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A few weeks ago the Road and Public Transport ministers announced another construction blitz for the Spring School holiday period with many disruptions to both public transport and freeway networks foreshadowed.

Most of the disruptions on the rail network are due to works occurring on the multiple level crossing removal sites around the metro area.  Like last time, if you are one who likes losing yourself in construction photos, I highly recommend following the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/levelcrossings">on Facebook</a> - the images below are a mere fraction of those that can be found on their own page.

Here's some highlights (links go directly to the LXRA albums for all the specific sites).

CD9 - 'Caulfield-Dandenong 9' - the 9 level crossings being removed between Caulfield and Dandenong is naturally a big focus at this stage with many of the columns that popped up earlier in the year now set to host the horizontal rail decks (lead image above).

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/skye_frankston_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Skye/Overton Road, image - LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/skye_frankston_1.jpg?itok=Nafhw0JM" title="Skye/Overton Road, image - LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Skye/Overton Road, image - LXRA</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/levelcrossings/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=1631948743546471">Skye/Overton Roads in Frankston</a> is seeing its early works package kick off with a recent shutdown resulting in underground service relocations, further investigative works and the installation of construction fencing according to the LXRA.

Skye/Overton Road will be grade separated by sending the rail line over the current road level.  See renders <a href="http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/crossings/overton-road-frankston">here</a>.

The LXRA is the body responsible for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/levelcrossings/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=1524062634335083">Mernda Rail extension</a> from South Morang along the original Whittlesea railway line.  

<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/south_morang.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new cutting for the eastern side of South Morang station, image - LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/south_morang.jpg?itok=DYuuiVN7" title="A new cutting for the eastern side of South Morang station, image - LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new cutting for the eastern side of South Morang station, image - LXRA</figcaption></figure>As seen above, a new cutting is being carved out on the eastern side of the current terminus at South Morang.  

The station at Mernda which will be the new terminus will be elevated and the major works on the station have advanced.

<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/mernda.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mernda major works have kicked off, image - LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mernda.jpg?itok=zPvtciDM" title="Mernda major works have kicked off, image - LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mernda major works have kicked off, image - LXRA</figcaption></figure>The Noble Park section of the CD9 set of level crossing removals hit a new milestone with the first spans lifted into place above <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/levelcrossings/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=1270350439706305">Chandler Road</a>.

<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/chandler_noble.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spans lifted into place over Chandler Road in Noble Park"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/chandler_noble.jpg?itok=sJn0L2J4" title="Spans lifted into place over Chandler Road in Noble Park" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spans lifted into place over Chandler Road in Noble Park</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/levelcrossings/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=1517433721664641">Melton Highway out near Watergardens Station</a> will see the road elevated above the existing rail grade and built in two stages - the first (southern) span will complete and then start diverting traffic away from the level crossings whilst the second stage will see the northern span built - eventually eastbound traffic will shift to the northern span, leaving the southern span for westbound road traffic.

The southern (westbound) span is well under construction.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melton_hwy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melton Highway bridge over Sunbury/Bendigo line, image - LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melton_hwy.jpg?itok=Mnvn4N38" title="Melton Highway bridge over Sunbury/Bendigo line, image - LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melton Highway bridge over Sunbury/Bendigo line, image - LXRA</figcaption></figure>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/levelcrossings/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=1632006460207366">Kororoit Creek Road</a> level crossing removal will see the rail line elevated above the existing the rail grade and also build some more rail track redundancy into the Altona Loop. 

The Altona Loop is a single track however the Kororoit Creek Road removal will start the process of adding a second track with the new rail bridge and Werribee Line junction.  Works have kicked off.

<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/kororoit.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prep work at Kororoit Creek Road, image - LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kororoit.jpg?itok=5ngv3iKu" title="Prep work at Kororoit Creek Road, image - LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prep work at Kororoit Creek Road, image - LXRA</figcaption></figure>The consultation sessions for Buckley Street in Essendon have been ongoing for some time now and we're likely to see the design of the proposed Reservoir level crossing removal soon - one that is going to be pique the interest of both locals and transport watchers alike, given the <a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.7158583,145.0074758,378m/data=!3m1!1e3">extraordinary road network complexity</a> in the area.

The other inner-middle northern crossings that have been announced but their designs not made publicly available at Bell Street in both Coburg and Thornbury, Moreland Road in Coburg and Glenroy Road in Glenroy are also of great interest as they are some of the last inner-to-middle-ring level crossings in the original list of 50 yet to be unveiled.
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Alastair Taylor

Level Crossing Removals steaming through Spring school holidays

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The Australian Bureau of Statistics <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/3101.0Main+Features1Mar%202017?OpenDocument">released its most recent tranche of estimated resident population data</a> yesterday and once again it sees Victoria well out in front on both raw numbers and percentage growth.

The estimated resident population in Victoria at the end of the March quarter this year was 6,290,700 representing a change of 149,400 or 2.4% growth since the same time in the previous year.

As other <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/business/the-economy/victoria-booms-as-nsw-leaks-residents-by-the-thousands-20170927-gypper">media outlets have noted</a>, you need to look all the way back to the 1960s to find an equivalent time when Victoria was adding population as fast as it is now.  

Nationally, the ERP is sitting at 24,511,800 with 389,100 new residents of Australia - that represents a 1.6% growth rate since the end of the March 2016 quarter. 

The current narrative has Victoria and New South Wales as the two magnets for population growth - NSW grew by 123,300 to 7,837,700 (1.6%) with Queensland nearing edging closer to 5 million residents - its March 2017 ERP is 4,907,600 with 75,400 new residents representing 1.6% growth.

Context is a beautiful thing because not 5 years ago the story <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/allprimarymainfeatures/089DE88A71A19B3DCA257AD7000D10F4?opendocument">was so very different</a>.  How's this for even, distributed population growth? 

The various ERP and growth numbers for each state and territory at the end of each March quarters in <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/allprimarymainfeatures/089DE88A71A19B3DCA257AD7000D10F4?opendocument">2012</a> and <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/3101.0Main+Features1Mar%202017?OpenDocument">2017</a>.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col"> </th>
			<th scope="col">March 2012</th>
			<th scope="col">March 2017</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Victoria</td>
			<td>5,603,100 - 82,500 - 1.5%</td>
			<td>6,290,700 - 149,400 - 2.4%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>New South Wales</td>
			<td>7,272,800 - 73,500 - 1.0%</td>
			<td>7,837,700 - 123,300 - 1.6%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Queensland</td>
			<td>4,537,700 - 76,400 - 1.7%</td>
			<td>4,907,600 - 75,400 - 1.6%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Western Australia</td>
			<td>2,410,600 - 73,300 - 3.1%</td>
			<td>2,576,000 - 18,400 - 0.7%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>South Australia</td>
			<td>1,650,600 - 14,100 - 0.9%</td>
			<td>1,721,000 - 10,300 - 0.6%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tasmania</td>
			<td>512,100 - 1,300 - 0.3%</td>
			<td>520,100 - 3,100 - 0.6%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northern Territory</td>
			<td>233,300 - 3,000 - 1.3%</td>
			<td>245,000 - 300 - 0.1%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Australian Capital Territory</td>
			<td>373,100 - 7,000 - 1.9%</td>
			<td>409,100 - 7,200 - 1.8%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Australia</td>
			<td>22,596,500 - 331,200 - 1.5%</td>
			<td>24,511,800 - 389,100 - 1.6%</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
In 2012 Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and most importantly Western Australia all added around the same number of people.  It's generally accepted that the 2012 numbers were a reflection of the mining boom sending people west and north and now that is over, Queensland is holding its own, but Western Australia has fallen off a cliff.

Despite the past decade of evidence of Victoria leading the population growth pack, you'd be a fool to think that this most recent peak - 150,000 new residents in a year - is the new norm.  

That said, Melbourne is and always will be a large city, one that hasn't seen all that significant change in how we transport ourselves.

It's been an interesting task to keep one eye on the state Liberals continuing population policy development and consultation.  At this stage of the game is very much focused on regions outside of Melbourne.

Growing regional cities is a noble goal, that is of course only if there are plans in place to grow employment in them at the same time, therefore reducing pressure on the <a href="https://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2016/11/14/decentralisation/">long and thin transport routes</a> between the regional cities and Melbourne.  Outlining how population decentralisation will work with existing regional city economies would make a lot of interested parties far more comfortable.

However, one large gap in the opposition's policy development process is Melbourne itself.  Is it assumed a business-as-usual approach to transport within Melbourne will continue?  How is that acceptable?

Another angle on the ABS data outlined above is that it highlights how people are attracted to the big cities, where the bigger economic opportunities are to be found.  And it's a safe assumption that Melbourne will continue to attract the most people in Victoria, regardless of a solid &amp; well-executed population decentralisation policy from the opposition (or government).

Therefore, the same broad challenges exist - auto-centricity within Melbourne, a public transport network that is slow to respond to population growth (not to mention the focus of the primary mode is on getting people into and out of central Melbourne rather than also facilitating greater suburb-to-suburb commuting), continuing fringe-belt growth.

As we enter the 4th year of the first term of the Andrews Government we're getting close to the release of big infrastructure-related documents that will inform growth and development decisions going forward. 

The first big release is the draft Fishermans Bend Framework - the <a href="http://www.fishermansbend.vic.gov.au/framework">urban renewal area's website</a> states 'Spring 2017' as the release date - and state government's response to Infrastructure Victoria's 30-year infrastructure strategy, due by year's end.

Throw in the low-key launch of <a href="http://economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/transport/about-transport-for-victoria">Transport for Victoria</a> - it was organised earlier this year and but doesn't have the presence that Transport for New South Wales or Transport for London enjoy - which reportedly will have the task of whole-of-state transport planning; one also assumes this is where updates to heavy rail, tram and bus network development plans will come from.

It's all well and good to point to examples of where shovels are in the ground, but the state ability to get things moving, creating employment and addressing short-term needs is established, it now needs to provide a clearer picture of its vision and the programmes of work that will deal not just with high immigration numbers and its impact on the transport network in the short-term but where we're headed in future. 

 

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cafuego/33397836043/in/photolist-STfD6n-YwEJgS-WvY9Yg-YbVX6t-XNgagu-YpmMCc-Wj4Ea7-VCM2VA-VACoHL-VZjHcD-W8oeUb-UXmjcD-UVRNFi-TK9cqL-SGdU9s-RFQbRv-Ri3tfo-PAhbHb-N9zoTf-MwZ4VG-RL4NdJ-QXihWu-P9sXMD-Qa3AVG-U6UFQJ-NPcmFa-UkULRe-PVJSNb-PNRxjK-PqmPS8-PcHaUh-P8rAkh-P8rMf3-NU4VZ9-N2J9aR-MvQo1j-LJzrgb-Lg3aTV-Lg3rtT-K2yYsL-JY1ns8-JTRjBb-JTRjzN-GivF2c-Eojmty-CxtUiS-BKvPsy-CzJ9fi-BKv8tf-C7NSQX">flickr</a>
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As Victoria's population soars, will large planning and transport initiatives keep pace?

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Melbourne Airport has hit a new passenger milestone with its August 2017 passenger data confirming 10 million passengers had been clocked through the international terminal over the previous 12 months.

<blockquote>
For the first time in the airport’s 47-year history, 10 million international passengers passed through the doors in a rolling 12-month period. That’s a five-fold increase since privatisation in 1997.

The airport’s latest passenger data revealed more than 850,000 international travellers took international trips in August 2017, a 9.7 per cent increase compared to the same time last year.
<a href="http://melbourneairport.com.au/about-melbourne-airport/media/media-releases/melbourne-airport-passenger-performance-august-2017"><cite>Melbourne Airport Media release</cite></a>
</blockquote>

On a month-to-month comparison, in August 2017, 853,253 passengers travelled on international services and there were 2,097,857 domestic passengers.  This represents 9.7% growth compared to August 2016 for international and 3.6% growth in domestic numbers.

Over the short to medium term it's not hard to see how this growth will continue.  

Australia Pacific Airports - the owner of the leasehold and operator of Tullamarine airport - says the numbers will be boosted further by new services to China with Jetstar beginning services to Zhengzhou and Xiamen Airlines kicking off flights to Hangzhou.

<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/west_lake_hangzhou.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hangzhou's West Lake - China Daily"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/west_lake_hangzhou.jpg?itok=L_RKUBxl" title="Hangzhou's West Lake - China Daily" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hangzhou's <a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/West+Lake/@30.2587323,120.1428134,6344m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x344b62c0d149f2cb:0xf0f28861cfd37ec9!8m2!3d30.2427011!4d120.1502699">West Lake</a> - China Daily</figcaption></figure>As Apartments.com.au previously reported, we're finally set to get a second non-stop mainland North American destination - Vancouver - with Air Canada kicking off a 4 times weekly seasonal service from December this year through to February next year.  Air Canada has subsequently decided to restart and make the services permanent from <a href="http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/09/air-canada-schedules-year-round-flights-for-melbourne/">June 2018 flying three-times weekly</a>.  

The first non-stop flight to a South American destination - Santiago de Chile - will begin next month and at the beginning of September Japan Airlines kicked off its Tokyo-Narita - Melbourne service.  

The roll-call of Chinese cities to have a non-stop service to Melbourne is pushing upwards of 10 cities.  Air China, China Eastern and China Southern have the lion's share with multiple daily flights to the big three - Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou - however the aviation network from Melbourne is well and truly established amongst the mid-tier cities.

At any rate, the morning <a href="http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=141817842&amp;postcount=12701">departures from Melbourne Airport are set to be very busy</a> with multiple mid-tier Chinese cities in the mix. 

Lead image credit: <a href="http://melbourneairport.com.au/about-melbourne-airport/media/photo-gallery">Melbourne Airport</a>.
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Tullamarine hits a new passenger milestone

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Designed by Bruce Henderson Architects, the proposal includes 14 levels with ground floor retail and over 100 apartments.  <a href="https://www.orionig.com.au/05-foster">Orion Group International</a> is the proponent.

A spokesperson for Orion confirmed more than 50% of the building's apartments will have a 2 bedroom configuration and a healthy number of 1 and 3 bedroom configurations.

Lot 10 is located on the opposite side of Foster Street from Dandenong Station and the site has frontpages to the new Settlers Square and Halpin Way.  The proposal, if approved, would rise in between the new ATO and Dandenong station.

The planning application is before and will be decided upon by City of Greater Dandenong.

<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/lot_10_foster_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aspect from Settler's Square"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lot_10_foster_2.jpg?itok=vMC_vUab" title="Aspect from Settler's Square" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aspect from Settlers Square</figcaption></figure><h2>Context</h2>

Revitalising Central Dandenong is a Bracks-Brumby era project that kicked off in 2006 and is expected to see a multi-site redevelopment of the southern and south-western corners of Central Dandenong over a 15-20 year timeframe.

<a href="http://www.development.vic.gov.au/projects/revitalising-central-dandenong">Development Victoria</a> partners with City of Greater Dandenong, other state government agencies and the private sector to move the area's vision forward.

Approximately one-half of development sites have been built-out or have proposals or construction underway as illustrated by this Development Victoria diagram.

<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/rcd_site_status.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Revitalising Central Dandenong site status - Development Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="767" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rcd_site_status.jpg?itok=pHdV4m2V" title="Revitalising Central Dandenong site status - Development Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Revitalising Central Dandenong site status - <a href="http://www.development.vic.gov.au/projects/revitalising-central-dandenong/vision-and-master-plan">Development Victoria</a></figcaption></figure>To date the majority of sites along Walker Street have been built on with City of Greater Dandenong, the state government through its Government Services Office (GSO) and the ATO all housed in new office accommodation.  

A new Quest hotel-accommodation building has recently been completed and the Salvation Army is set to move into a new building further west along Walker/George Street.

According to publicly accessible information, no proposals have been lodged for the Little India precinct thus far.

<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/rcd_aerial.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Revitalising Central Dandenong context - Development Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rcd_aerial.jpg?itok=pUK1cxTG" title="Revitalising Central Dandenong context - Development Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Revitalising Central Dandenong context - <a href="http://www.development.vic.gov.au/projects/revitalising-central-dandenong/vision-and-master-plan">Development Victoria</a></figcaption></figure>
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Central Dandenong's lot 10 - new 14 level residential proposal 

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<h2>Comment</h2>

Once again, the number of floors in a building is the <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/business/property/exploitative-parkville-residents-oppose-22level-tower-at-former-games-village-20170917-gyj8di?platform=hootsuite">apparent focus of community anger</a>, this time in relation to the final stages of development in the former Commonwealth Games village.  

Where I'd argue mitigating the risks of excessive noise or polluted ventilation from the adjacent Tullamarine Freeway corridor is a far higher priority for planners; for some it's all about the height in the new plans for that corner of Parkville.

Dominated by look-a-like <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-parkville-123769814">$1million+ houses</a> with large footprints that held multiple athletes per room during the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the extreme western end of the site has over the years seen progressive development of higher-density buildings wedged between the Tullamarine Freeway and Cade Way.

The final stages of the development, reportedly, would see even higher-density development toward the southern end of the site - closest to the public transport services on Mount Alexander Road and the Upfield rail line at Flemington Bridge.

The Age has quoted a representative of the Friends of Royal Park as saying "Royal Park is the most valuable, biggest and oldest park in the state... you could never do a development like this around the Shrine. It's excessive and exploitative."

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!4v1505697765183!6m8!1m7!1sCAoSLEFGMVFpcFBINWRDbS1IZFYtQXV3TkI5NlRpU3g0V0lKQi1lSVp0cXQ2N0gy!2m2!1d-37.830619!2d144.973446!3f55.54771018888185!4f3.8763826496336407!5f0.7820865974627469" style="border:0" width="100%"></iframe>

It's an interesting claim to make given St. Kilda Road's skyline and its relationship to the Shrine has seen planning battles (and subsequent changes) in the past yet one constant is that it hasn't halted buildings in the 20-30 level range within the Shrine's vicinity.

Similarly, it may be one of the largest parks in Melbourne, however Royal Park is littered with private uses: Royal Children's Hospital, The Parkville Youth Justice Centre, CSL, Royal Melbourne Hospital and the not-open-24/7 Royal Melbourne Zoo.

And what is the fundamental issue of having taller buildings right next to abundant green space, especially when the development will only consume land that had already been set aside for development?  

Overshadowing greenspace, of course, is a legitimate concern however it's not as if this upscaled development is situated on Park Street, the Upfield rail line or Poplar Road - where overshadowing during the day and afternoon would affect greater amounts of parkland.

If anything, with taller buildings now being proposed, Spring Street should be insisting on a number of the dwellings in the greater amount of floors be set aside for affordable housing - both in the social and market-affordable areas. 

It will be a great day when the community focuses less on the height of new buildings and more on who is able to access the housing units contained within them.
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Is 22 levels really too tall for Parkville?

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Since <a href="/news/the-state-of-construction-in-melbourne-mid-april-2017">April</a>, many of the construction sites featured below have seen significant progress on their respective sites, most notably the Australia 108 and Swanston Central sites.  Others such as Capitol Grand in South Yarra are still enormous pits in the ground.

Keep an eye on the key inner and middle ring sites, as many projects are about to make their presence felt in their respective suburbs - the very large market's site in Moonee Ponds (pictured above) key among them.

Here's a selection of some of the latest construction images posted on the forum - click the link under each image to see more of each project.

<h2><a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina, Footscray</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/riverina_footscray.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 10/09/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/riverina_footscray.jpg?itok=1zHlCc_7" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 10/09/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 10/09/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="https://urban.melbourne/forum/footscray-maribyrnong-3011-3032-projects?page=9#comment-30621">Footscray forum thread</a>.

<h2>Australia 108, Southbank</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aus_108_redden.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by redden, originally posted 09/09/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aus_108_redden.jpg?itok=JdJlHgbF" title="Image by redden, originally posted 09/09/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by redden, originally posted 09/09/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news6">Australia 108 forum thread</a>.

<h2>Capitol Grand, South Yarra</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/capitol_grand.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by redden, originally posted 09/09/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/capitol_grand.jpg?itok=uCszW194" title="Image by redden, originally posted 09/09/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by redden, originally posted 09/09/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news7">Capitol</a><a href="/news7"> Grand forum thread</a>.

<h2>Swanston Central, Carlton</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/swanston_square.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by redden, originally posted 05/09/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/swanston_square.jpg?itok=jcXkwORr" title="Image by redden, originally posted 05/09/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by redden, originally posted 05/09/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Swanston Central forum thread</a>.

<h2>Sky One, Box Hill</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sky_one_bh.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 13/08/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="733" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sky_one_bh.jpg?itok=ZxbnNN-q" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 13/08/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 13/08/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Sky One forum thread</a>.

<h2>Arden Gardens, North Melbourne</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/arden_gardens.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 31/08/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="614" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arden_gardens.jpg?itok=uyJjfpbf" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 31/08/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 31/08/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news0">North Melbourne projects forum thread</a>.

<h2>Aurora Melbourne Central, CBD</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aurora_mc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 31/08/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aurora_mc.jpg?itok=wi1Ir_11" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 31/08/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 31/08/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news9">Aurora Melbourne Central forum thread</a>.

<h2>Vanguard, Malvern East</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/vanguard.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 04/09/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="415" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vanguard.jpg?itok=VLAhQzl7" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 04/09/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 04/09/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Greater Melbourne projects forum thread</a>.

<h2>Opèra, St Kilda Road</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/opera.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by redden, originally posted 29/08/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/opera.jpg?itok=w7mSzGRO" title="Image by redden, originally posted 29/08/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by redden, originally posted 29/08/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images on the <a href="/news">Residential - news &amp; discussion forum thread</a>.

 

Lead image: <a href="/news">Mason Square, Moonee Ponds</a>.
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The state of construction in Melbourne - mid September 2017

<html><body>
The State Library of Victoria has secured final philanthropic funding from the Hasen Little Foundation that will allow the library's Vision 2020 transformation to kick off in earnest.

As previously reported on <a href="/news/the-state-library-of-victorias-2020-vision">Urban.com.au</a>, the SLV's Vision 2020 includes opening up 40% more space for public use throughout the complex which has had a long history of additions over the years.  

The $88 million transformation is majority funded by the State Government to the tune of $60 million with the remainder coming from philanthropic sources - the Hansen Little Foundation's contribution completes the library's fundraising target of $27.7 million.

<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/hansen-hall-750x422.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render of the new Hansen Hall - image: SLV"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hansen-hall-750x422.jpg?itok=v_7IXH-T" title="Render of the new Hansen Hall - image: SLV" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render of the new Hansen Hall - image: SLV</figcaption></figure>According to the <a href="https://vision2020.slv.vic.gov.au/news/hansen-little-foundation-gives-3-5-million-gift-of-connection">SLV</a>

<blockquote>
Hansen Hall will be a new focal point for Library visitors, combing heritage architecture with a contemporary look and feel.  It will represent the features of a 21st-century library in a lively and dynamic area where visitors can meet, connect and collaborate.

Jane Hansen said that a passion for education connects the Hansen Little Foundation and State Library Victoria.

“The beautiful environment of the refurbished Hansen Hall will provide a light-filled free space where people can work and enjoy a coffee while still able to access the Library’s extensive facilities and expert staff.  By working together, we can help more people achieve their learning goals in an inspiring and welcoming environment.
</blockquote>

The Hansen Little Foundation's gift will also fund the Library's new Conversation Quarter which is set to include facilities that will enable two-way digital broadcast technology to "take Library events and programs to schools and homes around Australia and bring the world's best events and experiences to Melbourne"

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RENEUw2T0R4" width="100%"></iframe>

The Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, welcomed the latest donation.

<blockquote>
The Hansen Little Foundation’s generosity means that more people than ever have access to learning, education and quality programming, allowing young minds to reach their potential, wherever they may be.

This donation means the State Library has achieved its fundraising goal of $27.7 million and is a great example of how collaborative approaches can provide a successful and a sustainable way to generate funding for new and innovative projects.
</blockquote>

The following video profiles changes that will occur as part of the SLV's Vision 2020 transformation.

<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%2F1516460138418517%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>

The Hansen Hall and Conversation Quarter are set to open in 2019.
</body></html>

State Library of Victoria's Vision 2020 kicks off after securing philanthropic support

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Minister for Planning Richard Wynne has released the <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/80994/Apartment-Design-Guidelines-for-Victoria_August-2017.pdf">Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria</a>, an <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0033/80997/Buyers-and-Renters-Guide.pdf">Apartment Buyers and Renters Guide</a> as well as a new non-statutory <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0035/80999/Design-Advisory-Service-Description.pdf">Design Advisory Service</a> for the property community.

<blockquote>
The Labor Government has already introduced new standards that ensure new apartments are built with light, storage, ventilation and enough room to fit beds and furniture.

These new guidelines will help developers meet their obligations and help local councils get their approvals right.

The Labor Government has listened to the industry and the community, running a series of workshops earlier this year to inform the Guidelines. Councils, planners, developers and consumers have all had their say.

The bar has been raised and the industry is responding. There has already been a vast reduction of apartments with saddleback bedrooms, increases to floor area, and a greater mix of dwellings all over Melbourne.

The Labor Government is planning a Design Advisory Service to offer specialist advice to developers.

The voluntary process will be aimed at larger-scale apartment developments and will include advice from experienced apartment design specialists such as architects, building designers, urban designers and planners.
<cite>Minister for Planning <a href="http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/creating-better-apartments-and-public-space-in-victoria/">Media Release</a></cite>
</blockquote>

The Apartment Buyers and Renters guide provides guidance to future buyers or renters of apartments and is broken down in two parts.  Part 1 includes all relevant links to resources at Consumer Affairs Victoria and Part 2 deals with practicalities in apartments, and what buyers and renters alike should look out for when looking to buy or rent an apartment.  

Part 2 of the Apartment Buyers and Renters guide asks a series of questions to prompt future buyers or renters might want to answer across a range of topics, from windows and natural light, thermal comfort and natural ventilation, functional layout to storage, local amenity, and energy efficiency.

All guides and related information on the Design Advisory Service can be accessed on <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-reform/better-apartments">planning.vic.gov.au</a>
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Spring Street releases Apartment Design, Urban Design Guidelines and Apartment Buyers guides

<html><body>
Over the weekend, the Premier announced a naming competition for the five 'new' stations that are to be built on the route of the Metro Tunnel project. The Melbourne Metro Rail Authority has reported, via its twitter account, they've received 10,000 suggestions as of Tuesday.

In what looks like an effort to avoid a situation akin to the 'Boaty McBoatface' that occurred in the UK, name suggestions will be shortlisted before being decided upon by a panel chaired by the MMRA's chief executive.

There's been a lively discussion through social media channels about new station names, from the absurd &amp; hilarious to the thoughtful &amp; evocative; from the conservative to the progressive.

I think there's room for both a conservative and progressive view and it's mainly based on geography.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
We've had more than 10,000 submissions to our station naming competition so far! 
Make your suggestion here: <a href="https://t.co/WDqL11YGH2">https://t.co/WDqL11YGH2</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y2PtQCcGlC">pic.twitter.com/Y2PtQCcGlC</a>
— Metro Tunnel (@metrotunnelvic) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/metrotunnelvic/status/902339269309501440">August 29, 2017</a>
</blockquote>

<h2>Conservative</h2>

For me, the stations currently referred to in all public domain documentation as 'CBD North' and 'CBD South' are clear cut -  let's not complicate the new maps nor confuse existing train users and just call them what they are.

CBD North - Melbourne Central.

CBD South - Flinders Street.

Everyone in Melbourne has heard of or knows where Melbourne Central and Flinders Street are located, as they've been a fixture of Melbourne's rail network for multiple generations.

At these two sites, the existing stations are expanding - Melbourne Central's platforms 5 and 6 and Flinders Street Station's platform 14 and 15.

<h2>Progressive</h2>

Beyond the two stations mentioned above, there's far more freedom because all three remaining stations are of course brand new.  Absolutely they're in places which have readily identifiable names - Parkville in particular.

However Arden is named after a street, yet will see a completely new TOD suburb spring up around it - is that name, of the existing area, relevant to what it will be in the future?  Why wouldn't you give this new area a completely new name - just like a new suburb on the fringe?

I don't think it's a coincidence the state government launched this competition in the middle of the broader history and public statue debate; a debate that is polarising and at the extreme ends on both sides there's a lot of loopy ideas and bluster.  

With that said, however, there's nothing wrong with debating the kind of city we want, and naming places is one part of that.

There's a <a href="https://www.change.org/p/vote-to-name-the-5-new-melbourne-cbd-stations-after-the-aboriginal-nation-of-kulin">petition on change.org</a> which has attracted 8,500 signatures at time of writing, stating that all five stations should be named after the Kulin Nation. While there are five new stations and five nations which make up the Kulin alliance, for the reasons stated above, it's going to be problematic.

Rather, naming the station currently referred to as Parkville as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulin">Kulin</a> might be a good compromise.

<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/kulin_map.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The original tribes that make up the Kulin nation - map: wikipedia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="574" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kulin_map.png?itok=No79-6x8" title="The original tribes that make up the Kulin nation - map: wikipedia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The original tribes that make up the Kulin nation - map: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulin">wikipedia</a></figcaption></figure>The station now known as Parkville will one day, if the heavy rail network development plan released in 2012 comes to fruition, have a second underground rail line run through a second set of platforms underneath those that are not far off getting built.  

And those two rail lines will traverse three of the five original tribal lands and connect with each other at Kulin station (currently known as Parkville).

Many of Melbourne's suburbs (and therefore stations) are named after blokes with some exceptions - especially if royalty is involved (such as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunswick,_Victoria#/media/File:Plaque_at_site_of_Thomas_Wilkinson%27s_house,_Brunswick.jpg">Duchess of Brunswick</a>) - and it's this fact that makes me think the argument for refraining from naming stations (and suburbs) after people is weak.

Henrietta <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henrietta_Dugdale">Dugdale</a> springs to mind as a candidate for renaming the station currently referred to as Arden.  An activist and founder of the Victoria Women's Suffrage Society in 1884, the first such society in Australia, she lived to see women get the vote in Federal Parliament in 1902 and in Victoria in 1908.

Have you provided suggestions through the <a href="http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/stations/suggest-a-station-name">Metro Tunnel website</a>?  Share them with us in the comment field below!

Over to you.
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Thoughts on new metro station names

<html><body>
The Caulfield to Dandenong level crossing removal project's Community Open Space Expert Panel (COSEP) has delivered its report to the Public Transport Minister, Jacinta Allan, outlining its recommendations for the spaces that will be created as part of the grade separation project.

The COSEP was charged with the duty of reviewing and providing advice on general landscape design and planning, proposal community spaces, the interface between community spaces and the shared use pathway to be built under the elevated track, car parking, public space in the station precincts and maintenance.

The panel, chaired by chief executive of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, has 9 key recommendations which range from using vegetation and trees which forms a strong identity through the linear park to a crime prevention and safety strategy that is seamlessly integrated into the overall design of the linear park.

<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/image17_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A focus on the user experience is key. Image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_13.jpg?itok=2KtEJsHw" title="A focus on the user experience is key. Image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A focus on the user experience is key. Image: LXRA</figcaption></figure>In the report's cover letter to Jacinta Allan, Professor Tim Entwisle provides an insight into the passion locals displayed across the various consultation sessions.

<blockquote>
As you would expect, trees and vegetation drew a passionate response.

There was much support for using River Red Gums as a motif along the length of the linear park – not to the exclusion of other plants, as it was accepted there are some places where native vegetation would not be appropriate.

We were advised by the project team that opportunities for the re-planting of River Red Gums were limited due to operational and safety constraints within the rail corridor.

Subsequently COSEP explored alternatives such as other local trees species providing some of the same functions and aesthetics. Linking the plantings and landscape to neighbouring parks was strongly supported, as was the establishment of connections with existing street trees.

Where possible the group wanted plantings to be diverse and of mixed age, to assist with plant health and the impacts of climate change. It was felt the landscape design could be bold in places and should not be subservient to the other elements of the project.
<cite>Professor Tim Entwisle, Chair COSEP</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cd9_heatherton_activated_spaces_a3_v02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Heatherton Road level crossing and new community spaces - Image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cd9_heatherton_activated_spaces_a3_v02.jpg?itok=MFoRhxHm" title="Heatherton Road level crossing and new community spaces - Image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Heatherton Road level crossing and new community spaces - Image: <a href="http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/crossings/heatherton-road-noble-park">LXRA</a></figcaption></figure>One recommendation that is sure to wet the appetite of any urbanist is to design the station precincts so as they can be used as venues to host community festivals/events to bring together the local community and traders - not simply used for car parking.

<blockquote>
To give a flavour of the discussions, in an early meeting we discussed the linear park and the alignment of the shared user path, plus some general issues around connectivity.

COSEP raised important matters around safety, heritage and local history, much of which has been incorporated into the design. Meeting later, we considered car parking, accepting that there were complex trade-offs to be made to meet the needs of varied stakeholders.  

A key message from COSEP was to not view car parking areas as ‘single use’ – that is, look for ways to partition them in time and space so that the community can gain additional value from them. 
<cite>Professor Tim Entwisle, Chair COSEP </cite>
</blockquote>

To view the report, see the Level Crossing Removal Authority's <a href="http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media-library/publications/caulfield-to-dandenong-publications/strategies-and-reports/community-open-space-expert-panel-report-august-2017">website</a>.
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Dandenong corridor Community Open Space Expert Panel report submitted to government

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

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]

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>.

Alastair Taylor

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