this track pair as well.  And don't forget Gippsland V/Line services!

The 2012-era plans were created before the upswing in population growth in Melbourne and this is why it is in the public interest for an updated plan to be published, one which takes into account the high population growth scenario we're all living in.

It's a cruel (stupid?) reality of our Federation that we have overlapping departments which will have different ideas about transport infrastructure priorities and this cruelty/stupidity extends to Federal politicians who are able to <a href="http://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/pf/releases/2018/may/pf046_2018.aspx">advocate for things</a> which would clearly need to clear a swathe of hurdles that only the local state bureaucracy is going to be able to achieve.

In the state budget, $3 million was allocated to complete a business case for Spring Street's preferred light rail route from Caulfield to Monash and eventually to Rowville which presumably, taking into account recent reports, will also look at other rail solutions as well.

One of the main criticisms of the Rowville rail study from the Ballieu/Napthine era was its scope - it explicitly ruled out identifying other alignments such as joining the Alamein line to Oakleigh with a tunnel via Chadstone then branch out to Rowville along the North/Wellington Road corridor.  It follows that capacity constraints on the Pakenham/Cranbourne tracks are avoided as the line would be an extension of a branch which uses different track closer to the city.

We know that from the 2012-era plans the Alamein and Glen Waverley lines were envisaged to join up with western suburbs lines to create another east-west route through the city.  And given the Airport line is likely not going to be another branch of the Melbourne Metro and the Pakenham/Cranbourne to Melton/Sunbury line &amp; pair of tracks, adding a stub to Monash (and eventually Rowville) will create an imbalance.

So should the scope of the business case &amp; study that is looking at the costs and benefits of extending the Alamein line to Monash via Chadstone and Oakleigh/Huntingdale expand?  Well - if the Federal Government are dead keen on heavy rail, then yes.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://railgallery.wongm.com/melbourne-stations/F124_0657.jpg">Marcus Wong</a>.
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Alastair Taylor

Heavy rail 'between Monash University's campuses'? Hold your horses

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Melbourne's Docklands has hit a new milestone with over 1,000,000 square metres of commercial floor space either built or under construction.

The big numbers continue with 10,000 apartments having been completed or are under construction and 170,000 square metres of retail space as well as 60,000 square metres of hotel space having been delivered in the precinct.

Development Victoria expects the entire Docklands redevelopment zone to be 'complete' by 2025 whereupon it is expected 20,000 people will be living in the precinct, 60,000 people will be working there and all up, $17.5 billion worth of private investment will have been invested into the precinct.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Development Victoria’s General Manager Precincts, Mr Simon Wilson, said the milestones highlighted how far Docklands had come, with approximately 13,000 residents currently calling Docklands home and 58,000 jobs created.  

“There is a real confidence in Docklands which is highlighted by the fact that many blue-chip companies have also moved their head office to the precinct,” he said.

“Construction is continuing on a range of commercial spaces such as Lendlease’s Melbourne Quarter, Walker Corporation’s Collins Square and the redevelopment of AsheMorgan’s The District Docklands.

“Docklands also sustains between 2,500 and 3,000 construction jobs annually.”
</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/docklands_pano_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One million square metres of commercial space has either been completed or is under construction in Docklands - image: Development Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="188" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/docklands_pano_1.jpg?itok=gMjP831q" title="One million square metres of commercial space has either been completed or is under construction in Docklands - image: Development Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One million square metres of commercial space has either been completed or is under construction in Docklands - image: Development Victoria</figcaption></figure>The milestone has arrived at a time when the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, turned the first sod of soil at a new fresh food-focused precinct at The District, formerly known as Harbour Town Waterfront City.

The $67 million precinct, to be known as The Market, will be anchored by a Woolworths supermarket and include 25 fresh food and speciality shops.

"Docklands is fact becoming one of Melbourne's most popular places to live work or visit," the Planning Minister said.  "Major projects like these are a great way to attract more visitors and more families to live in the area."

The District Docklands - the rebranding and new focus - is an initiative of the Sydney-based Ashe Morgan retail investment and advisory group.

In the immediate vicinity of The District, <a href="/buildings/the-docklands-residences-3-43-waterfront-way-docklands">The Docklands Residences</a>, a residential and Marriot hotel development is currently progressing through a marketing campaign and <a href="/buildings/elm-stone-387-docklands-drive-docklands">387 Docklands Drive</a> is well under construction.

<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/docklands_district_redden.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Piling rigs in Docklands - image: redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/docklands_district_redden.jpg?itok=EmcMviwD" title="Piling rigs in Docklands - image: redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Piling rigs in Docklands - image: <a href="/news">redden</a></figcaption></figure>Elsewhere in Docklands, work continues on projects such as 839 Collins Street, 1 Collins Wharf, Collins Square, and Melbourne Quarter.

To view a list of other Docklands project, click <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">here</a>.
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Docklands hits new a milestone while work starts on The Market

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Brisbane City Council has unveiled plans for a new bikeway that hangs above the Brisbane River in Indooroopilly, in inner south-west Brisbane.

The new bridge will provide cyclists and pedestrians with their own link between the Western Freeway bikeway, the Brisbane River Loop and the University of Queensland / St. Lucia bikeway via a bridge which will hug the western bank of the Brisbane River to the south west of the Indooropilly road, rail and pedestrian bridges.

A second phase bridge would then link the new phase 1 bridge and the existing pathways on the eastern side of the bride complex.

Phase 1 of the council initiative is part of a $100 million investment into cycling infrastructure that is to be spent over the 2016-2020 period in the Queensland capital.

<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/indro_bikeway_prelim_plan1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Preliminary design for the new bridge plan - image: Brisbane City Council"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/indro_bikeway_prelim_plan1.png?itok=ue4Ed1lc" title="Preliminary design for the new bridge plan - image: Brisbane City Council" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Preliminary design for the new bridge plan - image: <a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/roads-infrastructure-bikeways/current-bikeway-pathway-projects/indooroopilly-bikeway-radnor-street-stage-1-project-indooroopilly">Brisbane City Council</a></figcaption></figure>According to the council, phase 2  will only happen through a separate funding arrangement.

The council focuses on connectivity in its list of benefits for the project.

<blockquote>
The project will benefit the community by:

<ul>
<li>creating a high quality, connected and accessible recreation and commuter route for residents of the western suburbs of Brisbane</li>
	<li>forming a key between the Western Freeway and The University of Queensland and connecting to the Brisbane River Loop bikeway</li>
	<li>encouraging  commuter and recreational walking and cycling</li>
	<li>enhancing lifestyle and leisure opportunities for residents in the area</li>
	<li>improving safety, connectivity and visibility for cyclists and pedestrians.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/roads-infrastructure-bikeways/current-bikeway-pathway-projects/indooroopilly-bikeway-radnor-street-stage-1-project-indooroopilly"><cite>Brisbane City Council</cite></a>
</blockquote>

The preliminary design is now open for community consultation until Sunday 3rd of June.  Submissions can be made on <a href="https://yoursay.brisbane.qld.gov.au/IBS1">yoursay.brisbane.qld.gov.au</a> in writing or emailing the <a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/roads-infrastructure-bikeways/current-bikeway-pathway-projects/indooroopilly-bikeway-radnor-street-stage-1-project-indooroopilly">design team</a>.

Other bikeway projects that are focused on the Brisbane River include the <a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/roads-infrastructure-bikeways/current-bikeway-pathway-projects/botanic-gardens-riverwalk-project-alice-streetedward-street-brisbane-city">Botanic Gardens Riverwalk</a> project and the <a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/roads-infrastructure-bikeways/current-bikeway-pathway-projects/kangaroo-point-bikeway-upgrade-stage-1-goodwill-bridge-veloway-1-south-brisbane">Kangaroo Point Bikeway</a> upgrade.

Both projects aim will improve infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and in the case of the Kangaroo Point Bikeway upgrade, the enhancements will provide an expansion in an area the council deems to narrow to carry the high volume of commuting and recreational traffic that already exists.

To see all the Bikeway projects underway or at planning in the Queensland capital, see <a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/roads-infrastructure-bikeways/current-bikeway-pathway-projects">brisbane.qld.gov.au</a>.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://yoursay.brisbane.qld.gov.au/IBS1/photos/44558">Brisbane City Council</a>.
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Brisbane City Council unveils Indooroopilly bikeway project

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Time for a quick stocktake.  As of the 14th of May, there were 1590 Melbourne projects on the project database with a total 145,694 dwellings contained within them.  

This represents an average of 91 units per project across metropolitan Melbourne.

In two and a half years the number of projects in Melbourne with 4 or less floors has doubled, and then some.  Back in November 2015, there were 208 projects with a floor count or 4 or less with a sum total of just over 7,000 dwellings.

Fast forward to today and there are 486 projects which have a total of just under 14,000 dwellings.  This represents a reduction in the average size of a project in 2015 with 33 apartments per project to 28 apartments per project in 2018.

The number of projects has more than doubled but the total number of dwellings is on 100% growth - in 2015 I only looked at up to 4 levels, however in hindsight I should have filtered out up to 3 levels as well because this average size reduction, I suspect, is linked to more and more projects that have been added to the database in areas which are zoned general residential (up to 3 levels in height).

<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/inner-v-outer.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The number of projects and dwellings in inner Melbourne versus everywhere else"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="430" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/inner-v-outer.png?itok=hm6L0kqZ" title="The number of projects and dwellings in inner Melbourne versus everywhere else" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The number of projects and dwellings in inner Melbourne versus everywhere else</figcaption></figure>This lack of '<a href="/news/the-goldilocks-zone-well-represented-in-new-additions-to-the-project-database">Goldilocks zone</a>' type development in the middle and outer ring of Melbourne is often bemoaned by commentators yet 363 of the 486 up-to-4-level projects are outside the local government areas that are deemed inner city by Plan Melbourne.

The City of Melbourne, City of Yarra, City of Port Phillip are all part of the inner region as defined by Plan Melbourne.

Similarly, regardless of how many floors a project has, there are now 1143 projects outside the Plan Melbourne-defined inner city area with 68,386 dwellings across all of them.

While there is justifiably questions over what represents inner-Melbourne, using the regions from Plan Melbourne conform to local government areas - which is intrinsically linked to the development industry as the councils are the authorities, in most cases, who assess then either approve or reject projects in the overall pipeline.

For those interested in the numbers which relate to different floor heights across Melbourne, if we use 10 floors as an arbitrary cut off there are 461 projects  with 10 or more floors that include 99,874 dwellings right across metropolitan Melbourne.

Similarly, the number of projects which have between 5 and 9 floors weighs in at 633 and includes 32,149 dwellings.

Lead image credit: <a href="/new-apartments/the-queensbridge-building-southbank-90-queensbridge-street-southbank">88 Melbourne</a>.
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Stocktake: 1590 Melbourne projects on the project database

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Foxtel's Melbourne office in Moonee Ponds has been put up for sale by owner Charter Hall with the redevelopment opportunities for its adjacent car park featuring among the pluses highlighted in the marketing material for the site.

The sale transaction of the building which has just over 7,000 square metres of lettable area, all of which is leased to Foxtel, is jointly handled by Colliers International and CBRE.

The building recently completed a $1.5 million refurbishment programme which saw new end of trip facilities, upgraded bathrooms and carpets added to the building.

Trent Preece of Colliers International said the entire site, which is zoned with Moonee Valley's Activity Centre Zone 1, could see new residential or commercial development on or above the adjacent multi-level car park.

“There is potential for future residential development, or to build above the current multi-deck car park,” Mr Preece said. “The property, and any future development will also benefit from its location just 100m from Moonee Valley Racecourse which is about to undergo a $2billion re-development over the next decade providing 2,000-plus apartments plus entertainment, mixed use and world-famous racecourse hosting the Cox Plate."

“Given its favourable zoning and substantial street frontages, the property presents a genuine potential for future high-density development on the under-developed land component at the eastern end of the site as well as opportunities for constructing additional levels above the existing office building."

The expression of interest campaign ends this week on Wednesday at 2pm.

<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/moonee_valley.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Moonee Valley's vision has been released"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="121" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/moonee_valley.png?itok=h16Zhdyc" title="Moonee Valley's vision has been released" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Moonee Valley's <a href="https://www.thevalley.com.au/about/the-valley-tomorrow">vision</a> has been released</figcaption></figure>Moonee Ponds has featured many times on Apartments.com.au owing to the concentration of new projects in the pipeline in the area.

In November of last year, the Moonee Valley Racing Club released its updated vision for the racecourse &amp; surrounding land.  It included a clearer picture of how the equestrian and grandstand infrastructure will develop and the club announced it would be partnering with Hamton for the residential development component of the vision.

The only planning application to make its way on to the Moonee Valley City Council's website relates to repurposing the former Club's Secretary's house to a child care facility.

The largest project in the suburb is the redevelopment of the former Moonee Ponds market side by Caydon which recently saw one of its final stages launch its marketing campaign.  Some of the first apartments will transition out of construction soon - the two Hall Street towers are effectively structurally complete with internal work still progressing.

Furthermore, in February Apartments.com.au summarised the development pipeline for the suburb and since then we've spotted works starting on sites like <a href="/buildings/350-ascot-vale-road-moonee-ponds">350 Ascot Vale Road</a>, <a href="/buildings/editor-moonee-ponds-31-taylor-street-moonee-ponds">33 Hall Street</a> and pocket-rocket <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/moonee-valley/editor-moonee-ponds-31-taylor-street-moonee-ponds">Editor</a> on Taylor Street has flown up. 

In fact, the experience with the Editor project shows the value on '<a href="/news/the-goldilocks-zone-well-represented-in-new-additions-to-the-project-database">goldilocks</a><a href="https://urban.melbourne/development/2016/09/28/goldilocks-zone-well-represented-new-additions-project-database"> zone</a>' developments: they're very quick to build with construction crews only taking 4-5 months to go from street level to ultimate height on the Editor site.
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Foxtel's Moonee Ponds base up for sale

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The design of the new <a href="/developments/clayton-vic-3168">Victorian Heart Hospital</a> project has been unveiled and a builder has appointed to construct the project located within Monash University's Clayton campus.

The $543 million joint venture design from Brisbane-native firm Conrad Gargett and local outfit John Wardle Architects will be built by John Holland with works expected to commence by the end of the year.

As its name suggests, the hospital's focus is on cardiovascular health and will include 195 beds with the capacity to provide 2,000 cardiac surgeries each year, 13,5000 cardiac laboratory procedures and cater for 28,300 cardiac emergency presentations and 108,000 consultations.

The hospital will be endowed with TeleHealth facilities enabling remote specialist appointments for those living in regional Victoria to be conducted remotely, removing the need for long bouts of travel.

90% of the materials required to build the Monash Heart Hospital will be sourced from local industries and Spring Street expects 1,700 construction jobs will be created.  

“Our state is at the forefront of breakthroughs in treating heart disease. This hospital further cements our reputation as the world’s best and gives Victorian patients better access to the latest advances in cardiac care," the Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy said.

The hospital is expected to be operational by mid-2022 according to the <a href="https://vhhsba.vic.gov.au/health-infrastructure/victorian-heart-hospital">Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority</a> (VHHSBA).

<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/vic_heart_hospital1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exterior render of the new Victorian Heart Hospital - image: VHHSBA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vic_heart_hospital1.jpg?itok=ZnfYX3SC" title="Exterior render of the new Victorian Heart Hospital - image: VHHSBA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior render of the new Victorian Heart Hospital - image: <a href="https://vhhsba.vic.gov.au/health-infrastructure/victorian-heart-hospital">VHHSBA</a></figcaption></figure>Elsewhere another Monash Health hospital is currently being expanded.  Casey Hospital located near Berwick Station is expanding with the addition of 160 new beds which consist of 128 multiday patient beds, an intensive care unit of 12 beds and a day surgery unit with 12 beds.

6 new operating theatres, refurbishment and expansion works of pharmacy, pathology, and back of house facilities along with new teaching and training facilities which will be operated by Monash University are also included in the expansion project.

The Casey Hospital expansion is happening at the same time as the move of the local St John of God private hospital's from Gloucester Avenue to a site opposite Casey Hospital on Kangan Drive in the heart of the Berwick Station, Health and Education precinct that includes a campus of Chisholm Institute and former Monash University and now Federation University campus.

The Casey Hospital expansion project is being carried out under the terms of the original public private partnership and the hospital will revert to State Government hands in 2029, as originally planned according to the VHHSBA.

<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/casey_hospital_expansion.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render of the Casey Hospital expansion - image: VHHSBA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/casey_hospital_expansion.jpg?itok=1VqYQ7MR" title="Render of the Casey Hospital expansion - image: VHHSBA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render of the Casey Hospital expansion - image: <a href="https://vhhsba.vic.gov.au/health-infrastructure/casey-hospital-expansion-project">VHHSBA</a></figcaption></figure>
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John Holland to build the new Victorian Heart Hospital

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<h2>Comment</h2>

It's now quite obvious why Tuesday's budget speech had effectively every infrastructure initiative announced well before the Treasurer's speech - the Turnbull Government wanted everyone to focus on its 'surprise!' tax cut plan.

All of the infrastructure items in the Federal Government's 2018/2019 budget were announced before Scott Morrison rose to the despatch box in Canberra on Tuesday night - the biggest item out of all of them, the $5 billion for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link was announced at a media conference by the Prime Minister and Treasurer back in mid April.

In the context of the ongoing argy-bargy between the State and Federal Governments, it's been a case of 'will there be more information, other than a nice big dollar figure, disclosed at any time soon?' ever since.

We have our answer now: no there wasn't, but yes there will be.

It's toward the end of the year, in September, two months before the state election and about the time Turnbull will be seriously thinking about when he'll call his own next election, that we're likely to see something other than big dollar headlines.

We're all just going to have to deal with the fact that public transport initiatives get planning money while big-arse freeway projects get the capital they need before anyone can do a sane comparison of options.  Australian politics &amp; infrastructure planning, eat your heart out.

There will be an enormous amount of time devoted to the Federal Government's 7-year plan to flatten the tax system &amp; the ALP's opposing policy in the days and weeks ahead but it would be nice if a smidgen of the forthcoming public debate focuses on the implications for infrastructure projects.

It's pretty hard not to get swept up in the pre-budget announcements about headline dollar figures on what's going to be allocated.  Guilty as charged!  But it's when the budget documents get released and the lack of any clarifying information in the respective treasurer's speeches that depression starts to set in.

It doesn't surprise anyone that when both major parties are in office at either the state or federal level that there's argy-bargy, but now that elections are around the corner, suddenly the purse strings are loosened.

Victoria has for the last three to four years been way out in front in terms of population growth because Western Australia and Queensland's economies have been in a post-mining boom toilet. 

Whether predictions for Melbourne's population growth come to fruition remains to be seen however imagine if Melbourne's population kept on growing around the 100,000 per annum mark for the next 7-10 years when, potentially, a massive Federal Government revenue shortfall kicks in?

Here's something else to ponder.

Look at the time it takes to get a major public transport project implemented - the first Metro tunnel project will probably take, from start to finish, 10 years.  What's Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison, the holders of the biggest purse strings in the nation, just announced in the budget?  Huge tax cuts over the 7 years - $140 billion in revenue we might be able to use to transform our cities, gone.

So does that mean Spring Street - or any other state government for that matter - now have to factor in less grant money flowing from Canberra?  What's the impact on infrastructure projects long-term? 

Taking the layman approach: less money coming in via taxes means cutbacks will happen in services, and new infrastructure, unless 'creative' new financing options are created.

When it comes to building the transport infrastructure fast growing cities will need over the next decade, the Turnbull Government's plan to reduce Commonwealth revenue should be interpreted like a giant air raid siren with flashing red lights going off.
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Cutting tax revenue over the next 7 years could spell a worrisome infrastructure finance deficit

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The owners of the site with a permit to build the 55 Clarke Street project have put the site up for sale through Colliers International.

<a href="/news/51-65-clarke-street-shapes-as-a-southbank-tower-with-a-twist">In 2016 when we profiled the project</a>, the 1,787 square metre site originally had a proposal for 73 levels that included 112 hotel suites and 512 apartments across all three main apartment configurations.

Developer Newcity Group also engaged Ellenberg Fraser to design a tower that also included 120 car spaces and 327 bike spaces.

Fast forward and the project that was eventually approved was chopped down to 69 levels that included 565 apartments, 653 square metres of office space and a further 462 square metres of retail space.

Approval for the project occurred prior to the new floor-space ratios that are now governing new proposals on land which has a Capital City Zone in Central Melbourne with marketing material for the sale of the site with a permit referencing the 'unrepeatable' 30:1 FSR.

<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zz7JzUpRRAR2">The site</a> sits one block back from City Road and has three frontages to Clarke, Hancock and Catherine Streets in Southbank.  Its nearest neighbours include recent developments such as Salvo's Platinum, 283 City Road and the 2013-era Habitat at 58 Clarke Street.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Conveniently located in one of Melbourne’s most proven apartment market’s 55 Clarke Street features an approved planning permit to deliver one of Melbourne’s most impressive towers.

At 69 levels, the Elenberg Fraser design comprising a range of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments featuring spectacular views over Port Philip Bay, Melbourne CBD and Albert Park Lake.

With a prime position located in between Melbourne CBD, and South Melbourne 55 Clarke Street will afford its future residents easy access to public transport, retail amenity, along with the arts and sporting precincts providing a dynamic and exciting lifestyle in the world’s most liveable city. 
<a href="http://www.colliers.com.au/206929/"><cite>Colliers International</cite></a>
</blockquote>

Trent Hobart, Bryson Cameron and Jun Lai of Colliers International have been appointed to sell 55 Clarke Street.

"55 Clarke Street represents an exceptional development site for connected inner city living, located in the middle of the South Melbourne lifestyle precinct, the Melbourne CBD and Crown Casino entertainment complex and the Melbourne Arts precincts, in what is considered the ultimate location for connected living,” Trent Hobart, Residential Director at Colliers International, said.

Bryson Cameron added “there is over $7 billion worth of private and public infrastructure investment within Southbank's future supply pipeline through to 2021. This includes a combination of commercial and mixed-use projects adding to the public amenity and fuelling local employment." 

The sale of 55 Clarke Street is by expression of interest which closes at 2pm on June 13th.

<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/55_clarke.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The 55 Clarke Street project render from the street - image: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/55_clarke.png?itok=xXGYYG8c" title="The 55 Clarke Street project render from the street - image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 55 Clarke Street project render from the street - image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>
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A Southbank super site goes to market

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Spring Street has announced a new wave of tram stop upgrades which will see $19 million spent on upgrading stops in both the north and south of the city's network.

6 stops between Victoria Parade and Kerr Street along Nicholson Street in Carlton/Fitzroy will be upgraded with centre island platforms.  The #96 East Brunswick - St Kilda Beach route is now 100% operated by low-floor E-class trams.

Special attention will be given to the tram stop opposite Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition building to enable all passengers between the stop and the Carlton Gardens safely and easily.

The Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said that Melbourne had a fleet of 163 low floor trams and "more than 420 raised stops on the network and we will continue to introduce new trams and stops to make our network more accessible ."  Work on the northern section of the #96 route will begin later in the year.

From mid-2019 onwards works to improve interchange between trains at Flagstaff station and William / La Trobe street trams will kick off and the William Street stops at the corner of Bourke &amp; William Street will be upgrade to match the accessible stops in Bourke Street.

The #58 West Coburg - Toorak route runs past the Royal Children's, Royal Women's and Royal Melbourne Hospitals and began seeing D-class low-floor trams operate some services in 2017.  The older Z-Class and B-Class non-low floor trams, also operate on the #58.

Balaclava station will also see new accessible stops created on Carlisle Street to improve accessibility at the interchange with the #3 tram and Sandringham line trains and the Bundoora RMIT stop on the #86 will also be upgraded.

According to a Spring Street media release, 63 next generation low-floor E-Class trams are now operating on the network with another 17 to be manufactured at Bombardier's facility in Dandenong.

The State Government has also announced the free tram zone's geographic reach will be extended temporarily to help with moving people to major events while various construction blitzs are underway.

On the weekends from the 2nd of June to the 17th of June, while the construction blitz previously announced for the Dandenong line is underway, the free tram zone will be extended to the various stops on Wellington Parade adjacent to the MCG.

Buses will be replacing trains between Caulfield and Westall as works on the level crossing removal projects in the area are finalised. Caulfield junction will see major signalling work completed during the shutdown period.

The entire Gippsland V/Line train service will be replaced with Coaches.

The temporary extension will be in operation for the NRL State of Origin match to be played on Wednesday 6th of June and the Queen's birthday match of Collingwood and Melbourne at the MCG.

The State Government has rolled out a new website where users can enter their postcode and be provided with a map &amp; summary of all transport network disruptions. 

 

See <a href="https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au">bigbuild.vic.gov.au</a> for more information.
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Number of accessible trams stops to rise across Melbourne's tram network 

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The approval by the New South Wales planning department last week of an unsolicited proposal by the Sydney born-and-bred Macquarie Bank has provoked a rebuke from the City of Sydney via the Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, and highlighted council concerns that decades-old planning work to ensure Sydney CBD's streets have maximum natural light penetration are in jeopardy.

Martin Place has for many years had controls that maximise sunlight in the former east-west street as evidenced by the shape of skyscrapers proposed and built on the northern side - Angel Place's sloped roof and the tiers of Deutsche Bank place &amp; its lattice structure are prime examples.

The overall proposal, which still has a few planning hurdles to overcome, includes the recently renovated 1920s-era  50 Martin Place which currently holds Macquarie Bank's headquarters, a 'north' tower located next door to 50 Martin Place (bounded by Castlereagh, Elizabeth and Hunter Streets) and a 'south' tower opposite the bank's headquarters with frontages to Castlereagh &amp; Elizabeth Streets and Martin Place).

The redevelopment will include building the platforms for the new Sydney Metro City &amp; South West, new entrances and interchange infrastructure with the existing Eastern Suburbs railway line underground.

<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/martin_place_components1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The various components of the proposal - image: Urban Design Report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="605" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/martin_place_components1.png?itok=GgNP35S9" title="The various components of the proposal - image: Urban Design Report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The various components of the proposal - image: <a href="https://majorprojects.accelo.com/public/e1582925ebe3ed186308002054aa6b0f/Appendix%20A_%20Urban%20Design%20Report.pdf">Urban Design Report</a></figcaption></figure>The primary issue the City of Sydney's Lord Mayor went to twitter to say was the tower to the south of Martin Place did not meet the setback conditions (25 metres) set out decades ago to protect pedestrian amenity in the area.

"We need the NSW Government to put the public's interest first here, not Macquarie Bank's, &amp; protect Martin Place into the future, as we've protected it for a quarter of a century", Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney said on twitter.

In a long tweet thread, the Lord Mayor continued: "25 years ago, Heritage Council, New South Wales Depart of Planning and the City of Sydney developed controls requiring towers over 55m to be set back 25m to reduce impact on the public domain in Martin Place, reduce the impact of wind on pedestrians and enable adequate sunshine."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
But now Macquarie Bank comes forward with an unsolicited proposal, which means it doesn't go through the proper planning processes and controls that other developers have faced in Martin Place
— Clover Moore (@CloverMoore) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/CloverMoore/status/993282046251298817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2018</a>
</blockquote>

The predominantly Sydney-based developer lobby group, Urban Taskforce Australia, added its own voice on Monday calling the approval of a new tower over the future Martin Place metro station a good balanced solution.

“It is important that the NSW Government works with the private sector in rolling out new metro rail lines and stations and the proposal for the Martin Place station is an excellent example of this.” Says Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson “The final setback above a podium of 8 metres maintains the character of Martin Place while allowing a commercial tower to be built over the podium but set back by 8 metres .”

“The City of Sydney have raised concerns that a set-back of 25 metres would have been preferable but their comments do not take into account that the adjacent MLC Centre tower is set back far more than this. The proposed tower is well away from the Cenotaph down the far end of Martin Place and is more contextually related to the Reserve Bank building at the top of Martin Place.”

The proposal is now has a Stage 3 status as part of the <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/contact-us/unsolicited-proposals/">NSW Government's unsolicited proposals</a> process.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.macquarie.com/au/about/newsroom/2017/stage-three-martin-place-development-proposal">Macquarie</a>.
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Part approval for Macquarie Bank's unsolicited proposal in Martin Place irks City of Sydney

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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