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Maps of the Suburban Rail Loop released by the state government thus far have featured a notable kink in the line in Melbourne's east - a kink that seeks to connect the new SRL directly with the suburb of Glen Waverley.

While the localities in which SRL stations will be located have been announced, the exact location of stations will be determined in early 2020.  However, it's a safe bet in Glen Waverley's case; the underground SRL platforms will be located adjacent to or near the Glen Waverley line terminus.

When the business case for the SRL is released, Glen Waverley's station will be the only terminus the new line will interface with.  

Glen Waverley is also a major rail and bus interchange with over 10 bus routes terminating or passing through the station precinct.  Specifically, buses to and from Glen Waverley connect to suburbs further east through High Street Road and Ferntree Gully Road as well as the orbital 902 start bus other local routes which reach Glen Waverley along Springvale Road.

<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/srl_glen_waverley.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Glen Waverley. Image: suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/srl_glen_waverley.png?itok=Nn50TfOI" title="Glen Waverley. Image: suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Glen Waverley. Image: suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au</figcaption></figure>Glen Waverley is home to a large retail precinct anchored by The Glen shopping centre and Century City Walk retail and hotel complex. The suburb has long since started changing from a relatively low-rise eastern suburb to an increasingly higher-density activity centre.

The area houses the Victoria Police Academy and is located midway between the Tally Ho business park to the north on the corner of Springvale Road and Burwood Highway and Brandon Park and the wider Monash NEIC to the south.

One of VicTrack's earliest experiments relating to selling surplus railway land for development is present in Glen Waverley.  The 10 level IKON tower, sitting above an entrance to Glen Waverley station, was completed in 2011 and set a height precedent for the suburb.

Since then the recently completed 15-level Galleria residential tower has had its first residents move in, and the pipeline is aflush with other larger-scale projects.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/glen-waverley-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Most projects in the pipeline are concentrated in or around the station and retail precinct and that's best explained by the liberal application of the <a href="https://planning-schemes.delwp.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/490479/monash10zn.pdf">Commercial and Residential Growth zones</a> in Glen Waverley.

In 2016, the City of Monash adopted the <a href="https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/Building-amp-Planning/Strategic-Planning/Structure-Plans/Glen-Waverley-Activity-Centre">Glen Waverley Activity Centre Structure Plan</a> which has guided the most recent projects to have been proposed and approved in the area. 

Yet the plan has its origins from an even earlier timeframe and given the Suburban Rail Loop was not on the radar when these structure plans were being devised, it would not be surprising if the City of Monash embarks on a journey of updating existing plans to enable the precinct to grow with the introduction of the SRL.

The City of Monash completed a community consultation round in mid-2019 that would aid in developing a <a href="https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/Building-Planning/Strategic-Planning/Structure-Plans/Mount-Waverley-Activity-Centre">structure plan for Mount Waverley</a>, two stations closer to the city along the Glen Waverley railway line.

The discussion paper released as part of the consultation round highlighted opportunities of consolidating retail on the western side of Stephensons Road and likewise discussed the opportunity of introducing diverse housing options, including introducing apartments above retail components in Mount Waverley village.

<ul>
<li>Previous stop: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-clayton-the-monash-neic">Clayton &amp; the Monash NEIC</a></li>
	<li>Next stop: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-burwood">Burwood &amp; Deakin University's campus</a></li>
</ul>
Lead image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Waverley_railway_station">Wikipedia</a>
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Alastair Taylor

Suburban Rail Loop in focus: Glen Waverley

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Located just over the halfway point if a crow were to fly between Melbourne's CBD and Dandenong, Clayton station is set to be the major interchange for the Suburban Rail Loop with the Pakenham and Cranbourne metro lines as well as Gippsland V/Line services.

The state government dubbed Clayton, Broadmeadows and Sunshine stations as 'super-hubs' in the context of the Suburban Rail Loop because each of the three stations would see metro and V/Line services stop to allow cross-town interchanges on the new line.  Clayton for Gippsland V/Line services, Broadmeadows for Albury and Shepparton V/Line services and Sunshine for services on the big three regional trunks to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.

Monash University's original and primary campus is located approximately 1-1.5 km north of the existing Clayton station and all the maps published to date suggest there will be a station at or located adjacent to Monash University.  

Monash University and the wider employment precinct located just north of Clayton station has for the past few years seen an emphasis on future structure planning, having been deemed a National Employment and Innovation Cluster (NEIC) by the <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/monash-employment-cluster/">Victorian Planning Authority</a>.  

The Monah NEIC, with the University as its key anchor tenant, is the largest concentration jobs outside the Melbourne CBD and according to VPA data, the region already contributes $9.4 billion to the Victorian economy per annum.

<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/clayton_levelcrossing_removal1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Clayton has seen significant public investment in the past few years. Image: levelcrossings.vic.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/clayton_levelcrossing_removal1.jpg?itok=9gwu7pkD" title="Clayton has seen significant public investment in the past few years. Image: levelcrossings.vic.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Clayton has seen significant public investment in the past few years. Image: levelcrossings.vic.gov.au</figcaption></figure>Unlike Cheltenham, Glen Waverley and Box Hill, there's not a lot of existing projects we're tracking on the Urban database along the phase 1 alignment of the Suburban Rail Loop.  There have been notable exceptions in the past with some of the higher density buildings developed at Jackson Green near Centre Road and M-City projects on the Princes Highway featuring prominently in the database and in editorial.

On the VPA website, the status of the framework plan for the Monash NEIC appears to have stalled, showing the plan is still in a finalisation phase with an estimated completion of Mid-2018.  Perhaps, that might be easy to explain: the Suburban Rail Loop election policy was announced in 2018 and it naturally will affect the transport planning for the precinct.

The draft framework plan developed by the VPA was published in 2017 and it makes mention of working with the City of Monash to develop a precinct plan for Clayton within the NEIC.  That precinct plan has been developed by the City of Monash in collaboration with TRACT Consultants and a recent community consultation period was completed in September 2019.

The draft precinct plan for Clayton emphasises expanding medical and research industry activities - with the ever-present Monash Medical Centre and new Children's hospital as anchors - and the draft precinct plan sees opportunities for developing other commercial, retail and mixed-use residential sites along the Clayton Road spine.  <a href="https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/about-us/council/council-meetings/2019-25-june/1.1-attachment-2-council-meeting-25-june-2019.pdf">One map in the draft</a> depicts building heights peaking near 10 levels - in particular, north of Clayton Station - and notes the liberal use of the residential growth zone already in force in the area.

<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/clayton_precinct_neic_context1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Major transport routes in the context of the Clayton precinct plan. Image: TRACT Consultants/City of Monash"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="706" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/clayton_precinct_neic_context1.png?itok=I9ystsL0" title="Major transport routes in the context of the Clayton precinct plan. Image: TRACT Consultants/City of Monash" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Major transport routes in the context of the Clayton precinct plan. Image: TRACT Consultants/City of Monash</figcaption></figure>VPA's Monash NEIC draft framework plan almost singles out other activity centres that will see precinct plans: Huntingdale, Springvale and Sandown Park which also involves the neighbouring councils of Greater Dandenong and Kingston.

<a href="https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/about-us/council/council-meetings/2019-25-june/1.1-attachment-3-council-meeting-25-june-2019.pdf">Huntingdale's draft precinct plan</a> was devised by SJB Urban and like Clayton's precinct plan, wrapped up a community consultation period in September 2019.

Overall however, we'll have to wait to see how the VPA's framework plan may change with the addition of the Suburban Rail Loop now thrown into the mix.  Depending on what the City of Monash ultimately adopts, all the draft plans point to more intensive employment, retail and residential uses.

The existing pipeline of projects on the Urban database in the Clayton &amp; Monash University areas is limited to either lower-rise apartment buildings, townhouses or academic buildings - with the notable exceptions mentioned earlier.  

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/clayton-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Previous stop: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-cheltenham">Cheltenham</a>

Next stop: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-glen-waverley">Glen Waverley</a>.
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Suburban Rail Loop in focus: Clayton & the Monash NEIC

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A not-for-profit alliance of institutions local to Melbourne's west, chaired by former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks, has produced a paper to outline its thinking on how economic growth and job development should be supercharged off the back of the significant public investment heading into the region over the next two decades.

The West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA) board comprises representatives from Victoria University, Western Bulldogs Football Club, Wyndham City Council, Western Health, City West Water, Maribyrnong City Council, John Holland, Scalzo Foods and Lead West.

The paper notes the State Government has made crucial decisions that will shape Sunshine's future through the establishment of a transport 'super-hub' at Sunshine, declaring Sunshine as a Priority Precinct for investment and development and enhancing suburban railways through Sunshine.

The Sunshine super-hub concept relates to State Government initiatives that are set to run through Sunshine, such as the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, Suburban Rail Loop and Western Rail Plan (electrification of Melton and Wyndham Vale railway lines).

<a href="https://www.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/womeda-sunshine-economic-development-jobs-strategy.pdf">Sunshine: daring to be great</a> sets out WoMEDA's aspirations for the area by attracting more public and private investment and channelling it into four key anchor institutions: a medical complex, a university/polytechnic complex, a court/justice complex and transport/retail complex.

The paper notes each of the four anchor institutions will need to grow to support a target of 50,000 new jobs to Sunshine and the immediate area by 2036 and outlines what success will look like in 6 different ways.  

<ol>
<li>An attractive precinct to work and play: A new Town Square near Brimbank's Council offices, transforming Hampshire Road into a car-free street, park and tree cover extended throughout the precinct and the development of new affordable housing.
</li>
	<li>A vibrant economy: plenty of local jobs: Success in this aspect would include more public administration and justice jobs; more healthy sector, business services and education jobs; and attracting airport-oriented employment jobs.
</li>
	<li>Great Transport Access: Fast train links to the city via the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, enhanced connectivity to the west and south west through the electrification and service improvements to Melton and Wyndham Vale, an expanded tram network to Deer Park, Altona and Moonee Ponds and a clearing articulated active transport strategy.
</li>
	<li>Strong Education Infrastructure: Enhanced investments to Victoria University and Victoria University Polytechnic, VU Polytechnic integrated into the state's overall advanced manufacturing strategy, deeper university engagement at Sunshine Hospital and a high-performing high school to be set up in the region.
</li>
	<li>Adequate leisure opportunities: Protect Sunshine's multi-cultural restaurant precinct, support nearby sports and entertainment facilities, attract a branch of the National Gallery of Victoria and further upgrades to the Sunshine Leisure Centre and Cinema/entertainment complex. 
</li>
	<li>Attractive to investors: State and councils will need to provide planning clarity and certainty, highlight clear opportunities for growth and deliver promised infrastructure.
</li>
</ol>
<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/sunshine_daring1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Spotlight on the Sunshine Triangle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sunshine_daring1.png?itok=fTKSFWwY" title="Spotlight on the Sunshine Triangle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spotlight on the Sunshine Triangle</figcaption></figure>The core of Sunshine, with the station precinct at heart, in WoMEDA's eyes would see increased mixed-use residential, commercial and retail uses concentrated in higher-densities.

The paper notes the population of the West of Melbourne is expected to almost double over 20 years from 686,000 to 1.5 million, giving the region a similar population to the entirety of Adelaide.

<blockquote>
"A total of 267,761 extra people in the West will be looking for jobs in sixteen years from now.  This is about 60% added to the current workforce of 484,000."  
</blockquote>

The paper furthermore notes 230,000 people commute out of the West every day for work and to limit commuting the entire West of Melbourne region needs between 138,000 and 317,000 extra jobs.

Health and care sectors are naturally a focus for the paper, as is the case in many parts of the country, it is one industry sector that is experiencing very fast employment growth.   

<blockquote>
"The health and care sectors will generate about one job in three and clear it has to be a principal focus of job creation in the West."
</blockquote>

WoMEDA would also like to see the existing Magistrates court precinct expanded dramatically into a wider legal services hub to cater to the expected professional, scientific and technical services to be located in the region as well as catering for enhanced public administration and safety.

The alliance is very keen to get the jump on other precincts around the metro area by setting itself up as a spillover precinct for airport-related jobs.  The paper draws a very tight correlation between Tullamarine Airport expansion and the building of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

<blockquote>
"Tullamarine Airport is planned to undergo very rapid expansion. Employment within the airport precinct is projected to increase by 14,000 to 35,000 jobs by 2038 if a third runway is built.  The adjacent business parts are likely to add a further 7,000.  Nearly 70% of workers live locally and if Sunshine captures just 5% [of the expected jobs increase], it increases local employment by 1,000 jobs."  
</blockquote>

On top of developing more affordable housing in central Sunshine, the paper also notes that Braybrook's current public and social housing stock should also be developed and expanded over time.

Click <a href="https://www.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/womeda-sunshine-economic-development-jobs-strategy.pdf">here</a> to read the 'Sunshine: daring to be great' paper.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine,_Victoria">Wikipedia</a>
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Alliance of Melbourne's West institutions publishes new economic development and jobs strategy: Sunshine, daring to be great

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A question that has existed ever since the Suburban Rail Loop project was announced in the run-up to the 2018 Victorian State Election has been answered.  The Suburban Rail Loop line and system will be different from the existing Melbourne rail network, much the same way the Sydney Metro system under development in New South Wales differs from the existing Sydney trains network.

Marking the 1 year anniversary of his government, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, announced the Suburban Rail Loop that was unveiled as a key re-election policy in 2018 will be a standalone railway, operating independently of the existing Melbourne rail network.

Operationally independent, but still integrated at the key interchange stations which will provide the interface with the new line, gives the State Government wriggle room when it comes to setting the parameters for the new infrastructure, and some of those parameters are now clearer.

On Sunday, the State Government released a media statement.

<blockquote>
The Surban Rail Loop will be built as a separate rail line, meaning it can use state-of-the-art systems from around the world without having to retrofit technology into the existing network - saving time and money

Being a dedicated line also means the design of the trains that use the line won't be constrainted by the requirements of Melbourne's hundred-year-old train network.  

As a result, the new trains will be four to five carriages long and faster than the existing fleet.

Being smaller, means they can turn up more often, and that the platforms will be shorter - reducing the distance passengers need to walk at the station each day to get on the train.
</blockquote>

It follows that with shorter platforms, the cost to build stations will be cheaper when compared to those that are currently under construction on the Melbourne Metro Tunnel project.  

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xUDydY0FXBA" width="100%"></iframe>

Pre-construction work on the first stage of the route from Cheltenham to Box Hill is underway with the government stating 14 boreholes have already been dug as part of the geotechnical investigations phase of the project.  Up to 100 will be drilled by mid-2020, according to the government media statement.

Community consultation and market engagement related activities are expected to increase next year and construction is still expected to begin by 2022.

<h2>Comment</h2>

More than 12 months on from the election and the original policy unveiling, the latest animation and statements produced by the state government still remain very high-level.

We still see a generic map that looks like more effort was put into it through the eastern and northern sides of Melbourne, yet in the west we still see the SRL running directly from Sunshine to Werribee.  

The 'we'll start the build and other governments will finish it' rhetoric is still the same and other local media are reporting that the Premier stated he would prefer the new system to have drivers (despite the fact the very parameters we now know by virtue of the statements today point to a driverless system). 

Those details are still being worked out, according to the Premier.  Sure enough, multi-millions were allocated in this year's state budget and we're promised to see the outcomes of all that work next year - where hopefully many other questions will be answered.

Regardless, the latest drip-feed does start to paint a picture of a new rail line that, on the face of it, might stretch a $50 billion figure a lot further than what some people would understandably think.  That is of course if the projected cost of the entire project is still $50 billion - we simply won't know until the business case is released and it's worth pointing out that the previously trotted-out figure was not present in Sunday's media statement.

The other thing to watch for when the business case does get released is how it will interface with other profile public transport projects - the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and the Western Rail Plan - because today didn't appear to answer any questions in that department either.

Private investment will be welcomed according to the Premier - whether that means a direct financial/ownership stake in the new rail infrastructure or developing land surrounding stations is not clear either - but it's worth taking a look at what is already present in the development pipeline for each station location.

That's going to be a focus over the next few weeks on Apartments.com.au and to kick things off, I present a map of Box Hill developments on <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">the database</a>.  It's not outside the bounds of possibility that each suburb that will see an SRL station will look like this once the SRL is under construction.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/box-hill-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Up next, a look at the pipeline and planning regimes at various phase 1 station locations: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-cheltenham">Suburban Rail Loop in focus: Cheltenham</a>
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Victorian Government says Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop will be an operationally-independent railway

The City of Parramatta Council has unveiled an animated flythrough of Parramatta's CBD offering residents and those from further afield a glimpse of what the city will look like in the near future. The projects shown in the animation encompass 30 different projects that won design excellence competitions over the past four years with the council stating they have a combined development value of $5.5 billion.

Design excellence competitions are normally triggered when a proposed development hits certain thresholds relating to height, site area, capital value or location (i.e. a key or landmark site). The City of Parramatta requires a design excellence competition for projects that are proposed to have a height of 55m or more, likewise if the capital value of the project exceeds $100 million&nbsp;a competition is also required.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lord Mayor, Cr Bob Dwyer, said,

<blockquote>
"At the core of any great city is quality design and planning. This leads to the construction of first-rate commercial and residential buildings and infrastructure that meets the needs of current and future populations. The flythrough animation provides a remarkable glimpse into the future of Parramatta, showcasing exceptional architecture that will undoubtedly help cement Parramatta as a world-class city."
</blockquote>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vfFcGdiQv74" width="100%"></iframe>

Projects featured in the fly through include Bankwest Stadium, <a href="/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta Square</a>, Parramatta Aquatic and Leisure Centre, the Civic Link and Arthur Phillip High School which will be NSW's first high-rise public high school.

Parramatta is also a major focus for new public transport projects within metropolitan Sydney.&nbsp; Parramatta has already seen early-stage works begin for its new light rail system that will travel from Westmead through North Parramatta, into the Parramatta CBD, then it will replace the existing Carlingford Sydney trains line.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The second stage of light rail expansion might see a network junction near Rosehill that would then connect through Melrose Park, crossing the Parramatta River into Westworth Point and then terminating at Sydney Olympic Park.

Metropolitan Sydney's blitz of new metro lines - railways operated by driverless trains, operationally separate from the existing Sydney Trains network - will reach Parramatta's CBD as well with the state government team driving the Sydney Metro West project recently outlining&nbsp;station locations in the region.

<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/sm_west_map_update_forweb_oct_2019-01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sydney Metro West route. Image: sydneymetro.info"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="320" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sm_west_map_update_forweb_oct_2019-01.jpg?itok=72rvdLIw" title="Sydney Metro West route. Image: sydneymetro.info" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Sydney Metro West route. Image: sydneymetro.info</figcaption>
</figure>

Construction on Sydney Metro West is set to start in 2020 at the Bays Precinct site further up the line toward Sydney's CBD to prepare the site for major tunnelling works.

Bankwest Stadium opened in April 2019, the new aquatic and leisure centre's development application will be lodged in 2020 and new learning spaces in the new Arthur Phillip High School will be ready for teachers and students at the start of term 1 in 2020.

Parramatta is no stranger to the <a href="/">Apartments.com.au</a> database with many of the projects shown in the City of Parramatta Council's animation listed locally where there upwards of 40 medium and high-density projects being tracked for the locality.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>Properties selling now in Sydney:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21618]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7619]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]

Council offers a glimpse of what Parramatta will look like in the near future

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The third stage of the Gold Coast's light rail project has been approved after securing extra Federal funding to the tune of $157 million. The total Federal Government contribution to the project will total $269 million with the Queensland Government set to contribute $351 million and the Gold Coast City Council contributing $89 million. From the existing southern terminus at Broadbeach, the Stage 3A extension will utilise the Gold Coast Highway median and include an extra 8 stops along the 7km of new tram track to be built.

Upon completion, Mermaid Beach, Miami and Burleigh Heads will be connected to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Southport, and the tram-train interchange at Helensvale by rail for the first time.

A media release from the Prime Minister and Queensland Premier states that the project will create more than 760 jobs during construction.

The investment in the Gold Coast Light Rail extension project sits beside other initiatives in Queensland including the Federal government contributing $50 billion to the relocation of Loganlea station as well as various road upgrades around the state.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ltnQyCVHu8g" width="100%"></iframe>

There are several projects already in the pipeline along the path of the light rail extension project.

Together Mermaid Beach, Miami and Burleigh Heads have several apartment and townhouse projects either underway or waiting for the go-ahead, including the multi-tower <a href="/new-apartments/2605-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach">Elegance project</a> located at the existing Broadbeach South light rail terminus and the <a href="/buildings/sandbar-burleigh-heads-1969-1971-gold-coast-highway-burleigh-heads">Sandbar Burleigh</a> project that is located near the new Christine Avenue stop.

Not to be outdone by other suburbs, the bulk of the Gold Coast's pipeline of higher-density residential and commercial projects are located in the arc spanning Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.  

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/miami-qld?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

No specific start dates for the extension project were mentioned in media releases from the various levels of government but funding will flow 'immediately' and local Queensland media are reporting the likely start for the extension will be in 2020 with a 3-year construction timeframe. 

Lead image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G:link">wikipedia</a>
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Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A to start soon after securing extra Federal Government funding

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The level of economic activity contained within the 37.7 square kilometres that make up the municipal area of the City of Melbourne has surpassed $100 billion for the first time and in 2018 this was larger than the entire states of South Australia and Tasmania as well as the Australian Capital Territory.

City of Melbourne's own Census of Land Use and Employment (CLUE) recorded the Gross Local Product for the municipality grew more than 5% to reach $100.3 billion. South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory's Gross State Products for the same time period totalled $96 billion.

According to the 2018 CLUE, 479,200 jobs across almost 17,000 business are now contained within the City of Melbourne and over the past decade employment in Docklands has increased 243% or an increase in 51,600 jobs.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said,

<blockquote>
"We've added 12,630 new dwellings to the CBD in the past ten years. The growth in our CBD alone is the equivalent of the entire amount of housing within the City of Adelaide."
</blockquote>

The City of Melbourne now has 83,080 residential dwellings, 67,420 of which are apartments.

<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/clue-2018-summary-report-infographic-page-001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Infographic on CLUE's 2018 results. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="820" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/clue-2018-summary-report-infographic-page-001.jpg?itok=QAkWXuFh" title="Infographic on CLUE's 2018 results. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Infographic on CLUE's 2018 results. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Office space in the City of Melbourne has increased by 10% over the past decade, clocking an extra 500,000 square metres on the land use census. Back in 2018, predictions were that City of Melbourne's office supply would increase by 170,000 square metres in 2019 and in 2020, supply would increase by another 290,000 square metres.

In terms of projects in the pipeline, the suburb 'Melbourne' (Postcodes 3000 and 3004) has <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">47 projects on the Urban.com.au database</a>.

In Southbank, there are 35 projects at various stages in the development pipeline. Projects such as Australia 108 which will be the city's next tallest building and is nearing the end of its construction phase, has had residents living in the building - at lower levels - for well over a year.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/southbank-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Docklands, nearing completion still registers 17 projects on the Apartments.com.au database with Lend Lease recently announcing what its final buildings will look like in Victoria Harbour.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/docklands-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Multiple state government-focused transport projects, such as extending trams from Docklands onto the southern bank of the Yarra, are or have had some level of planning completed to drive the growth into Fishermans Bend. Precinct plans for the massive 480-hectare urban redevelopment zone have been underway since the <a href="/news/fishermans-bend-framework-and-planning-controls-finalised">Fishermans Bend framework was released</a> in mid-2018.
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City of Melbourne's economy now larger than South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT combined

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On Tuesday night (12th of November), the City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne committee endorsed the council's submission to the Victorian Government's Ministerial Advisory Committee on Planning Mechanisms for Affordable Housing, effectively making clear the council supports a mandatory and state-wide inclusionary zoning mechanism to increase affordable housing across the state.

The Advisory Committee was appointed in September, has been set up to operate for six months and, will deliver its final report containing advice to the Planning Minister on affordable housing models and options within three months of its initial meeting.

City of Melbourne's submission notes it is developing its own Affordable Housing Strategy that is set to build on its Homes for People: Housing Strategy 2014-2018.  Other research obtained by the City of Melbourne, namely a Housing Needs Analysis, found that there is a current shortfall of at least 5500 affordable rental homes in the municipality and that number is anticipated to increase to 23,200 by 2036.

The council's now-adopted report states,

<blockquote>
"Current mechanisms in the Melbourne Planning Scheme which seek to encourage affordable housing are yet to deliver any affordable homes.  No affordable homes have been negotiated in private developments in the City of Melbourne since legislative changes to the Act. State and federal government programs are anticipated to provide 250 affordable homes in the City of Melbourne by 2036 [and] the introduction of a mechanism to the Victorian planning system requiring affordable housing will ensure a consistent supply."
</blockquote>

The City of Melbourne’s submission to the Ministerial Advisory Committee recommends there is an introduction of state-wide mandatory inclusionary zoning, at a rate to be determined by modelling, with a cash-in-lieu option, complemented by:

<ul>
<li>Flexibility for local governments to increase the state-wide minimum requirement where there is strategic justification and evidence of need;</li>
	<li>A voluntary uplift incentive that can be applied in strategic development areas to encourage a higher provision beyond the state-wide minimum or any local government-specific minimum; </li>
	<li>A commitment from the three tiers of government to work in partnership to create a holistic and integrated approach to ensure that policy, funding, incentives and governance is effective. </li>
</ul>
SGS Economics and Planning was commissioned to undertake a Housing Needs Analysis that looked at current and future demand for affordable rental housing within the City of Melbourne, the inner Melbourne and metropolitan Melbourne.

For inner-Melbourne, the analysis found a shortfall of 29,500 affordable and social housing dwellings in the Inner Metro Partnership region (which includes the Cities of Melbourne, Port Phillip and Yarra).  Likewise, for metropolitan Melbourne, the analysis found 231,250 households are "currently in need of affordable and social housing," accounting for 13% of all households.

The council's submission, through research performed by SGS, references other jurisdiction's inclusionary zoning implementations including in South Australia, New South Wales, London and California.  In San Francisco for example, new private housing developments with 10 or more housing units are to include affordable housing units or pay a fee in lieu.

Non-residential development mechanisms to finance affordable housing are also cited - for instance in Boston - Melbourne's sister-city - approximately 5000 affordable units were financed through a levy of $8 per square foot on new commercial development that generated $45 million USD between 1986 and 2000.

The Advisory Committee's final report is set to be delivered by early December 2019.

To read the City of Melbourne's Ministerial Advisory Committee submission as well as its supporting evidence, see <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/878/15660/NOV19%20FMC1%20AGENDA%20ITEM%206.5%20SUBMISSIONS%20TO%20MINISTERIAL%20ADVISORY%20COMMITTEE%20ON%20PLANNING%20MECHANISMS.pdf">melbourne.vic.gov.au</a>.

Lead image: Artist impression of the Boyd development, which includes affordable housing via <a href="https://twitter.com/cityofmelbourne">City of Melbourne</a>
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City of Melbourne adopts policy for mandatory inclusionary zoning as mechanism to deliver affordable housing

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The juggernaut level crossing removal project in Melbourne rolls on with the Level Crossing Removal Authority unveiling new renders and video for the solution to remove the Cherry Street level crossing in Werribee.

A new road bridge will be constructed further up the line that links Tarneit Road directly to the Princes Highway through an irrigation existing reserve.  

Similar to the Aviation Road level crossing removal design response, now complete up the line at Aircraft station, the new bridge rises in parallel with the railway line on the northern side then crosses over the railway corridor then gently lowers down to the Princes Highway in the irrigation channel reserve next to the Wyndham City Council offices. 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/foNCjwvD2sc" width="100%"></iframe>

Public consultation documents on the <a href="https://your.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/cherry-street-werribee">LXRA's website</a> show a range of design responses were considered but ultimately ruled out.

Building a road bridge over the rail corridor at Cherry Street was ruled out because it would create a 9m high barrier right in the heart of Werribee. 

Raising the railway lines over the existing Cherry Street grade was ruled out because it would extend the construction period out to 2 years. "Three train tracks currently cross Cherry Street, and network plans suggest more train lines could be added in the future. All future tracks would need to be elevated, and property acquisition would be required," the report says.

The interstate railway line that runs through the Werribee line corridor has restrictions on disruption and like elevating it above the road corridor, lowering it under the rail corridor was ruled out.

A new road underpass through the irrigation channel alignment was also ruled out due to the need to move oil pipeline infrastructure.

The outer western region of Melbourne will see a significant amount of public transport investment on top of level crossing removal work.  Old Geelong Road at Hoppers Crossing and Werribee Street located to the west of Werribee station are two more locations with level crossing removal design investigations underway.

And as Apartments.com.au highlighted last week, the region will benefit in some shape or form with the <a href="/news/werribee">Western Rail Plan and Melbourne Airport Rail Link</a> projects likely to dramatically increase capacity to a region that has many <a href="/news/an-overview-of-western-melbourne-precinct-structure-plans">drivers of growth</a>. 

<h2>Not to be out-done by the west, four level crossing removal designs in Melbourne's north were announced today</h2>

The Premier and Minister for Transport Infrastructure were in Preston to announce the Level Crossing Removal Authority will remove four level crossings on the Mernda line in one fell swoop by building a 2km-long rail bridge.

Bell and Preston stations will be rebuilt and the level crossings to go are Bell Street, Cramer Street, Murray Road and Oakover Road.

The S bend starting just north of Bell Street between Bell and Preston stations will be straightened, increasing speeds and therefore train throughput.  The State Government has conceded it will require property acquisition adjacent to the railway corridor and residents were informed prior to the media conference on site today.

Preston has long been a centre with an increasing amount of medium and high-density projects in the pipeline.  <a href="/new-apartments/preston-vic-3072">26 new apartment projects for Preston</a> currently exist on the Apartments.com.au database with the total pipeline bulking out to 48 apartment and townhouse projects.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/preston-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Similar to the Caulfield-Dandenong corridor and the Upfield corridor between Coburg and Moreland stations, an elevated rail line will create new open/green space once the level crossing removal is complete. Another round of consultation will open up to enable the Preston community to have their say on how the authority will develop their new open space.

Lead image credit: <a href="http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au">levelcrossings.vic.gov.au</a>
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Level crossing removal design unveiled for Werribee: Authority selects elevated solution for Mernda line through Preston

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Cheltenham, halfway along the Frankston line, one of Melbourne's longest on the existing network, a mountain of public investment has been mobilised to <a href="/news/designs-unveiled-for-mentone-and-cheltenham-stations-with-work-set-to-commence-mid-year">rebuild a station and remove two level crossings</a>. Likewise, the gravy train of public investment won't be stopping after the level crossings are removed because Cheltenham will be the eastern (or southern, depending on which way you look at the map) terminus for the Suburban Rail Loop.

The level crossing removal program is no stranger to Apartments.com.au's pages and nor is it a stranger to most Melburnians. While I accept that a level crossing removal project is most noteworthy to its respective local community, seeing where the investment is driving change is noteworthy, especially in Cheltenham's case.

Over the weekend, the Premier and Minister for Transport Infrastructure announced the Suburban Rail Loop - already flagged as terminating in the Cheltenham area over a year ago - will be an independent railway line, operating separately from the existing network but integrating with it at key interchange stations.

For the Frankston line, Cheltenham was announced back in September 2019 for the location of the new Suburban Rail Loop station its set to expand on construction work now underway in Cheltenham will result in a new station for the Frankston line sunk below the grade of the existing station. 

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/cheltenham-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Cheltenham has a healthy pipeline of projects with the Urban database currently showing 28 across the entire suburb.  The majority of the projects in the pipeline are located between the Nepean Highway and the Frankston Railway line, either side of Park Road (which along with Charman Road will be removed as part of the level crossing removals underway).

Approximately half of the projects in the pipeline are located within a 500-metre walk of Cheltenham station.

Public Transport on this scale is the exact kind that goes hand in hand with accelerating the modal shift from cars as well as providing high-quality transport for people who would seek a lifestyle away from the automotive grind by living in higher-density precincts.

The municipality governing Cheltenham, the City of Kingston, already has planning mechanisms in place that have allowed the current crop of recently built and pipeline projects to proceed. Similarly, the council has shown its willingness to update plans.

In January 2018, the City of Kingston adopted a review into its <a href="https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/Places-and-Events/Shopping-Villages/Cheltenham-Urban-Shopping-Village/Cheltenham-Structure-Plan">Cheltenham Structure Plan</a> which was first adopted back in 2010.  The original structure plan was devised within the policy context of Melbourne 2030 and Melbourne @ 5 Million and the findings translated into the Kingston Planning Scheme through the introduction of an Activity Centre Zone, which remains in place.

It's worth noting the January 2018 review was conducted before the State Government unveiled its Suburban Rail Loop election policy and the review only takes into account the change that will occur through the level crossing removal program.

Exact station locations for the entire Suburban Rail Loop are still to be determined - the State Government announced over the weekend that consultation will ramp up in early 2020 - however it's not outside the realms of possibility that the City of Kingston, by virtue of the Suburban Rail Loop scheduled to terminate and transport a lot more people into its own front yard, might revisit the Cheltenham structure plan once again in the next few years.

Next stop: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-clayton-the-monash-neic">Clayton &amp; the Monash NEIC</a>.

Lead image: Southbay
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Suburban Rail Loop in focus: Cheltenham

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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