<html><body>
This week's focus on Melbourne's hotspots of development leads us to Carnegie which is currently seeing significant public investment through the level crossing removal programme on the Pakenham/Cranbourne lines. Laila Residences is an example of one the <a href="/buildings/laila-residences-7-11-belsize-avenue-carnegie">modern developments</a> in Carnegie. 

Carnegie sees no less than <a href="/new-apartments/carnegie-vic-3163">28 projects</a> on the Apartments.com.au project database ranging from 'Goldilocks' (RGZ) zone-scale development to the much larger scale - the latter especially on sites lying to the north of the railway line.

The 9 level crossing removals that are currently underway between Caulfield and Dandenong see three distinct zones of work:  Noble Park (now complete), Clayton (the section most likely to open next) and Carnegie, Murrumbeena and Hughesdale.

The railway line is being elevated between Caulfield and Oakleigh and with that three new stations are being built to replace existing stations.  The end-game is that there will be no level crossing between the City and Dandenong eventually, paving the way for higher frequency services that will eventually link directly to the Melbourne metro tunnel.

And it's in the context of the Melbourne Metro project and the omnipresent Caulfield campus of Monash University that often draws owner-occupiers and investors into Carnegie. 

Thanks to a permanent express stopping pattern from Caulfield to South Yarra - and one that is likely to be maintained but just diverted to the new ANZAC (née Domain) station and then onto Town Hall (née Flinders Street) through the Melbourne Metro tunnel - trains from Carnegie are timetabled to arrive at Flinders Street 15-16 minutes later when they run direct.

Contrast this with <a href="/news/moonee-ponds-apartment-scene-in-focus">Moonee Ponds</a> which, as the crow flies, is 6-7km from the city versus Carnegie at 12km: the direct train journey to Flinders Street from Moonee Ponds is timetabled for 16-17 minutes.

<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/murrumbeena.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Station canopy modules have begun to appear one stop down the line at Murrumbeena - image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="459" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/murrumbeena.jpg?itok=Aabph4VD" title="Station canopy modules have begun to appear one stop down the line at Murrumbeena - image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Station canopy modules have begun to appear one stop down the line at Murrumbeena - image: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/levelcrossings/photos/?ref=page_internal">LXRA</a></figcaption></figure>Dissecting the project pipeline in Carnegie, there are 10 projects under construction, 8 at sales and the remaining 10 projects either approved or currently with Glen Eira council for planning assessment.

With a very strong pipeline where over a third of the projects in the suburb being under construction, points to a great deal of new rental supply likely to come online as projects transition to completion.

For buyers there's plenty of choices - not just with the current number of projects that are actively being marketed but also with the pipeline of projects still to come.

Carnegie is one of the three main enclaves of 'Goldilocks' zone in the City of Glen Eira.  The others are Bentleigh and Elsternwick.

The 'Goldilocks' zone is how we colloquially refer to the Residential Growth Zone.  It's not too cold ('suburban'/under development), not too hot (30 level towers next to suburban backyards), but just right: new buildings that can introduce a mix of uses on the ground floor with up to 3 more residential dwelling levels above.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1519262743508!6m8!1m7!1sztSxeSIGtheRD9eXt-BrjQ!2m2!1d-37.88896834209392!2d145.056283217642!3f336.0481383140882!4f8.806939711911198!5f0.7820865974627469" style="border:0" width="100%"></iframe>Check out the full list of Carnegie projects on the database below.
</body></html>

Alastair Taylor

Carnegie's apartment scene in focus

<html><body>
Construction is set to commence on the Genton-designed refreshed Frankston station this month which is set to include new public plazas and walkways. McGregor Coxall have worked with Genton during the design phase, accounting for the station's new landscape architecture features.

<a href="/architects/genton">Genton Architecture</a> was announced as the winner of the design competition in March 2017 and Spring Street has announced it has awarded the build contract to an alliance led by John Holland and KBR.

The design competition was chaired by the Office of the Victorian Government Architect, the registrar for the competition was Stephen Varady and the jury empanelled for the design competition unanimously chose Genton's design from a total of 39 entries.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority will have oversight of the project and will coordinate work with the nearby Skye/Overton Road level crossing removal work site.

The Frankston railway line, on the authority's website, will see 13 level crossing removals in total and purportedly create 2000 jobs during the construction phase and combined with the new Frankston station will near $2 billion in rail investment in the corridor.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDanielAndrewsMP%2Fvideos%2F1682850271779502%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>

Frankston also has a small, yet tidy, non-transport development pipeline with a total of 7 projects - 2 commercial projects and 5 residential projects located in the Frankston Activities District or on its periphery.

Further up the line there is a scattering of projects on the section of the railway line which runs parallel to Port Phillip south of Moordialloc with <a href="/new-apartments/chelsea-vic-3196">Chelsea</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/edithvale-vic-3196">Edithvale</a>, and <a href="/new-apartments/seaford-vic-3198">Seaford</a> all registering a few projects each.

The section of the line between <a href="/new-apartments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> and Caulfield is where the bulk of new development is occurring in this section of Melbourne when we isolate rail corridors.

Between <a href="/new-apartments/cheltenham-vic-3192">Cheltenham</a> station and Southland Shopping Centre, there are 13 projects with the bulk of them being assessed by Kingston City Council.

Between Southland Shopping Centre and <a href="/new-apartments/highett-vic-3190">Highett</a>, there are 14 projects with 4 under construction and 6 actively being marketed.

In the immediate vicinity of <a href="/new-apartments/moorabbin-vic-3189">Moorabbin</a> station there are 6 projects and reflecting their position closer to the city, <a href="/new-apartments/bentleigh-vic-3204">Bentleigh</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/mckinnon-vic-3204">McKinnon</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/ormond-vic-3204">Ormond</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/glen-huntly-vic-3163">Glenhuntly</a> stations have a combined 31 projects in the pipeline.

See below for the list of projects in Frankston on the Apartments.com.au Project Database.
</body></html>

Construction kicks off on new Frankston Station

<html><body>
Long gone are the days when Eddie McGuire was helping out with the marketing of Mondo Tower on the Footy Show - back then it was the tallest residential tower proposed outside of central Melbourne. These days Moonee Ponds joins the likes of Box Hill in not needing specialist marketing to get projects off the ground.

Moonee Ponds - one of the Melbourne suburbs that the publishers of Melway street directories decided was important enough to warrant its own close-up red-border maps in later versions of the local map bible - is blessed with a distinct street-grid area that has for much of its life see a range of commercial/retail uses.

The ATO was drawn to Moonee Ponds during the 80s (note also that the ATO has tenanted a new office tower in Box Hill), Mirvac built a sub-regional shopping centre there in the early 2000s and the guardians of the Moonee Valley Racecourse - distinct from other racecourses in that it doesn't sit on crown land - have ambitious aspirations to re-work the course into a diversified precinct.

<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/masonsq.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mason Square - 40 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="406" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/masonsq.jpg?itok=_gLfb0S3" title="Mason Square - 40 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mason Square - 40 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds</figcaption></figure>As I mentioned in the <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-3-central-melbourne-design-guide-box-hill-and-skyrail">most recent episode of the weekly podcast</a>, we have an endless fascination with Box Hill and the eye-popping amount of development proposals it has racked up - the same can be said for Moonee Ponds.

On the numbers, Box Hill has 31 projects on the Apartments.com.au Project Database compared to 25 in Moonee Ponds.  

Moonee Ponds like Box Hill also has a good range in terms of scale of development either proposed or under construction. On the old market site, Caydon is building at the upper end of the scale, well and truly dwarfing Mondo in height and number of apartments. 

Yet there are also a lot of smaller developments happening on the periphery of Moonee Ponds' activities district.

<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/350_ascot.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="350 Ascot Vale Road, Moonee Ponds"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/350_ascot.jpg?itok=T3_9XFFr" title="350 Ascot Vale Road, Moonee Ponds" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>350 Ascot Vale Road, Moonee Ponds</figcaption></figure>Projects such as <a href="/buildings/350-ascot-vale-road-moonee-ponds">350 Ascot Vale Road</a> are common on the periphery of central Moonee Ponds, so too are projects such as <a href="/buildings/nue-21-norwood-crescent-moonee-ponds">Nue</a> on the other side of the Craigieburn railway line and <a href="/new-apartments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Queens Quarter</a> located on Pascoe Vale Road just outside central Moonee Ponds.

Apartments.com.au editors have noticed some new site works occurring recently on the 33 Hall Street site - a long time after the original retail + rooftop car parking building that once inhabited the site had been demolished. Expected is a 14 level apartment tower.

Looking forward, we are waiting to see more detail on the Moonee Valley Racecourse redevelopment.

The new vision for the racetrack <a href="https://www.thevalley.com.au/news/2017-11-22/the-valley-of-tomorrow">was unveiled during November 2017</a> however it only focused on the equestrian facilities - in previous iterations, the racecourse would have seen a large number of residential buildings added to the area.

And there are still a large number of open-air car parks in the activities district - <a href="/news/are-standalone-supermarkets-and-small-retail-centres-in-our-suburbs-ripe-for-increasing-housing-supply">could Woolworths do an Aldi and redevelopment them</a>?

Lead image: <a href="/buildings/9-shuter-street-moonee-ponds">9 Shuter Street</a>.
</body></html>

Moonee Ponds' apartment scene in focus

<html><body>
Last week Public Transport Victoria unleashed a torrent of data concerning punctuality and cancellation figures for Melbourne's train network with the Frankston line bestowed with the unfortunate title of train line with the most cancellations.

I understand the public interest value of this data - it's a way of holding operators (and the government) to account - however I wonder about the efficacy of this going forward, given the stated aim of Metro 1 to operate on a turn up and go basis.

'Turn up and go' (TUAG) is a concise way to convey: trains will run that frequently so you don't need to structure your journey around a timetable, you need only rock up to a station and a train will arrive relatively quickly. 

It is the rolled-gold standard of train operations in cities and in some cases Melburnians can do it already with how our network bunches lines at certain points which in turn creates high frequency of service. 

Between South Yarra and the City, between Burnley and the City, between Footscray and the city, between Clifton Hill and the city - these are the areas where it's very much possible to simply turn up and go outside of peaks and on weekends under existing operational timetables.

However, as stated on many occasions by the state government, the entire Pakenham/Cranbourne-Sunbury line - as they claim - will become a TUAG line - meaning frequencies are set to increase and given the lack of any other clarifying statements to the contrary, we are lead to believe frequencies will be better than they are now in off-peak and weekend periods.

<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/schematic_stage_2_after_melb_metro.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Line frequencies in peak after Metro 1 is complete - PTV Network Development Plan 2013"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="437" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/schematic_stage_2_after_melb_metro.png?itok=l5F5LgO-" title="Line frequencies in peak after Metro 1 is complete - PTV Network Development Plan 2013" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Line frequencies in peak after Metro 1 is complete - PTV Network Development Plan 2013</figcaption></figure>We know that as part of the Melbourne Metro Tunnel (Metro 1) project that there are several 'wider network enhancements' budgeted for which will see stations like Westall, West Footscray, Essendon and Cheltenham have new train turn-back facilities either built as new or upgraded to allow for shorter runs on their respective lines, thus increasing frequencies in the parts of the network which have or are expected to shoulder a heavier load.

But will measuring punctuality or cancellations mean much when the government wants us to effectively ditch living our lives by a train timetable?  Should it?

The new cross-town line created by the Metro 1 tunnel will have a dedicated train fleet which, from the outset, will be able to carry more passengers when you compare one trainset to any other type running on the network.

Likewise, when the Metro 1 opens for passengers, these former 'City Loop' lines will only have to interact with 1-2 Vline trains in any given hour (Bendigo Vline on the Sunbury side, Gippsland Vline on the Pakenham side) as well as the odd freight train, presumably only outside peak hours.

This contrasts with their respective &amp; current interaction with the Frankston (and Sandringham on weekends) on the Pakenham/Cranbourne side and the Craigieburn &amp; Upfield lines on the Sunbury side on top of the Vline and freight services.

Under the operational regime once Metro 1 opens and the fleet which operates Pakenham, Cranbourne and Sunbury lines is transferred to other lines, the Frankston, Craigieburn, Upfield, Werribee, Williamstown and Sandringham lines will all be in the same boat: either less interaction with other train lines or outright operational changes. 

In short, the infrastructure will support having a higher frequency of timetable updates and will allow trains on those other lines to run more frequently - the Metro 1 project doesn't just selectively benefit two narrow corridors of Melbourne's Metropolitan area, it actually benefits the majority of Melbourne's rail lines.

<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/mm-web-20171204-benefits.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stated line benefits from the Metro Tunnel website - www.metrotunnel.vic.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mm-web-20171204-benefits.jpg?itok=7bZi1lIQ" title="Stated line benefits from the Metro Tunnel website - www.metrotunnel.vic.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stated line benefits from the Metro Tunnel website - www.metrotunnel.vic.gov.au</figcaption></figure>For instance, the Werribee/Williamstown line, according to the <a href="/news">PTV's network development plan from 2013</a>, will join in gunzel matrimony, the Frankston line will get sole use of the existing loop tunnel that it currently shares with Pakenham/Cranbourne and the Craigieburn and Upfield lines and likewise, Craigieburn and Upfield services will - naturally - not have to fight for space in the current loop tunnel that it shares with Sunbury.

All of them are going to see significant peak increases therefore according to the 2013 network development plan, in peak times at least, and the TUAG-factor on these lines will be enhanced just like the Metro 1 line.

So taking into account all of the above, should the train operator of the day be judged based on the average frequency it provides on specific lines? 
</body></html>

When Metro 1 opens, will punctuality figures become redundant?

<html><body>
In this week's wrap:

<ul>
<li>City of Melbourne's Central Melbourne Design Guide</li>
	<li>Noble Park and "skyrail"</li>
	<li>Box Hill &amp; it's intense development</li>
	<li>HomesVic.</li>
</ul>
With apologies around the 2 minute mark, it's not always nice living in Brunswick where you can live under the flight path of choppers!

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/400338993&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
</body></html>

Weekly Podcast: Episode 3 - Central Melbourne Design Guide, Box Hill and Skyrail

<html><body>
Agenda item 6.1 at the upcoming Future Melbourne committee meeting at City of Melbourne includes <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/805/14437/AGENDA%20ITEM%206.1.pdf">a meaty document</a> that seeks to reshape the way new CBD and Southbank developments are composed, and similarly how they're presented to all of us on the footpath.

One of the main outputs in the amendment process is to include a Central Melbourne Design Guide which outlines through imagery what, in the council's view, are acceptable and avoidable built-form outcomes.

The report's opening statements characterise the amendment thus:

<blockquote>
Amendment C270 specifies minimum setbacks from streets and laneways, building separation requirements and overshadowing and wind requirements in two types of precincts, defined as Special Character Areas and the General Development Area.

It also introduced density controls, comprising a floor area ratio threshold with public benefits.

It did not consider the interface of buildings with the street, public realm and architectural quality, which is the focus of Amendment C308
</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/fut_melb_comm_308.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Land affected by amendment 308 - image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="558" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fut_melb_comm_308.png?itok=JiPqkWrr" title="Land affected by amendment 308 - image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Land affected by amendment 308 - image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Amendment 308 proposes to replace the existing Design and Development Schedule 1 (DDO1) with a new schedule that would include mandatory requirements including:

<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>car parking in buildings within the Hoddle Grid to be underground (in line with current practice)</li>
	<li>car parking in buildings within Southbank must be sleeved with active uses and configured to be adaptable to future uses (including floor to ceiling heights)</li>
	<li>less than 40 per cent of the ground floor of a building to be occupied by building services to reduce blank facades along streets</li>
	<li>the existing Retail Core requirement for 80 per cent active frontages to main streets and streets is to be expanded to encompass the Specia</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>

The new schedule to the DDO will also list outcomes that should be avoided by describing building examples which are not desirable 'as they cumulatively detract from a high-quality public realm'.

A key recommendation in the supporting synthesis report listed in the amendment documents is to create a Central Melbourne Design Guide to provide clarity for Planners, Applicants and the Community to understand the elements of the policy.  

The design guide, attached to the amendment documents, would be integrated as a reference document within the City of Melbourne's planning scheme which would repeat the wording of the proposed new Schedule 1 to the Design and Development overlay with clear graphic explanation and would use sketch and precedent images to 'clearly articulate preferred outcomes as a guide for design negotiation'.

<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/com_design_guide.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A snapshot from the Central Melbourne Design Guide - image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="668" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/com_design_guide.png?itok=diJdF9fh" title="A snapshot from the Central Melbourne Design Guide - image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A snapshot from the Central Melbourne Design Guide - image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>At the Future Melbourne Committee meeting on the 20th of February, City of Melbourne management are seeking endorsement to then request the authorisation of the Planning Minister to prepare and exhibit Amendment 308 to the Melbourne Planning Scheme.

Click <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/805/14437/AGENDA%20ITEM%206.1.pdf">here</a> to read the full document suite.  The Central Melbourne Design Guide starts on page 176 of 259.
</body></html>

City of Melbourne's amendment 308 seeks to implement a new central city design guide

<html><body>
The first of the new elevated stations on the Caulfield-Dandenong corridor has opened to passengers with the Premier, Public Transport Minister and local members on hand to officially re-open Noble Park station.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
A new era dawned at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoblePark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoblePark</a> this morning! Thanks for your patience during these <a href="https://twitter.com/levelcrossings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@levelcrossings</a> works. 
There will be some access changes in and around the forecourt and station precinct at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoblePark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoblePark</a> as works continue. Details: <a href="https://t.co/78RkXTctmt">https://t.co/78RkXTctmt</a>. <a href="https://t.co/l706NXtalk">pic.twitter.com/l706NXtalk</a>
— Metro Trains (@metrotrains) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/metrotrains/status/963950068968579073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2018</a>
</blockquote>

The opening of the new section of elevated track and station is the start of multiple level crossing removal completions slated to come to a close by the end of the year in the Pakenham/Cranbourne line rail corridor.  It's likely (albeit unconfirmed) that Clayton will be the next section to open given the large amount of work still to be completed in the Caulfield-Oakleigh section.

When the elevated sections of track have been completed it will mean there will be no level crossings between the city and Dandenong and when the South Gippsland Highway, Hallam South Road and Clyde Road get underway, there will only be 8 level crossings remaining on the Pakenham branch and 2 remaining on the Cranbourne branch.

The 9 remaining Pakenham branch level crossings are Webster Street in Dandenong, Progress Street in Eumemmering, Webb Street in Narre Warren, Station Street in Beaconsfield, Brunt Road and Station Street in Officer, Cardinia Road in Lakeside as well as McGregor Road and Main Street in Pakenham.

The final 2 Cranbourne branch level crossings are Greens Road in Dandenong South and Camms Road in Cranbourne - Evans Road near Merinda Park is technically a level crossing but the road is blocked at the Cranbourne railway line.  

Abbots Road and Thompson Road level crossings on the Cranbourne branch are currently being removed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
More sky rail <a href="https://t.co/VO3iFJQJVA">pic.twitter.com/VO3iFJQJVA</a>
— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/963878183392002048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2018</a>
</blockquote>

The re-opening of Noble Park comes on the same day that almost two decades worth of punctuality and service cancellation data was released by Public Transport Victoria.

Interestingly, the Frankston line has seen the most cancellations and if you've watched the tweeted video above, there's some enthusiastic support for 'skyrailing' Frankston from at least one passenger who was recorded in the background.

The data dump is an interesting development, as <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/when-it-comes-to-train-cancellations-frankston-line-fares-the-worst-20180214-p4z0bm">The Age reports</a>, it's Spring Street fulfilling a promise when the new operator contracts were signed.

Having the data is wonderful, but what hasn't happened, yet at least?  A release of a full-scale long-term Public Transport network development plan which is designed to improve the infrastructure which impacts cancellations and punctuality but also provides a clear vision on where new infrastructure will be built over the coming decades. 
</body></html>

The new Noble Park station opens for passengers

<html><body>
Unveiled in 2017, Frasers Property is now inviting expressions of interest to design, construction and operate the rooftop garden/farm in what seeks to be world's most sustainable shopping centre at Burwood Brickworks.

According to its <a href="https://www.frasersproperty.com.au/retail/vic/burwood-brickworks/urban-farm">enquiry</a><a href="https://www.frasersproperty.com.au/retail/vic/burwood-brickworks/urban-farm"> page</a>, the project is chasing accreditation under the <a href="https://living-future.org/lbc/">Living Building Challenge</a> which would result in the Burwood Brickworks the most sustainable shopping centre in the world.

<blockquote>
The aim is to create an internationally recognised agricultural project on an urban scale unprecedented in Australia, promoting sustainability through fresh produce, education and events. It will strive to strengthen the link with nature and reconnect people with the food they eat.

Design of the space is still at concept level and we are seeking a partner to collaborate with in delivering:

<ol>
<li>glasshouse of ~800 m²</li>
	<li>landscaped grounds of ~1,000 m².</li>
	<li>co-located restaurant/café/event space ~350 m²</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://www.frasersproperty.com.au/retail/vic/burwood-brickworks/urban-farm"><cite>Frasers Property</cite></a>
</blockquote>

Following a community consultation session in October and November 2014, The City of Whitehorse adopted a master plan in January 2015.  The master plan was devised by Frasers Property - then known as Australand - that in turn resulted in the council drawing up <a href="http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Amendment-C170">amendment C170</a>. 

The amendment saw the 20.5 hectare site rezoned with Residential Growth Zone - schedule 3, Commercial Zone 1, Neighbourhood Residential Zone - schedule 5 and a development plan overlay applied to the land affected.

The master plan envisioned up to 950 dwellings on the site in typologies ranging from detached houses to apartments in 6 level buildings, plus the shopping centre.

In 2016 a development plan was drawn up and opened for community consultation in February of that year.  The development plan went before Whitehorse City Council in July 2016 and was approved subject to various conditions. 

Construction is slated to start in mid-2018.

<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/burwood_brickworks_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Burwood Brickwork's rooftop garden &amp; farm - image: Frasers Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/burwood_brickworks_2.jpg?itok=EKmeb-cT" title="Burwood Brickwork's rooftop garden &amp; farm - image: Frasers Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Burwood Brickwork's rooftop garden &amp; farm - image: Frasers Property</figcaption></figure>The Burwood Highway between Middleborough Road and Deakin University's campus is zoned Residential Growth Zone and there are multiple developments on the Apartments.com.au database that stand to benefit from the existing and to-be-built amenity on the brickworks site.

Collectively the 6 projects include potentially up to 266 new units in the short strip which fronts the #75 tram route on Burwood Highway.

See below for a list of other residential projects in the area.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.frasersproperty.com.au/retail/vic/burwood-brickworks/register">Frasers Property</a>
</body></html>

Frasers Property invites EOI to design, construct & operate its rooftop farm at Burwood Brickworks

<html><body>
The State Government has today launched its HomesVic scheme which was foreshadowed back in March 2017 and is designed to make it easier for those eligible to buy their first home with a 5% deposit.

The pilot scheme will see the state government taking a proportional beneficial interest of up to 25 percent in eligible applicant's properties.  The pilot is being financed with a $50 million fund announced last year.

While the scheme has been launched today, applications for the scheme open at 9am on Monday 19th February.

<blockquote>
HomesVic will take a proportional beneficial interest of up to 25% in the property, and eligibility will target applicants with incomes of up to $75,000 for singles, or up to $95,000 for couples or families.

Buyers will need to contribute at least 5% of the acquisition price from genuine savings and be able to cover all acquisition costs in addition to that contribution to the acquisition price.
<a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/affordablehousing/buying-a-house-in-victoria/homesvic"><cite>HomesVic</cite></a>
</blockquote>

As the scheme is a pilot, there are only 400 places and first home buyers are encouraged to apply as quickly as they can once the applications option.

According to a state government media release, the areas where the pilot will be available include 85 Melbourne suburbs, 130 regional towns and suburbs and 7 peri-urban towns. 

The scheme will only apply in the priority areas and in certain dwelling typologies - for instance, in Box Hill, <a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/affordablehousing/buying-a-house-in-victoria/homesvic/preferred-locations">the scheme will not apply to houses but will apply to townhouses and apartments</a>.

Eligible candidates for the pilot will need to submit to an annual review of their circumstances and the <a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/affordablehousing/buying-a-house-in-victoria/homesvic/am-i-eligible">eligibility criteria</a> are somewhat robust, examples include:

<ul>
<li>Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent resident status and have been residing in Victoria for the past two years.</li>
	<li>Entities (companies, trusts or other bodies) are not eligible - you must be a 'natural person' and must not be related to or associated with the vendor of the property being purchased.</li>
	<li>Applicants must not be earning more than $75,000 per annum (for singles) or more than $95,000 where there are multiple incomes combined.</li>
	<li>You must not have owned property in whole or in part prior to applying for the pilot (legally or beneficially).</li>
	<li>The property can be existing or off the plan and must be a standard residential property (apartment, townhouse or house) and located in a designated area.</li>
	<li>Prospective buyers must seek loan approval from a panel financial institution (<a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/affordablehousing/buying-a-house-in-victoria/homesvic/panel-financial-institutions">Bank Australia and Bendigo Bank for the pilot</a>) before the government will begin to assess the pilot.</li>
	<li>Buyers must have a new (no refinance) principle and interest loan, maximum duration is set at 30 years and the home loan can be a variable or fixed-rate.</li>
	<li>The home loan must have either an offset account or a redraw facility and the amount of the principle and interest loan payments at the commencement of the home loan cannot exceed 37% of the total taxable income of the applicant(s).</li>
</ul>
For more information &amp; eligibility criteria, visit www.homesvic.vic.gov.au
</body></html>

HomesVic launched, applications open Monday 19th of February

<html><body>
In this week's podcast I'm joined by Laurence Dragomir and we talk about the Melbourne's development by tram series, RMIT's New Academic Street, <a href="/news/leonard-teplin-discusses-whats-next-for-melbournes-property-market-in-2018">Laury's interview with Leonard Teplin</a>.

Ps. I'll try to not talk as fast next time!

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/397190265&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>

 
</body></html>

Weekly Podcast: Episode 2 - Development by Tram, RMIT NAS and Leonard Teplin

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Joel Robinson

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Alastair Taylor

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Alastair Taylor

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News