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Major construction works have begun on the site of the new Parkville Station with the Acting Premier and Minister for Transport Infrastructure marking the occasion with a site visit last week.

Parkville, one of the five stations to be built as part of the Melbourne Metro project, will have a station box measuring 270 metres long, 30 metres wide and 30 metres deep, excavated over the course of 2019.

Initial excavation will be limited to digging three metres down where a temporary concrete and steel deck will be constructed that will protect the surrounding area from further dust and noise during the bulk of the excavation period.

The remainder of the excavation at Parkville will include trucks removing spoil through a ramp that will be constructed under the temporary deck. Rail Projects Victoria (previously known as the Melbourne Metro Tunnel Authority) published the video below on its YouTube channel recently to illustrate how the excavation process will work.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SqQr4xsnW5U" width="100%"></iframe>

According to the Acting Premier and Minister for Transport Infrastructure, excavation will run through to the end of the year at which point construction of the platforms and concourses will then commence.

Separately, the Metro Tunnel website is now carrying a page which <a href="https://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/construction/building-the-tunnels-and-stations/tunnel-boring-machines/tbm-tracker">tracks the journey</a> of the first TBM from China to Melbourne.

Upon arrival at the Port of Melbourne, the TBM components will be trucked to the first launch site at North Melbourne (née Arden), where it will be set off to begin tunnelling under the city.

Four TBMs will be used on the project overall, with the third and fourth TBMs to be launched from Anzac (née Domain) station on St. Kilda Road where reportedly the TBMs will first make their way toward the eastern portal at South Yarra.
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Alastair Taylor

Major construction kicks off at Parkville's new station

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WA Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, has announced the opening date for Perth's Forrestfield-Airport rail link will open one year later than originally expected.

The delay in opening has been caused by the need to undertake urgent remediation works back in September, when a leak developed in the tunnel-to-tunnel cross passage near the Forrestfield station site. 

The leak caused damage to 26 metres of tunnel and created a sinkhole on the surface. The WA branch of the CFMEU, through its Facebook page, was highly critical of the head contractor, pointing out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CFMEUWA/videos/2142060989457142/">tunneling shortcomings</a> as recently as early December.

According to a WA Government media statement, the damaged section of tunnel has been stabilised and made safe with solid temporary supports.  

Permanent solutions to fix the damaged section of tunnel include possibly rebuild the damaged section of tunnel either from the surface down or from within the tunnel itself. The WA Government has also <a href="https://www.perthnow.com.au/politics/state-politics/quality-controller-wanted-for-forrestfield-airport-link-ng-b881024438z?fbclid=IwAR3fuPJAmpVLPG2iv-ZzFHT2iD4lCXhZjQ_pGwxm7jEYd_dMAW1lMLfHj40">advertised a role</a> for a top-level scientist to oversee the materials and workmanship use on the Forrestfield-Airport link.

<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/forrestfield1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The flooded tunnel on the Forrestfield-Airport Rail Link (September 2018). Image: WA CFMEU"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/forrestfield1.jpg?itok=hJmejURH" title="The flooded tunnel on the Forrestfield-Airport Rail Link (September 2018). Image: WA CFMEU" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The flooded tunnel on the Forrestfield-Airport Rail Link (September 2018). Image: WA CFMEU</figcaption></figure>The WA Transport Minister said despite the delay and the tunneling bungle, the project has been designed with a useful life of 120 years.

<blockquote>
"Our primary focus is on safety and quality, and that is why today we have set a revised timeframe for the project. It is also to make sure we inform the public of the proposed timeframe as soon as practicable.

While the delay is unfortunate, this project is being built to last 120 years. I believe the time added to the construction schedule is a small price to pay to ensure we safely deliver this asset which will serve the people of WA for generations."
<cite>Rita Saffioti, WA Minister for Transport</cite>
</blockquote>

The Forrestfield-Airport Rail Link was initiated by the previous state government in Western Australia, and the present government has rolled it into its wider METRONet public transport strategy which will see multiple new lines built as well as the beginning of orbital rail links throughout metropolitan Perth.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPerthMETRONET%2Fvideos%2F709974509343157%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>
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Perth's Airport Rail Link delayed, now set to open in 2021

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A new purpose-built A-League football stadium to be built in Melbourne's west received a major boost when the A-League announced a new Western Melbourne team had been successful in its bid to enter the competition.

On greenfield land located on the periphery of western Melbourne, the Sayers Road site is close to the Geelong railway line which as part of the recent state election, could be in the running to have electrified metro services running past in the near future.

The A-League team and development proponent, <a href="http://www.westernmelbourne.com/">Western Melbourne Group</a>, has stated in the past that it would not be seeking significant public investment to develop the stadium and precinct in Wyndham.

The stadium would seat 15,000 people, include training facilities and the precinct could also include a higher-education campus and conference and hotel facilities.

In June 2018, the Wyndham Mayor, Cr Peter Maynard, backed the WMG's proposal.

<blockquote>
"If successful, this project will mean great things for our local area. It will bring people from across Australia right here to Wyndham to watch on as the nation’s best football players battle it out on the field.

The value of this landmark deal for our community will be massive, positioning us as a destination of choice, and putting us on the national and international sporting stage.

We’re also looking forward to the economic boost this project could bring to Wyndham. Hundreds of jobs will be created through the construction phase, and we’ll see more created once the stadium is up and running.

There is also a plan to co-locate a university offering as part of the sports science precinct and sports centre of excellence, creating more educational opportunities for our residents.

We’re confident this project will be a catalyst for other investors. It’s brilliant to see that Western Melbourne Group Holdings, led by Maurice Bisetto, have seen our region for what it is – a thriving area worthy of significant investment.

Wyndham is definitely open for business!"
<cite>Cr Peter Maynard, Wyndham City Mayor</cite>
</blockquote>

The Western Melbourne A-League team would enter the competition in 2019/2020, playing its first games at Kardinia Park in Geelong while its own stadium is under development.

<h2>Adjusting the scope of the Western Melbourne Rail Plan</h2>

Melbourne knows quite well how to make a stadium a success - you need high-quality public transport (read: heavy rail / trains) servicing it. Just look at Waverley/AFL Park's demise versus the the usage at the MCG and Marvel/Docklands Stadium.

<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/@-37.8376473,144.6222823,3535m/data=!3m1!1e3">The site</a>, as quoted in <a href="http://www.starweekly.com.au/news/wyndham-council-backs-a-league-club-stadium-for-tarneit/">this Star Weekly report</a> from earlier in the year, lies right next to the Regional Rail Link corridor which currently forms part of the Geelong line.

In the recent state election campaign, the Andrews Government promised to conduct a Western Melbourne Rail Plan alongside completing its Melbourne Airport Rail Link and Higher-speed services to Geelong/Ballarat studies.

While still a work in progress, the Andrews Government did moot track quadruplication from Sunshine to Deer Park (the junction of the Ballarat and Geelong lines) and from Deer Park to West Werribee - this would allow electrified metro services to operate separate from express/regional services to Geelong and Ballarat.  

Perhaps those plans - should they eventuate - should include a brand new station as well.
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Western Melbourne Group successful in its A-League bid

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Adelaide will host the new Australian Space Agency with the Prime Minister announcing the initial $41 million investment will be used to secure premises for the agency at the former Royal Adelaide Hospital site.

Locating the agency in Adelaide also forms part of a memorandum of understanding signed between the SA and Federal Governments in regards to a new City Deal for Adelaide.

The Australian Space Agency will eventually employ 20 people full-time once their premises are complete.  

ASA won't be like NASA, launching human missions to the moon, Mars or any other solar body, but will instead focus on growing a native satellite &amp; orbital industry for Australia.

Lot 14, the site of the former Royal Adelaide Hospital which has now moved a kilometre to the west along North Terrace, is one of the flagship projects of <a href="https://renewalsa.sa.gov.au/">Renewal SA</a>.

Similar in scope to Development Victoria (and its predecessors), Renewal SA manages urban redevelopment on behalf of the South Australian Government.

The South Australian Premier, Steven Marshall, was noticeably enthused about the Federal Government selecting Adelaide for the HQ of the Australian Space Agency.

<blockquote>
South Australia is the ideal location for the Australian Space Agency with a range of local space industry businesses already established here as well as a rapidly growing defence industry sector.

Establishing the headquarters of the Australian Space Agency in South Australia will launch our space and defence sectors to the next level.

I look forward to working with the Federal Government, industry and our education sector to capitalise on this incredible opportunity for our state.
<cite>Steven Marshall, Premier of South Australia</cite>
</blockquote>

Lot 14 is being billed as Australia's 'first creation and innovation neighbourhood' which takes up 7 hectares of land right in the heart of Adelaide.  Its neighbours include the University of Adelaide, the Botanic Gardens and the Adelaide Zoo.

For more information on Lot 14, see <a href="https://renewalsa.sa.gov.au/projects/lot-fourteen/">renewalsa.sa.gov.au</a>

 
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Royal Adelaide Hospital site set to host new Australian space agency

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The re-elected Andrews Government has announced another schedule of rail and road network shutdowns over the slower summer holidays period with the Pakenham/Cranbourne lines again having a significant proportion of the railway line to be replaced with buses.

Due to works related to upgrading the electrical, signaling and communication system, buses are replacing trains between Flinders Street and Westall station on the Pakenham/Cranbourne lines between the 2nd and 13th of January.  Gippsland V/Line services are entirely replaced with coaches.

During the same timeframe, buses will replace trains on the Frankston line between Flinders Street and Moorabbin.

There will also be large amounts over overnight and weekend works on the Belgrave/Lilydale, Glen Waverley, Alamein, Sandringham, Sunbury, Williamstown and Werribee lines.

The State Government also warned that further electrical and signaling-related works will be carried out over the 80km of track across the Pakenham/Cranbourne corridors beyond the January shutdown in 2019.

Buses will also replace train on Bendigo-Swan Hill/Echuca Vline services between the 12th and 27th of January to carry out maintenance works on the non-electrified regional lines beyond Sunbury.

The Pakenham/Cranbourne disruptions are being carried out in order to allow the next generation 'HCMT' trains to begin operations in 2019.  Eventually, the High-Capacity Metro Trains will operate exclusively on the Pakenham/Cranbourne lines as well as the Sunbury line when the metro tunnel opens.

The first HCMT after having been assembled from imported and local parts at the Newport workshops was transferred to the new Pakenham East maintenance and storage facility where it will begin its testing run.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyzBoKGdl5M">Videos</a> of the movement of the first 7-car train emerged last week as it was transferred under the power of locomotives in the early hours of the morning.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/">bigbuild.vic.gov.au</a>

 

 
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More shutdowns coming to Melbourne in January

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The alliance of John Holland, KBR and MTM who oversaw the removal of Buckley Street in Essendon, Skye/Overton Road in Seaford and Camp Road in Campfield's level crossing removals has been awarded the contract to remove Reservoir's complex level crossing.

Track will be elevated above the existing railway grade, as foreshadowed back in <a href="/news/reservoirs-level-crossing-removal-set-to-get-underway">September</a>, and a new station will be built as part of the project.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) put the price tag for the large project at $232 million and updated designs will be released in early 2019.

Early and geotechnical work has been underway for some time and major construction work will in 2019 with a completion date set for 2020.  

<blockquote>
The new premium station will include above ground platforms with access via lifts and stairs.

In response to community feedback, the station precinct will better connect the east and west of the Reservoir station precinct – an added benefit of a rail over design.
<cite>Level Crossing Removal Authority</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/reservoir1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The reference design will be updated and released in early 2019. Image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="298" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/reservoir1.jpg?itok=sP9MAjva" title="The reference design will be updated and released in early 2019. Image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The reference design will be updated and released in early 2019. Image: LXRA</figcaption></figure>The Mernda line was also a beneficiary of the Andrews Government re-election policy that expanded the initial list of 50 level crossings to 75.  Oakover Road, Murray Street and Cramer Street in Preston, in addition to the already-announced Bell Street, when removed will make central Preston level crossing free.

A couple of kilometres to the west, the same thing will happen in Coburg.  Bell Street in Coburg was on the initial list of 50 level crossings to be removed and Maynard Street and Munro Street will go, presumably, at the same time as Bell Street gets underway.

For more information on the list of 75 level crossings to be removed, see the <a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/More-level-crossing-removals-on-the-way">LXRA's</a><a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/More-level-crossing-removals-on-the-way"> website</a>.
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Contract signed for Reservoir level crossing removal

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The Berejiklian Government has unveiled a vision for regional fast rail in New South Wales, appointing the UK's <a href="https://www.hs2.org.uk/">High-Speed Rail 2</a> advisor, Professor Andrew McNaughton, to lead an expert panel and provide advice to the Premier and Deputy Premier on how high-speed rail might connect the state.

Four potential routes have been identified already;

<ul>
<li>a Northern corridor connecting Port Macquarie, Newcastle and the Central Coast.</li>
	<li>a Southern coastal corridor connecting Wollongong and Nowra.</li>
	<li>a Southern inland corridor connecting Goulburn and Canberra.</li>
	<li>a Western corridor through the great divide connecting Lithgow, Bathurst and Orange.</li>
</ul>
The panel that Andrew McNaughton will head will identify regional growth opportunities and provide a strategy to the NSW government on how it may deliver the network over time.

<blockquote>
Long-distance fast and high-speed rail studies have been undertaken in Australia over many years. These studies have usually focused on linking the major Eastern Seaboard cities of Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne.

These studies focused on rail as a competitor to air and road transport options. Most of the studies found that the costs and required ticket prices of an interstate high-speed rail network would be insurmountably high compared to likely customer volumes. 

Until now, limited work has been done on the potential for a fast rail network connecting regional cities within NSW. The Fast Rail Network Strategy will, for the first time, provide a comprehensive assessment focused on connecting regional cities.
<a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/projects-and-initiatives/a-fast-rail-future-for-nsw/"><cite>NSW Government</cite></a>
</blockquote>

Two possible infrastructure roll-out timeframes have also been nominated with a medium-term focus on upgrading existing corridors - straightening track, possibly building new track - along with rolling stock upgrades that might enable trains to travel up to 200kph. The medium-long term focus is on building dedicated corridors for even faster travels potentially travelling in the realm of 250kph.

<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/hsr_nsw_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Potential travel times from Sydney. Image: NSW Government"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="573" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hsr_nsw_1.png?itok=_eduB92v" title="Potential travel times from Sydney. Image: NSW Government" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Potential travel times from Sydney. Image: <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/projects-and-initiatives/a-fast-rail-future-for-nsw/">NSW Government</a></figcaption></figure>Somewhat echoing Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews when his government unveiled the Suburban Rail Loop pre-election proposal, Gladys Berejiklian said "I can give you this assurance: we will be starting in the next term of government. It might take us many years to get us to the network we want to build", as reported in the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/i-am-not-going-to-wait-berejiklian-denies-high-speed-rail-is-an-election-stunt-20181204-p50k10">Sydney Morning Herald</a>.

The high-speed network strategy will also provide advice on funding options, including a blueprint for staging and 'each funding option considered as part of the strategy will be assessed based on the estimated cost of the project in light of economic and other benefits to the community, and complementary revenue-generating opportunities'.

The strategy will be completed in 2019, assuming the Berejiklian Government is re-elected at the state's March 2019 election.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h7bMvkP5yLM" width="100%"></iframe>
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Berejiklian government kicks off vision for regional fast rail in New South Wales

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Perth's Forrestfield-Airport rail link charges on and the Western Australian government has unveiled concept images which relate to a major upgrade to Bayswater station, the point where the new rail line will join the main Midland line in Perth's eastern suburbs.

Already a grade-separated road/rail crossing, the new station would see track raised, a new station built and the shallow road trench which currently runs underneath the railway line will be restored to its natural grade.  

Community engagement began in March 2018 with almost 1000 people completing online surveys and 300 people used the 'drop-in' centre to provide feedback on the concept.

According to the WA Public Transport Authority, the concept balances the community's feedback by providing new open space around the station precinct, creates a station structure and design that integrates with the Bayswater town centre, improves road traffic conditions and potentially will allow a second road underpass to be built.

The concept will be taken to marketing in early 2019 with a view to start construction in late 2019.  See <a href="https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/projects/bayswater">metronet.wa.gov.au</a> for more information.

<h2>Perth airport Central station to be linked with skybridge</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/perth_air_skybridge.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The new skybridge that will link the Airport Central station with the terminals"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/perth_air_skybridge.png?itok=c6xPFPRl" title="The new skybridge that will link the Airport Central station with the terminals" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new skybridge that will link the Airport Central station with the terminals</figcaption></figure>Late in November, Metronet released renders of the pedestrian structure that will link the Airport Central station with Terminals 1 and 2 at Perth Airport. 

The elevated and enclosed walkway will be 280 metres long and will include travelators and lifts will be present at both ends of the walkway. 

<blockquote>
The development of Airport Central Station and its link to the terminals via the Skybridge will provide a seamless passenger experience to our terminals, and will link the central airport precinct with the new rail line.

The Skybridge will connect the station with current and future terminal infrastructure, and we will be looking at opportunities to create a 'sense of place' in the walkway which will offer visitors a great welcome to Western Australia.
<cite>Perth Airport CEO, Kevin Brown</cite>
</blockquote>

The Tunnel Boring Machines that are constructing the tunnels have since cleared the main runway at Perth Airport according to Metronet.  To see an animation of the new Airport Central walkway, see <a href="https://www.perthairport.com.au/Home/corporate/planning-and-projects/projects/skybridge">perthairport.com.au</a>.
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WA Government unveils major upgrade for Bayswater station as part of Perth's Metronet program

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The Victorian Planning Authority has been busy in many corners of the city and state but today we'll have a look at one precinct renewal project that is tucked away in Melbourne's outer south-east, the Berwick Health and Education precinct.

On land that used to host the Casey airfield, the planning work the Victorian Planning Authority has undertaken in consultation with stakeholders would see a longer-term transition for an entire precinct located to the south of Berwick station.

Chisholm TAFE and Monash University for many years were the lead tenants in the area with their respective Berwick campuses inhabiting both sides of Clyde Road.  Federation University now owns and operates the former Monash Campus.

In 2010, the public selective-entry Nossal High School opened next to the University campus and in the previous decade, Casey Hospital opened on its site adjacent to the railway line.  

Since then, the local private hospital - St John of God - has opened a new campus opposite the publicly funded Casey Hospital.

<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/berwick_he_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Future Urban Structure at the Berwick Education and Health activity centre. Image: VPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/berwick_he_1.png?itok=_Z43wM2Y" title="Future Urban Structure at the Berwick Education and Health activity centre. Image: VPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Future Urban Structure at the Berwick Education and Health activity centre. Image: VPA</figcaption></figure>Using the local code - Amendment C207 to the Casey planning scheme - the work undertaken by the VPA and other stakeholders has been split in two parts.  Part 1 covers the land you see in the map above.  Part 2 includes a smaller parcel of land located north of the railway line and to the west of Clyde Road.

Amendment C207 will include rezoning Part 1 land from various existing zones to Comprehensive Development Zone 2, insert a new incorporated document titled 'Berwick Health and Education Comprehensive Development Plan, April 2017' and amend a schedule to set a 5 per cent public open space contribution rate for non‐residential subdivision and retain a 10 per cent contribution for residential subdivision.

The areas to the south of the railway line and west of Clyde Road has for multiple decades hosted light industrial employment and wholesale outlet uses and immediately adjacent to Berwick station, many automotive and fast food business inhabit the land.

Over the long-term, as per the future urban structure, the land around Berwick station would transition to have commercial/trade uses at ground level with apartments above in buildings ranging from 4 to 6 stories.

Land around the edges of the University campus and High School will be office/commercial in focus with minimum building heights set at 6 levels.

New pedestrian connections across the Monash Freeway and railway corridor to the east of Berwick station are also on the cards.

Part 1 on Amendment C207 has been finalised and was submitted for approval in September 2018.  It is anticipated to accommodate up to 8,500 jobs, 11,300 students, 751 hospital beds and 1,025 high-density dwellings.

For more information on the Berwick Health and Education precinct, see <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/berwick-health-education/">vpa.vic.gov.au</a>.
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Spotlight on south-east Melbourne: Berwick Health and Education precinct

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Victorian Governor, Linda Dessau, has sworn in the new Andrews Government Ministry at a ceremony at Government House today.

Richard Wynne, the Planning Minister during the first term of the Andrews Government, will continue in the role while he will also pick up the portfolios of Housing and Multicultural affairs.

In the Transport space, there are changes.  Jacinta Allan, previous the Minister for Public Transport, Major Projects and Leader of the House, will now be the Minister for Transport Infrastructure and retain the Leader of the House role as well.

Melissa Horne, who replaced the retiring member for Williamstown Wade Noonan, will become the Minister for Public Transport and Minister for Ports and Freight.

The ministry now has service delivery-focused roles (Minister for Public Transport, Minister for Roads) and infrastructure-focused roles (Minister for Transport Infrastructure).

Jaala Pulford, the Western Victoria MLC, will be Minister for Roads, Road Safety &amp; the TAC as well as Minister for Fishing and Boating.

The Transport-focused ministers will be supported by Vicki Ward as Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport Infrastructure and Ros Spence as Parliamentary Secretary for Road Infrastructure.

Long-term MLC Gavin Jennings who retains the role of Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council will also have a new role as the Minister for Priority Precincts.

In other ministries, the Deputy Premier, James Merlino retains Education, Jill Hennessy is moving from the Health ministry to become Victoria's first female Attorney-General and Jenny Mikakos shifts into the role as Health Minister and the Minister for Ambulance Services.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.flickr.com/photos/72562013@N06/8416406044">flickr</a>.
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Andrews Government unveils second term ministry

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Alastair Taylor

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