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<h2>Comment</h2>

Now more than ever, it is time to double down on building and maintaining a repertoire of business cases relating to transformative transport projects for Melbourne &amp; Victoria

Whether it's a new road pricing regime &amp; the subsequent reallocation of road space or the next big-ticket rail network project, the Federal Government's new found penchant for investing in proper analysis should be leveraged.

In Tim Pallas' 2017 budget, $10 million was allocated to study how to get the Melbourne Airport Rail link done sooner - the kicker was that the money was contingent on Victoria receiving a payment from the Federal Government to kick things off.  Last night Scott Morrison went one better and allocated $30 million.

A few months ago Malcolm stood in front of Tumut-3 in the New South Wales alps and announced that money will be spent on updating plans and conducting a proper analysis into transforming the network of hydro generators in the Snowy Mountains to a larger pumped-storage mechanism for our increasing renewable energy generation base.  Last night Scott Morrison announced that the Federal Government would offer to buy both Victoria &amp; New South Wales' share of the snowy hydro corporation - and in turn those proceeds would need to be 'reinvested in priority infrastructure projects'.

Given the current argy-bargy between Spring Street and Canberra revolves around the Victorian Government receiving less cash from the lease of Port Melbourne &amp; the associated asset recycling scheme, and while the Federal Government setting conditions on the buy-out of state shares in Snowy Hydro is perfectly reasonable, it could just end up opening up a new front in the grenade throwing war.

Please.  No more.

The Treasurer also announced Canberra will set up a $10billion 'National Rail Programme' that could support projects like 'Adelink, Brisbane Metro, Tullamarine Rail link, Cross River Rail in Brisbane, and the Western Sydney Airport Rail link'.  This cash starts to appear 2019-2020 according to Budget Paper Number 3.

<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/nat_rail.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Budget Paper Number 3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="723" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nat_rail.png?itok=CLDuwgLY" title="Budget Paper Number 3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Budget Paper Number 3</figcaption></figure>Now that the Federal Government is set to open up new revenue streams for the states to use for priority infrastructure projects, Spring Street should be updating its priorities for the rail, tram and bus networks and get them out in the open, just like Napthine did in 2012.

From the 2012 heavy rail network plan, we know there are a lot more expensive changes on the horizon and Infrastructure Victoria's 30-year strategy, usefully, put a rough timeframe on when each was needed.

Infrastructure Victoria deemed projects like the reconfiguration of the city loop, joining the Craigieburn and Frankston lines gunzel-matrimony as well as the Wallan electrification project to have a moderate need in 15 years time because the capacity uplift on Craigieburn and Upfield that will be created as part of the Melbourne Metro project will be under pressure once again in the medium term.

Similarly, Infrastructure Victoria rated 'Melbourne Metro 2' - a new tunnel linking Clifton Hill and Newport via the inner north, CBD and Fishermans Bend - as having a significant impact on 'meeting growing demand for access to economic activity in Central Melbourne'.  It also cites it has a low certainty of evidence and this is what Spring Street should now be investing in.  

While the social media sorties directed at Canberra were entertaining at first (and they're in full flight today), it's getting old.  Other political journalists and commentators have noted the marked shift from the anti-cities Abbott era - and it's hard not to agree with the broad consensus now filtering through all the major media outlets.

Malcolm Turnbull's a fan of business cases, analysis and public debate - let's have it then, let's invest in the admittedly thankless task of building an evidence base to support the analysis required for the next big-ticket items that a less hostile Federal Government is likely to contribute to.

Just get it done Spring Street.
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Alastair Taylor

Budget 2017: a Federal Government less hostile to cities should be leveraged

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Hot on the heels of the announcement that SriLankan Airlines will re-enter the Australian market with a 4x weekly flight from Colombo to Melbourne, Air Canada have overnight done the same by announcing a new seasonal 4x weekly service to fly between Vancouver and Melbourne over the Christmas/Summer (northern winter) season.

According to reports on <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/srilankan-airlines-to-launch-colombo-melbourne-flights-this-year">Australian Business Traveller</a>, SriLankan Airlines - the flag-carrier airline of Sri Lanka - is expected to begin flights toward the end of the year.

The new Vancouver-Melbourne flight was <a href="http://aircanada.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&amp;item=1131">announced</a> at the same time as Air Canada outlining its new seasonal northern hemisphere winter services from its hubs in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver.

The Vancouver-Melbourne service will be one of Air Canada's longest routes flown, tipping the scales at 16 hours according to its online booking engine. The return Melbourne-Vancouver flight is scheduled to take 14 hours and 50 minutes.

A lot of things affect actual flight time - weather en route and at the airports one of the most notable impacts - however the Air Canada block times are similar to flights between Melbourne &amp; Los Angeles (14 hours 20 minutes to Los Angeles, 15 hours 45 minutes to Melbourne, from the Qantas timetable).

Despite the (far more) northerly location of Vancouver, Los Angeles' location further east from Australia results in a <a href="http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=MEL-YVR%2C+MEL-LAX&amp;MS=wls&amp;DU=km">Great Circle distance</a> difference of only 435 kilometres, hence the similar scheduled flight times.

<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/ac787_new_liv_flightradar.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Air Canada 787. Image: flightradar24"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="213" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ac787_new_liv_flightradar.jpg?itok=8n_mDt4D" title="Air Canada 787. Image: flightradar24" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Air Canada 787. Image: <a href="https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/air-canadas-new-livery-and-how-to-track-it/">flightradar24</a></figcaption></figure><h2>The 787 and A350 are doing what they were designed for: long and thin routes</h2>

The new Air Canada flight will be operated by a <a href="https://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_Canada/Air_Canada_Boeing_787-900.php">Boeing 787-9</a>, the same aircraft Qantas intends to use to fly the new Melbourne-Perth-London service from the end of the year.

When Boeing launched the 787 program last decade, it was billed as a 'hub-busting' aircraft that would allow airlines to start longer international routes from airports with smaller markets, even though the Melbourne international market has been growing handsomely ever since Boeing launched the 787 project.

The South American juggernaut, LATAM airline group, will also launch the <a href="https://www.latam.com/en_au/press-room/releases/LATAM_Airlines_to_launch_its_longest_non-stop_flight_ever_between_Santiago_and_Melbourne/">airline's longest ever flight and Melbourne's first non-stop flight to South America</a> in October, to be flown also by a 787-9. The 3x weekly Melbourne-Santiago flight has a scheduled flight time of 13 hours and the return journey from Chile has a block of 15 hours.

<h2>Welcome to Australia, now here's a bus to the gate</h2>

Anecdotal reports from Apartments.com.au staff and comments on across a wide variety of internet platforms over the past year point to a gate squeeze at Tullamarine for international flights.

It appears that the problem seems to be in the morning arrivals peak between 7am and 9am. Note that the new Air Canada service is scheduled to arrive at 9:30am and LATAM's Santiago flight is scheduled to arrive in the afternoon.

Things seem to have gone awfully, and worryingly, quiet on the expansion of Melbourne Airport's International T2 Terminal since <a href="/news/melbourne-airports-stakeholder-presentation-reveals-a-new-international-terminal">September 2014</a> when a new look international terminal was previewed in a stakeholder presentation and last year when we noted T2 expansion was not present in the <a href="/news/melbourne-airport-gears-up-for-expansion-but-no-international-terminal-upgrade-in-sight">2016 stakeholder presentation</a>.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/keepitsurreal/3348972199/in/photolist-66WmKZ-4HNCrj-pSfvmy-adaKoH-AB6QS-bgfSXR-5jAAMN-4nG6VM-qvV9sz-5ZT5k9-9jENUi-cbPz8-54VDHR-eJpQZs-ophdeG-4Skvpr-cbRVe-xtAkZL-f5EHKD-TsBx-mAZ6ap-bVSz3K-eyB7fQ-dVMgEN-2zspp8-6H1TZH-53fmm6-cbRVc-oJJJtF-cp6Ym-bgj1dZ-d69SSm-6zbDrL-ozoMkA-CrYt1-2zsott-cbSTR-CrYEf-3hduEf-CrYFE-ocnH81-emdUNv-amd2ZH-gRYVkY-4mhPe8-qi5Qu8-p2tH3K-44yqJr-8sToVx-5PUc9M">flickr</a>
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O Canada! Vancouver the latest in many new international flights announced for Melbourne-Tullamarine

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Yesterday's budget contained a not-so-insignificant amount allocated to the procurement of more rail vehicles for both the tram network and the regional V/Line network.

$218.1 million has been set aside to order 10 more E-class trams on top of the 20 that were announced and ordered in last year's budget.

The tranche of 50 E-class trams that were from the original order have now all been delivered and Bombardier are now working on the next tranche of 20.

Introducing the E-class trams has seen both the Southbank and Preston depots upgraded and expanded to house the larger vehicles. Budget documents released yesterday mention that the money allocated will also be used to further upgrade existing network infrastructure.

Foreshadowed through the planning and tendering process for the level crossing removal projects, a price tag for the new stabling facility at Kananook has surfaced: $187.4 million.

As part of the Carrum level crossing removal project, which is set to have a new elevated viaduct and station built, the existing train stabling yards have to be removed and will be relocated to Kananook.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TB-noYwwlP0" width="100%"></iframe>

On the regional rail network, Bombardier is set to receive another order for more VLocity train sets as the Victorian Government has allocated $311.1 million for 39 new carriages.

First introduced for the regional fast rail project over a decade ago, VLocity trains have evolved over time from being two-carriage trains at the beginning, to now where all new train sets are configured with two power cars and a trailer car.

Each new VLocity train (three carriages) have 220 seats and the 39 new carriages will translate into 13 new train sets, on top of the nine train sets that were funded and ordered in last year's budget.

At present, V/Line trains to Albury operate over the interstate standard gauge network and yesterday's budget has allocated funds to plan for the introduction of new rolling stock for this specific line. No doubt this will be a sub-fleet of VLocity trains, configured for the standard gauge network.

<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/vlo_wong_sx_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A VLocity train at Southern Cross. Image Marcus Wong"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vlo_wong_sx_1.png?itok=jpDM7qDP" title="A VLocity train at Southern Cross. Image Marcus Wong" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A VLocity train at Southern Cross. Image <a href="https://railgallery.wongm.com/vline-southern-cross/F107_0229.jpg">Marcus Wong</a></figcaption></figure>Planning for the upgrade to the Hurstbridge line beyond the works already announced and budgeted for (tunnel duplication between Heidelberg and Rosanna as well as the Lower Plenty Road level crossing removal) was also allocated $5 million in yesterday's budget. This second upgrade is likely to plan for the works involved in duplicating the rail line beyond Greensborough toward Eltham.

To view more of the initiatives announced yesterday as part of the Treasurer's speech, see the <a href="https://www.budget.vic.gov.au/">budget.vic.gov.au website</a>.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-class_Melbourne_tram">Wikipedia</a>
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Victorian budget 2017: more new trams and trains on the way

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On Sunday, the Minister for Public Transport and the Premier were in Warrigal to announce the Victorian Government's regional rail revival program. Soon after, the Victorian Government announced their intention to spend $10 million on figuring out how to deliver the Melbourne Airport rail link sooner than the timeframe specified in infrastructure Victoria's 30-year strategy.

This $10 million comes with strings attached, however: it - along with the Regional Rail Revival program - will be financed out of the money that Victoria is entitled to under the Federal Government's asset recycling scheme.

This announcement marks a distinctive shift in Victorian Government rhetoric when it comes to the Melbourne Airport rail link. To date, the Victorian Government has frequently attempted to shift the focus to its current portfolio of infrastructure projects and likewise, they have repeatedly said that the Melbourne Metro project must be built before the Melbourne Airport rail link.

Various news reports have circulated widely in the past of proposals by private organisations to link the airport and city via monorail or other rail-based technologies and the Victorian Government's response has often been reported that the project proponents should approach the government through the unsolicited proposals process.

In receiving briefings from the proponents, the Victorian Government appears to have made the judgement that there is a large amount of interest in linking the airport and Melbourne's CBD with the rail-based transit solution via a privately funded solution.

What a privately funded rail solution looks like is hard to picture at present but it could involve utilising a completely different rail technology and corridor or it could also involve a Melbourne Metro-style private-public partnership extension to our current rail network out to the airport.

In any case, dialing everything back to effectively starting from scratch might frustrate some but on the other hand it also provides far more freedom to develop solutions in relieving pressure on the road network in accessing Melbourne Airport.

At a fundamental level this new business case and study round should revisit all previous Melbourne Airport rail link studies and update the data contained within them. This would include projected rail passenger statistics, updated aviation passenger projections, and taking a more forensic look at how land is used around the airport and how many people are, and how many people will be employment in non-aviation related jobs in future.

One of the themes from Infrastructure Victoria's 30-year strategy found that, when modeled, if a rail link is much more than just a 'City to Airport' service, it has the tendency to have positive impacts dispersed over a greater area. In the 30-year strategy's case, having Melbourne Airport Rail Link as a branch of the new high capacity metro line would take cars off the Monash because airport services would run through the city and out to the south-east.

There is a good body of commentary and evidence elsewhere around the world which points to airport rail solutions should try to serve more than two destinations and the fares should be realistic. Jarrett Walker's article on <a href="http://humantransit.org/2016/03/keys-to-great-airport-transit">Keys to Great Airport Transit</a> is an excellent starting point.

<blockquote>
Toronto’s new <a href="https://www.upexpress.com/">high-fare, elite train</a> between downtown and the airport is a <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/union-pearson-express-ridership-slumps-to-all-time-low/article28634074/">failure in ridership terms</a>, so it’s a good moment to talk about transit to the airport in general.

This <a href="http://www.ryerson.ca/citybuilding/blog/up_express_and_down/?mc_cid=7f336ff24e&amp;mc_eid=9acc982aad">critique by Cherise Burda of Ryerson University, one of the Toronto line’s few regular riders</a>, pretty much sums up why the Toronto Union Pearson Express is doing so poorly: Fares too high (CAD $27.50 one way) for a line that just doesn’t connect the airport to enough places.
<cite>Jarrett Walker, <a href="http://humantransit.org/2016/03/keys-to-great-airport-transit">Keys to Great Airport Transit</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Interestingly, since that article was published (and the linked blog post was published), Toronto has dramatically reduced the Union-Pearson Express fares and <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2016/03/17/union-pearson-express-ridership-spikes-after-fare-reduction">patronage has subsequently blossomed</a>.

While we should welcome any action on getting rail into Melbourne Airport (the faster, the better), if we're going down the path where there is a greater private sector role in developing the Melbourne Airport Rail solution, we mustn't ignore the experience other cities have had.
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$10M Melbourne Airport Rail link study: don't ignore lessons from other cities

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With over three hundred projects on our database currently under construction, there's a lot of cranes, pits, core boxes and new facades appearing all over the city.  

Here is a selection images posted originally on the forum by Apartments.com.au users and staff.  Under each image is a link back to the forum thread where the image was originally posted - and there's plenty more images to view in each thread.

<h2>Hendrix - Brunswick </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/hendrix.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Zicojapan, originally posted 09/04/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hendrix.jpg?itok=R1EYlT5f" title="Image by Zicojapan, originally posted 09/04/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Zicojapan, originally posted 09/04/2017.</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Brunswick forum thread</a>.

<h2>The Fifth at Upper West Side - 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/the_fifth_upper_west_side.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_fifth_upper_west_side.jpg?itok=5JHsyFb6" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017.</figcaption></figure> See more images in the <a href="/news">Upper West Side forum thread</a>.

<h2>The Albert - Brunswick</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/the_albert.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 10/04/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_albert.jpg?itok=2NKPJa_6" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 10/04/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 10/04/2017.</figcaption></figure> 

See more images in the <a href="/news">Brunswick forum thread</a>.

<h2>Avant - CBD </h2>

<figure><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/avant.jpg?itok=z0UWPiQO" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017." width="580">

<figcaption>Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017.</figcaption></figure> 

See more images in the <a href="/news">Avant forum thread</a>.

<h2>The Spencer - West Melbourne</h2>

<figure><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_spencer.jpg?itok=fcm1ffhl" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 12/04/2017." width="580">

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 12/04/2017. </figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">North Melbourne &amp; West Melbourne forum thread</a>.

<h2>Mason Square / former markets site - Moonee Ponds</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/mason_moonee_ponds.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 09/04/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mason_moonee_ponds.jpg?itok=VK3B4-PE" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 09/04/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 09/04/2017.</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Moonee Ponds forum thread</a>.

<h2>Swanston 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/swanston_central.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/swanston_central.jpg?itok=Yz1DSkCk" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017.</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Swanston Central forum thread</a>.

<h2>Scape Swanston - 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/scape_swanston.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 19/04/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/scape_swanston.jpg?itok=6ufRXlVw" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 19/04/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 19/04/2017.</figcaption></figure> 

See more images in the <a href="/news">Scape Swanston forum thread</a>. 

<h2>Conservatory - 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/conservatory.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 19/04/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="457" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/conservatory.jpg?itok=sc4ixArE" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 19/04/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 19/04/2017.</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Conservatory forum thread</a>.

<h2>Kubix - Wantirna South</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/kubix.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 09/03/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kubix.jpg?itok=fpsIG4pk" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 09/03/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 09/03/2017.</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Greater Melbourne Projects forum thread.</a>

<h2>Victoria One - 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/victoria_one.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/victoria_one.jpg?itok=3fF-hqo5" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017.</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Victoria One 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_melb_cent.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aurora_melb_cent.jpg?itok=9dn9jKpi" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 12/04/2017.</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Aurora Melbourne Central forum thread</a>.

<h2>Banksia - Docklands</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/banksia_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 10/04/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/banksia_1.jpg?itok=OP4lSXbt" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 10/04/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 10/04/2017.</figcaption></figure> 

See more images in the <a href="/news">Banksia forum thread</a>.

<h2>Peel - Collingwood</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/peel.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by John Proctor, originally posted 10/04/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/peel.jpg?itok=8iaSEW9x" title="Image by John Proctor, originally posted 10/04/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by John Proctor, originally posted 10/04/2017.</figcaption></figure> 

See more images in the <a href="/news">Collingwood 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/australia_108.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 09/04/2017."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/australia_108.jpg?itok=ItXAbVAG" title="Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 09/04/2017." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Ryan Seychell, originally posted 09/04/2017.</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Australia 108 forum thread</a>.

 

Lead image credit: Mark Baljak, <a href="/news">Whitehorse Towers forum thread</a>.
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The state of construction in Melbourne - mid April 2017

<html><body>
On Sunday morning, the Minister for Public Transport announced three consortia had been shortlisted in the final round of bidding to build the 5 stations and tunnels on the Melbourne Metro project.

Formal planning approval for the early works on the project has also been received with Apartments.com.au spotting piling rigs on site over the weekend.

Across all three consortia global Australian, Spanish, French and Italian construction giants &amp; specialists are well represented.  The three consortia are as follows:

Continuum Victoria, comprising

<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.acciona.com.au/business-divisions/infrastructure/construction/">ACCIONA Infrastructure</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.faaunz.com.au/en/">Ferrovial Agroman</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.honeywell.com/worldwide/asia-and-australia/australia-en">Honeywell</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.downergroup.com/">Downer Group</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://plenarygroup.com/">Plenary Organisation</a></li>
</ul>
Cross Yarra Partnership, comprising

<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lendlease.com/expertise/what-we-do/engineering/">Lendlease Engineering</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.johnholland.com.au/">John Holland</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.bouygues-construction.com.au/">Bouygues Construction</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://capellacapital.com.au/">Capella Capital</a></li>
</ul>
Moving Melbourne Together, comprising

<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cimic.com.au/our-brands/pacific-partnerships">Pacific Partnerships</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.cpbcon.com.au/">CPB Contractors</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.ghella.com/en/">Ghella</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.salini-impregilo.com/en/">Salini Impregilo</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.serco-ap.com.au/">Serco</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.macquarie.com/au/about/company/macquarie-capital/">Macquarie Capital</a></li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mm-web-20170306-benefits_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Metro Map"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mm-web-20170306-benefits_0.jpg?itok=ZRCRDvJd" title="Melbourne Metro Map" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Metro Map</figcaption></figure>The three consortia's proposals "include more than 100,000 pages of detailed plans to build the nine-kilometre Metro Tunnel and five new underground stations at Arden, Parkville, CBD North, CBD South and Domain."  The winning bidder and contract signing is expected to be complete by the end of the year with major works kicking off in 2018.

From today, the westbound lanes of Albert Road (between St Kilda Road and Kings Way) are set to close for up to seven and a half months to allow early works to begin on the Domain station precinct.  The long timeframe for the early works in this precinct are due in part to the relocation of the South Yarra Main sewer which currently rests under the Domain station footprint.

For more information on the Albert Road closures, see the <a href="http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/103791/MM-NOTIFICATION-20170410-South-Yarra-Main-Sewer.pdf">metrotunnel.vic.gov.au website</a>.
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Three consortia shortlisted for Melbourne Metro tunneling & station contract

<html><body>
City Square has now temporarily closed - for up to 5 years - to make way for construction to kick off at the southern end of the CBD on the Melbourne Metro tunnel project.

Over the next few weeks fencing is going to be installed around City Square and the public monuments - such as the Burke &amp; Wills statue - will also be moved to make way for the major construction works.

The first order of business after securing the site will be to demolish the three existing levels of car parking for the Westin Hotel that sit at present under the square.

Upon total removal of the car parking levels, a deeper shaft will be excavated which enable heavy construction equipment to be launched that will be used in construction of the station platforms, mezzanine levels and underground connections to Flinders Street and Federation Square as well as the tunnel between both Flinders Street and Melbourne Central stations.

Like at the 'CBD North' site in Franklin Street, acoustic sheds will be erected over the station pit opening to minimise visual and audible noise during the construction period.

It is expected that City Square will be returned to the City of Melbourne as public open space by 2022 and it will feature an entrance to the station underneath.  

The Melbourne Metro Rail Authority has released the following video to illustrate the steps involved with this new round of works in the centre of the city.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LHXIZnENAeM" width="100%"></iframe>

See the dedicated CBD South page on the <a href="http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/locations/cbd-south/city-square">Metro Tunnel website</a> for more information.
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City Square temporarily makes way for Melbourne Metro construction

<html><body>
The proposed changes to the residential zone controls put forward by the Victorian State Government via Amendment VC110 were gazetted on Tuesday.

While the amendments effect the General Residential Zone (GRZ), Residential Growth Zone (RGZ), and Mixed Use Zone (MUZ) it’s the removal of the two-lot subdivision restriction in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ) that is perhaps most notable, effectively increasing development potential in the NRZ.

Data provided by <a href="https://landchecker.com.au/">Landchecker.com.au</a> shows that in select suburbs across inner and middle Melbourne where the NRZ has been implemented by councils, quite a substantial amount of these properties have large block sizes.

<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/landchecker_nrz.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Suburbs in the inner east and south east of Melbourne that are covered by NRZ"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/landchecker_nrz.jpg?itok=rf-fjQ0k" title="Suburbs in the inner east and south east of Melbourne that are covered by NRZ" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Suburbs in the inner east and south-east of Melbourne that are covered by NRZ</figcaption></figure>Until now, the two-lot subdivision restriction has forced developers who are looking for sites to accommodate multiple dwellings to focus outside the NRZ and more towards the GRZ, RGZ and MUZ. 

Ed Farquharson from Moda Corp believes the changes will ensure developers will take another look at NRZ properties.  "These changes will result in developers targeting areas that were previously restrictive."

"It's now possible for developers to consider design responses which incorporate multiple dwellings in quieter neighbourhoods with larger blocks of land" says Farquharson.

Ratio consultants have provided a summary of changes on their website.

<blockquote>
The key changes to the Neighbourhood Residential Zone are as follows:

<ul>
<li>Removal of the previous restriction on the maximum number of dwellings per lot.</li>
	<li>Amendment to the purpose of the zone to remove the previous references to limiting opportunities for increased residential development and the implementation of character policy/adopted guidelines. </li>
	<li>Requiring that the schedule to the zone must contain the neighbourhood, heritage, environment or landscape character objective for the area to be achieved.</li>
	<li>The introduction of a mandatory minimum garden area requirement for lots greater than 400 square metres and above ranging from between 25 and 35 per cent of lot area (irrespective of whether a planning permit is required).</li>
	<li>A mandatory maximum height of 9 metres and 2 storeys with potential to exceed this height only in particular circumstances including on sloping sites, land subject to flooding and existing/adjoining building heights.</li>
	<li>Revised transitional provisions which amongst other things seeks to exempt planning permit applications for the construction or extension of a dwelling lodged before the VC110 approval date.</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.ratio.com.au/res-zone-changes-introduced"><cite>They're here! The residential zone amendments have been gazetted - Ratio Consultants</cite></a>
</blockquote>

In analysing the plethora of NRZ properties in Melbourne, Landchecker.com.au have chosen to highlight how many 1000+ m2 NRZ properties there are in select suburbs.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col">Suburb</th>
			<th scope="col">Total Properties</th>
			<th scope="col">No. of Properties in NRZ</th>
			<th scope="col">% of Properties in NRZ</th>
			<th scope="col">No. of Properties in NRZ &gt; 1000m2
</th>
			<th scope="col">% of Properties in NRZ &gt; 1000m2
</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Brighton</td>
			<td>14539</td>
			<td>10204</td>
			<td>70.18</td>
			<td>2985</td>
			<td>20.53</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kooyong</td>
			<td>566</td>
			<td>399</td>
			<td>70.49</td>
			<td>160</td>
			<td>28.27</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hawthorn</td>
			<td>17531</td>
			<td>7886</td>
			<td>44.98</td>
			<td>2922</td>
			<td>16.67</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Caulfield</td>
			<td>3332</td>
			<td>2672</td>
			<td>80.19</td>
			<td>614</td>
			<td>18.43</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Balwyn</td>
			<td>7746</td>
			<td>5068</td>
			<td>65.43</td>
			<td>1066</td>
			<td>13.76</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elsternwick</td>
			<td>6790</td>
			<td>5022</td>
			<td>73.96</td>
			<td>1719</td>
			<td>25.32</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Beaumaris</td>
			<td>6517</td>
			<td>6231</td>
			<td>95.61</td>
			<td>672</td>
			<td>10.31</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fitzroy North</td>
			<td>7820</td>
			<td>6253</td>
			<td>79.96</td>
			<td>1327</td>
			<td>16.97</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brunswick East</td>
			<td>7735</td>
			<td>5205</td>
			<td>67.29</td>
			<td>1763</td>
			<td>22.79</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Princes Hill</td>
			<td>1189</td>
			<td>1183</td>
			<td>99.50</td>
			<td>351</td>
			<td>29.52</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Data supplied by <a href="https://landchecker.com.au/">Lanchecker.com.au</a>

Lead image credit: Colliers
</body></html>

Could changes to the planning zones cause developers to have another look at the NRZ?

<html><body>
SMA Projects in collaboration with the <a href="http://marsgallery.com.au/">MARS Gallery</a>, have created an artist in residence programme which provides young emerging artists with the studio and gallery space to prepare and exhibit their works.

The artist in residency programme will be based on a two-month rotation with SMA Projects providing artists with gallery space in the display suite of their latest project for Fitzory - The Lyric.  Studio space will also be made available to artists above the display suite located at 250 Gore Street.

The first artist in residence is 2015 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist of the year Josh Muir who has created a new series of unique artworks that celebrate his indigenous heritage, his future and his love of the Fitzroy and Collingwood community. 

<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/img_4341.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Josh Muir's work at The Lyric display suite gallery"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4341.jpg?itok=J_ut7API" title="Josh Muir's work at The Lyric display suite gallery" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Josh Muir's work at The Lyric display suite gallery</figcaption></figure>  "Opportunities like this are important for emerging artists to enable us to show our work to a broad audience" says Muir.  "Getting experience interacting with the local community and talking to people about your work is a vital learning step and helps us become recognised artists".

MARS gallery director Andy Dinan said initiatives such as SMA projects artist in residence programme provide vital support to the creative community.

"These initiatives provide the much-needed support the creative community requires to thrive in the current landscape", said Dinan.

"SMA projects is giving young emerging artists such as Josh Muir a chance to interact with the public sell their work and talk about their process the skills integral for young artist and will give them the chance to flourish in the future".

<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/img_4354.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Josh Muir's work at The Lyric display suite gallery"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4354.jpg?itok=L4MgIdgR" title="Josh Muir's work at The Lyric display suite gallery" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Josh Muir's work at The Lyric display suite gallery</figcaption></figure>Robert Murphy, SMA Projects Development Manager, says "We believe developers should understand the fabric of the communities they build in.  The City of Yarra is an incredibly special area in Melbourne and the creative and marker community really lies at its heart".

The artist in residence programme was launched on the 8th of March with an opening event that celebrated Josh Muir's latest works, a smoking ceremony to welcome guests and honour the Wurrundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional owners of the land upon which Melbourne now sits.

<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/0z7a8929.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The welcome ceremony was held on March 8"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/0z7a8929.jpg?itok=r3xp7bnp" title="The welcome ceremony was held on March 8" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The welcome ceremony was held on March 8</figcaption></figure>For more background on Josh, see this profile on Creative Victoria: <a href="http://creative.vic.gov.au/showcase/art-heals-the-remarkable-journey-of-josh-muir">Art Heals - The remarkable journey of Josh Muir</a>.

To visit the gallery, head down to 250 Gore Street in Fitzroy - open on weekdays from midday to 4pm and between 10am and 4pm on weekends.

The Lyric is a 156 residence project designed by Hayball and developed by SMA Projects.  The building will be located at 338 Gore Street.  <a href="/buildings/the-lyric-338-gore-street-fitzroy">Click here</a> to view more information about the project.

<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/img_4379.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Josh Muir's work at The Lyric display suite gallery"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4379.jpg?itok=lTC0-Mdk" title="Josh Muir's work at The Lyric display suite gallery" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Josh Muir's work at The Lyric display suite gallery</figcaption></figure>
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SMA Projects & the MARS gallery launch artist in residence programme at The Lyric

<html><body>
You've probably heard of it by now - that new rail tunnel that's set to run through the city.    

The State Government has today announced geotechnical investigations are complete which will lead to the acceleration of the early works that have been slowly turning over for a while now in the CBD.

Things are about to become just that more real, more visible.

If you frequently travel to the city, the two sites which have seen some level of preparatory works already at both the top and bottom end of Swanston Street - Melbourne Central and Flinders Street Stations - will become construction focal points from this point on.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Public Transport and Major Projects confirmed the largest component of the entire project, the PPP contract for the civil works to construct the tunnels and stations, is still accepting bids until next month.  

A decision to announce the successful bidder is expected by the end of 2017 with the tunnel-boring machines expected to be let loose under the city sometime in 2018.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mm-web-20170306-benefits.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected capacity improvements after the Metro Tunnel is operational"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mm-web-20170306-benefits.jpg?itok=FGcinE5b" title="Expected capacity improvements after the Metro Tunnel is operational" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expected capacity improvements after the Metro Tunnel is operational</figcaption></figure>The network map above, posted on the front page of the <a href="http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/">Metro Tunnel project's website</a>, illustrates the capacity improvements expected once the metro tunnel is operational.

Based on previous announcements, we know that the Pakenham/Cranbourne-Sunbury line that is created as part of the Metro Tunnel project will have a modern signaling system which does away with blocks and allows trains to run closer together.  Government information released to date put this new capacity on rail lines using the new 'High Capacity Signalling' system at 24-30 trains per hour (a train every 2-2.5 minutes).

The current signaling system can 'safely' handle approximately 20 trains per hour according to published government information on the topic.

The Frankston, Sandringham, Craigieburn, Werribee/Williamstown and Upfield lines are set to see some infrastructure improvements which will allow more trains to run shorter runs on their respective lines: Cheltenham on the Frankston line, Essendon on the Craigieburn line, Gowrie on the Upfield line were all mentioned in the Metro Tunnel business case.

Of all the lines and the respective capacity improvements depicted on the map above, Upfield is a stand out.  This is most likely because it's coming off a very low base: there are only 3 trains per hour between 7am and 8am and 4 trains per hour between 8am and 9am at present.  

With 3400 units in 47 projects located in Brunswick &amp; Coburg in the development pipeline, the extra services - likely to be a train every 10-12.5 minutes based on the capacity improvement number - are well and truly going to be needed.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WTK-LKZqp20" width="560"></iframe>
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Geotechnical investigations complete, Metro Tunnel construction to ramp up

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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