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The Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, today released departmental officer reports relating to the decisions made regarding all central city planning applications.

An anaylsis supplied within a media release (see below) shows all permits approved by the minister were recommended by the department; the City of Melbourne supported 46 out of the 70 approved applications, and no permit has been approved where the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (DTPLI) recommendation was to refuse a permit.

Perhaps most interestingly, and this is a good time to reiterate that the Government and Opposition are in unofficial campaign mode, the Planning Minister has said "If re-elected, the Coalition government will continue to release these reports to give greater weight to transparency and to give all Victorians confidence that rigorous advice is being provided on all central city applications."

Full media release:

<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_67091" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/244689337/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>

The entire report suite is available from the <a href="http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/planning/planning-applications/ministerial-permits/release-of-officer-reports">DTPLI website</a>.

Lead image credit, <a href="https://twitter.com/DTPLI">DTPLI on Twitter</a>.
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Alastair Taylor

Planning Minister releases departmental officer reports

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Amber Camberwell located at 994 Toorak Road is the latest project to involve the in-depth brand expertise of Scharp Property Marketing - an Apartments.com.au Industry Hub member.

Developer Luvarc Property appointed Scharp to create a brand that captured the luxury and sophistication of the development's design and showcase its fine attention to detail.

"We came up with an inspirational, yet clever and memorable name of 'Amber' that sits within the spelling of the suburb name of Camberwell. Amber also conjures up emotions of beauty, warmth, and sophistication having alternate associations with the jewel and alluring orange-yellow colour. Creating a point of difference from other developments in the area was essential and the ideas behind Amber set the tone and message for all marketing collateral, from brochure to website to display suite," said Malcolm Schapel, Creative Director of Scharp.

<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/luv001_lifestyle_edit.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The nearby Bakers Wife Cafe - image supplied by Scharp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="396" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/luv001_lifestyle_edit.jpg?itok=TezQ3-hk" title="The nearby Bakers Wife Cafe - image supplied by Scharp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The nearby Bakers Wife Cafe - image supplied by Scharp</figcaption></figure>Set amongst the leafy residential neighbourhood of Camberwell, Amber offers contemporary apartment living on the cusp of a village atmosphere. Appealing to investors and young-at-heart owner/occupiers, the Amber brand is understated, classic and timeless, embodying its beautiful finishes and light filled aspects. Paying homage to the lush environment of its surrounding tree lined streets and parks; Scharp developed an elm leaf motif and set it beside iconic portraits of neighbouring cafes and villages to evoke a sense of sanctuary within our busy city.

Nic Cuni, Director of Residential Projects at CBRE, who managed the project marketing and sales of Amber said, "I was immediately drawn to the project because of the considered design of the larger apartment layouts which are more akin to the local owner/occupier market. With Adele Bates on board it also added extra sophistication to the interior design that is synonymous with Camberwell's understated luxury.

Developing the campaign with Scharp was fluid and streamlined - not only are they the creative agency, they are the 3D artists as well. This not only affords many time efficiencies but also a deeper understanding of the total project which is key to the development's overall success. Amber provides the opportunity for many buyers who are vying for the opportunity to be a part of the illustrious suburb of Camberwell," said Mr Cuni.

<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/luv001_living_edit.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amber Camberwell living area - render supplied by Scharp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="394" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/luv001_living_edit.jpg?itok=WSen-AS0" title="Amber Camberwell living area - render supplied by Scharp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amber Camberwell living area - render supplied by Scharp</figcaption></figure>Amber Camberwell is a three level building comprising a total of 22 apartments across one and two bed configurations. The project has been designed with flexibility in mind where prospective buyers have the option to combine units to create larger apartments to suit their lifestyle's needs.

To request more information on the project, see the <a href="http://www.amberapartments.com.au/?utm_source=Urban_Melbourne&amp;utm_medium=Editorial&amp;utm_campaign=Urban_Melbourne_Scharp">Amber Camberwell website</a>.

Scharp Property Marketing is an Apartments.com.au Industry Hub member.
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The exclusive Amber Camberwell

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Back in April of this year, a new map was drawn up and released for comment from Public Transport Victoria. <a href="http://www.danielbowen.com/2014/04/16/new-train-map-coming/">Daniel Bowen wrote</a> "PTV are trialling a new train network map. They’re seeking feedback on it, and you’ll see it at some stations now".

Since April a new revision was released and included some refinements as Daniel Bowen <a href="http://www.danielbowen.com/2014/10/12/ptv-rail-map-v3/">has documented</a>.

I broadly agree with the positive commentary that has been broadcast throughout the blogosphere and social media. The existing maps which adorn the insides of trains and on train platforms require a certain level of knowledge in how the train system operates and the new concept maps go a long way toward rectifying that situation.

For example the not-so-frequent user could be forgiven for thinking that trains ran direct from Upfield to <a href="/developments/sunbury-vic-3429">Sunbury</a> and that trains from <a href="/new-apartments/williamstown-vic-3016">Williamstown</a> terminated at <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a> (this potential for confusion is even more profound if you study the maps which are located on the side walls, opposite the platforms at any of the three underground stations).

<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/current_melb_rail_map.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Current Rail network maps in use on Melbourne's rail network"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="663" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/current_melb_rail_map.png?itok=BQP3kkUO" title="Current Rail network maps in use on Melbourne's rail network" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Current Rail network maps in use on Melbourne's rail network</figcaption></figure>Enter the new maps, as linked above. The routes are grouped and arranged in a more realistic way in how the rail lines actually operate; for instance the <a href="/new-apartments/frankston-vic-3199">Frankston</a> and <a href="/developments/werribee-vic-3030">Werribee</a> lines are joined and the dotted lines show how the Frankston line at times runs through the City Loop.

The rail lines are better aligned with their geography and the inclusion of V/Line services - and the all important Myki boundary for regional services - starts to provide a better sense of the service tiers available throughout not just the metropolitan area, but the whole state.

In my view it was pretty much a rubber stamp; yes, absolutely, roll it out! That was until I stumbled across the following map by SkyscraperCity user Planks &amp; Sticks who has, again in my view, added a little stroke of genius to the new concept map, by adding key Smartbus &amp; high frequency cross-town bus routes.

<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/ptvmap_02.gif" rel="gallery-all" title="New PTV concept map with bus additions by Skyscrapercity.com user Planks &amp; Sticks"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="606" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ptvmap_02.gif?itok=M-AdGBxj" title="New PTV concept map with bus additions by Skyscrapercity.com user Planks &amp; Sticks" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New PTV concept map with bus additions by <a href="http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=118156282&amp;postcount=7079">Skyscrapercity.com user Planks &amp; Sticks</a></figcaption></figure>Rather than emphasise our public transport network, we - and I say we because I too am guilty as charged - tend to talk about different modes in use for public transport rather than the sum of all its parts. It would be quite overwhelming to put a map in every train, tram and bus which visualises every different route in the entire Metropolitan area (although, I am a fan of Railmap's long-running and frequently updated <a href="http://www.railmaps.com.au/melbourn.htm">tram+train map</a>), however these simple additions of key routes ought to be considered.

First and foremost, the routes depicted are the primary cross-town and major links between the arterial rail network and key patronage generators, such as shopping centres which are also present on the map. Just glancing at this map tells anyone that they can get to Northland Shopping Centre by utilising an Upfield or South Morang train and then the bus direct to the door of the northern hub.

Secondly, although the bus routes are clearly marked as a different tier of service, the links which these bus routes create depict a far more comprehensive network than without them. Any Melburnian heralding from or who regularly visits the vast mass which is South East Melbourne knows there are large suburban spaces between the rail lines as depicted in both the existing and new concept PTV maps; the simple act of adding the key bus routes helps to portray the sense that public transport has the ability to bridge geographic reality.

Likewise, is it time to add a condensed version of the heavy rail network to tram maps to show interchange opportunities thus resulting in the same "big picture" effect as adding key bus routes to the rail maps?

Lead image credit: <a href="http://wongm.com/2011/07/melbourne-city-loop-next-train-displays/">Marcus Wong</a>.
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Does Melbourne's rail map depict enough information?

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The journey will take roughly 25 minutes calling at two intermediate points; the services will operate every 15 minutes for 19 hours a day; and the vehicles will run on - for the most part - existing rail corridors. Sound even remotely familiar?

I'm not referring to a Melbourne Airport Rail Link, I'm in fact referring to Toronto's <a href="http://upexpress.com/en/">Union Pearson Express</a> project that is well underway and scheduled to be operating next year.

Over the weekend Urban Toronto published a piece asking "<a href="http://www.urbantoronto.ca/news/2014/10/lanes-melbourne-could-something-similar-happen-here">The lanes of Melbourne: could something similar happen here?</a>" and in the spirit of mutual recognition our eerily similar, arguably long-lost Doppelganger located on the other side of the planet, I'd like to take a look at what Toronto's doing with its airport transportation.

The Union Pearson Express project in a nutshell:

<ul>
<li>New terminus platforms at Union Station (Toronto's central station) and Toronto Pearson International Airport.</li>
	<li>Upgrade and re-use of existing rail corridors between the centre of the city and near the airport.</li>
	<li>New branch line to allow trains to enter the airport precinct from the nearby existing rail corridor.</li>
	<li>Upgrade of two existing intermediate stations, one at Bloor which connects with Toronto's subway and one in Weston.</li>
	<li>Capital expenditure of $456 million CAD ($490million AUD in 2010 dollars), broken down in Canadian dollars: $355million for infrastructure works and approximately $100 million for service development.
	<ul>
<li>The Ontario Provincial Government-owned Metrolinx <a href="http://www.metrolinx.com/en/projectsandprograms/upexpress/upexpress.aspx">website</a> goes on to state they have awarded contracts worth $128 million for new airport station and branch line connection, $75 million for train procurement and $24 million for the development of the Union station terminus.</li>
	</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6wOnNt3WdDA" width="100%"></iframe>

This is where comparing the UP Express project with the many ideas that have been floated for Melbourne Airport Rail Link gets really spooky.

Toronto's airport is located in the über-burb of Mississauga to the west of central Toronto with a road distance (as measured by <a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Union+Station+Rail,+Toronto,+ON,+Canada/Toronto+Pearson+International+Airport,+6301+Silver+Dart+Dr,+Mississauga,+ON+L5P+1B2,+Canada/@43.6524001,-79.5750703,18092m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x89d4cb2cb8f8d3cb:0xc859da5affa61138!2m2!1d-79.379456!2d43.645218!1m5!1m1!1s0x882b394ac02dd491:0xb41d5de9c4030ec5!2m2!1d-79.62482!2d43.677718">Google Maps</a>) of approximately 25km. Tullamarine is uncannily similar when you <a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Southern+Cross+Station,+Docklands,+Victoria/Melbourne+Airport,+Departure+Dr,+Melbourne+Airport+VIC+3045/@-37.7865809,144.9010968,19762m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad65d4e2e5ae775:0xf6cc548ff3f8019c!2m2!1d144.953388!2d-37.81816!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad659a9ebaa3917:0xf045676052ff090!2m2!1d144.841027!2d-37.669012">measure road distance</a> from Southern Cross: 22km.

The Albion freight and interstate standard gauge rail corridor, the preferred alignment of State governments of both persuasions, <a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Melbourne+Airport/@-37.7163219,144.8708364,2473m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad659a9ebaa3917:0xf045676052ff090">passes to within 1km</a> of Tullamarine airport's southern boundary; the Kitchener GO Rail corridor which is to be used for Union Pearson express services, is <a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/search/toronto+airport/@43.6975328,-79.6259714,2260m/data=!3m1!1e3">within spitting distance</a> of the northern corner of Pearson airport's boundary.

If you stick to limited-access roads, the road journey in Melbourne is more direct versus using Toronto's grid of inner city freeways. Conversely the rail journey in Toronto will almost be as direct as is possible versus, should a Melbourne Airport Rail Link use the Albion corridor, the rail journey to Tullamarine which will swing out west via Sunshine then turn north east towards the airport.

Perhaps most importantly in explaining how Toronto's UP Express project has come about so quickly as opposed to the stagnation confronted by the predicament we face in Melbourne, it's wise to look at how differently rail has developed in our respective regions.

Despite many similarities between Melbourne and Toronto - and perhaps Australian and Canadian cities in general - a stark difference lies in the way our respective rail networks have developed over time. Where many of Melbourne's current rail corridors began with private operators, nationalisation was all the rage from the 1870s onwards and it laid bare to the vast metropolitan rail network we now have reaching from the CBD to the suburban fringes in all directions.

With the colonial and post-Federation state government owned and operated rail networks acting as the backbone for suburban expansion throughout Australia well before anyone had even heard of an 'automobile, private companies pushed forward and continue to be a dominant owner and operator of rail corridors in Canadian cities. The Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railway companies have played a part in suburban rail services in Toronto like private companies did in Melbourne a long time ago but it wasn't until (relatively) recently - in the 1960's - that the Ontario Government rolled out the 'GO Transit' services operating over private railways.

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GO_Transit#Operations">According to Wikipedia</a>, GO Transit now owns 80% of the track in which it operates services over and given the relative lack of service frequency compared to most Melbourne Metro lines, Metrolinx (which owns and operates to the GO Transit brand for the Ontario Government) has a lot of flexibility to make projects like UP Express work.

<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/arl_spur_map-850x411.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alignment of new branch line to serve Toronto's Pearson airport"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arl_spur_map-850x411.jpg?itok=5wlNme77" title="Alignment of new branch line to serve Toronto's Pearson airport" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alignment of new branch line to serve Toronto's Pearson airport</figcaption></figure>As I wrote last year, <a href="/news/half-of-the-melbourne-airport-rail-link-is-currently-under-construction">half of Melbourne's Airport Rail Link is already under construction</a> through the Regional Rail Link project.

In that piece I argued that the capacity which will be unlocked as part of the RRL project should be used to run rail services utilising an operator and a separate train configuration we already have to and from Tullamarine after expansion of the Albion corridor and a Tullamarine branch has taken place. I'm still very much of this view.

If you watch the current Spring Street Government's pre-campaign advertising about the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, the Government appears fixated on the notion the airport should be serviced with standard metro trains by making the Pakenham/Cranbourne corridor through-route to the Sunbury and a new airport line. The ALP's policy, stretching back to when they were last in government, is similar in that they originally proposed to have Pakenham/Cranbourne services run through the Melbourne Metro tunnel rather than the current Liberal Government's proposal to run it through existing track between South Yarra, Flinders Street, Southern Cross and North Melbourne.

Like the East West Link, this position has not be explained well, if at all.

Passengers heading to or from Tullamarine are going to have different needs than those who use the rest of the Metro network. Even a business day-tripper traveling with hand luggage to Melbourne will take up more space than the average Metro commuter.

In short, the vehicles which operate an airport service must take into account the extra spatial and luggage storage needs of airport passengers.

Any Tullamarine Airport rail link project should be an opportunity to break the "one train size/technology caters for all" mentality we have in Melbourne that so often produces great ideas but ultimately, at best, is severely delayed owing to enormous capital requirements or at worst enters the never-never. We must recognise that an airport rail link will be a premium service and therefore we should plan accordingly, just like Toronto has with the Union Pearson Express.

Image credit: <a href="http://upexpress.com/">UPExpress.com</a>.
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Is Toronto's airport rail link a model for Melbourne?

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The <a href="http://www.austapestry.com.au/">Australian Tapestry Workshop</a> and the Tapestry Foundation of Australia, in partnership with <a href="http://architecturemedia.com/">Architecture Media</a> and <a href="http://www.dentoncorkermarshall.com/">Denton Corker Marshall</a> have announced the inaugural ATW Tapestry Design Prize for Architects.

The new prize invites architects to use their knowledge and skills to create a tapestry design for a specific location: the hypothetical site is the Denton Corker Marshall-designed Australia Pavilion in the Giardini in Venice.

Australian Tapestry Workshop Chairman Peter Williams hopes to see architects embrace this competition as a chance to explore and deepen their understanding of the longstanding relationship between textile art and architectural space.

<blockquote>
This prize encourages architects to consider tapestry as an intrinsic component of their creations, not a peripheral concern. Architects responsible for some of Australia's most famous buildings such as Romaldo Giurgola, Jørn Utzon and Harry Seidler incorporated tapestry into specific spaces in their architecture. We hope to support architects to employ their conceptual skills to design textiles that enhance and define public space.
<cite>Peter Williams, Chairman, Australian Tapestry Workshop</cite>
</blockquote>

The competition will be assessed and the prize awarded by a panel of six judges, they are:

<ul>
<li>Professor Kay Lawrence AM (SA): Chair, Adjunct Professor, School of Art, Architecture and Design at the University of South Australia</li>
	<li>Professor Leon von Schaik AO (VIC): Professor of Architecture, Innovation Chair - Design Practice Research at RMIT University.</li>
	<li>Mr Brian Zulaikha (NSW): Director at Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects</li>
	<li>Ms Hannah Tribe (NSW): Principal Architect - Tribe Studios</li>
	<li>Mr John Gollings (VIC): Architectural photographer - John Gollings Photography</li>
	<li>Mr Jason Smith (QLD): Curatorial Manager, Australian Art - Queensland Art Gallery / GoMA</li>
</ul>
<h2>About the competition</h2>

The 2015 ATW Tapestry Design Prize for Architects is open to architects, multidisciplinary design groups (including at least one architect) and students in the field of architecture. Entrants are requested to provide a design or designs (limit of three) that celebrate contemporary architectural space through the placement of tapestry.

The design can be in any form: drawing, digital image, painting, collage etc. so long as the form is two dimensional. Entrants may submit their applications in digital format or physical format.

The hypothetical site as context for the tapestry design is the Denton Corker Marshall designed Australia Pavilion in the Giardini in Venice. Entries opened on the 7th of October 2014 and close on the 20th of February 2015.

The finalists will be selected for an exhibition in 2015 where the winner will be announced. The competition has a total prize pool of $10,000: first prize is $5,000, second price $2,500, third prize $1,500 and the people's choice prize will award the recipient $1,000.

For more information - including selection criteria and detailed biographies on the judging panel - see the competition's dedicated website: www.tapestrydesignprize.org

Lead image credit: Image Supplied. "The Games Children Play" 2009, designed by Robert Ingpen AO, woven by Sue Batten, John Dicks &amp; Emma Sulzer at the Australian Tapestry Workshop, materials: wool, cotton, size: 1.5m x 4.2m. Photo: in situ, Royal Children's Hospital by John Gollings. <a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/20120628_jg_7336assem.jpg">View larger image</a>.
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Inaugural ATW Tapestry Design Prize for Architects announced

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Planning Minister Matthew Guy has announced the appointment of a new chair, one new member and the appointment of two formerly alternate members as full members to the <a href="http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/heritage/about/heritage-council-of-victoria">Heritage Council of Victoria</a>.

The ten member Heritage Council of Victoria is appointed by the Governor in Council upon the recommendation of the Planning Minister.

Legal member Mary Urquhart has been appointed the new Chair of the Heritage Council, replacing architect Daryl Jackson AO who retired in June after six years as Chair.

A Ministerial media release provided the following biographies on the appointees:

<blockquote>
Ms Urquhart has recognised skills in law and governance that will be well utilised in her role as Chair of the Heritage Council. A barrister and solicitor, she is currently a part time member of the Refugee Review Tribunal, and a member of the Migration Review Tribunal. Ms Urquhart was previously Deputy President of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and Deputy Commissioner, Victorian Liquor Licensing Commission.

Callum Fraser is director of the prominent Melbourne firm Elenberg Fraser. He is a registered architect and previous Chapter Councillor of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA).

Mr Tony Darvall has more than 35 years’ experience as a partner of law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth. He is currently the chairman of the Audit Committee of VicRoads and deputy chairman of Linking Melbourne Authority and has previously served as chairman of VicUrban and the Werribee Park Advisory Board.

General member Trish Vejby has a demonstrated understanding of and interest in Victoria’s heritage. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Western Health and has substantial governance experience on many community committees and boards of management including the Board of Commissioners of Legal Aid.
</blockquote>

“These new appointments bring specialist skills and great passion to the task of protecting and conserving places and objects of cultural heritage significance to the state," Planning Minister Matthew Guy said.
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New appointments to the Heritage Council of Victoria

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Discretionary guidelines and prescribed planning rules - it's a discussion we need to have. That's the view I formed after attending the Melbourne Conversations Urban Heritage / New Architect - where to now? event held on Monday night at the Capitol Theatre.

In many more words that what I have used above, an audience member posed that question to the panel toward the end of the 90 minute session. It was prefaced by a discussion on the sheer number of development proposals which were called in for Ministerial approval along with widespread tut-tutting when a graphic produced in Monday's Age was also displayed.

It's fair to say there weren't many Matthew Guy fans in the audience yet conversely I thought it unfair that the audience - judging by the collective groan any time a reference to the current Planning Minister was made - appeared to categorise all development approved by Guy as somewhat sub-standard. Which is quite frankly - to use a fantastic Scottish vulgarity - pish.

In his answer to the discretionary guidelines versus prescribed planning rules question, Rob Moore from the City of Melbourne explained that much like the community, developers want certainty. That certainty wasn't necessarily just planning-related but also financial.

What is the core component a developer requires in order to do what they do? Buyers? Architects? Planning Consultants? Marketers? No, it's land - the acquisition and price of land is key.

Rob Moore told the audience a story of an experience he had in a meeting with a developer where they believed more defined planning controls would have a positive, stabilising impact on land prices and would help cut out wild land speculation which currently occurs.

There were a few awkward moments of disbelief from the audience after that story however as Professor Kate Darian-Smith appealed to the audience shortly thereafter, we should continue this conversation.

If we accept our current planning system won't dramatically change (who wants to go through yet another tear-it-up-and-write-another-strategy process?), how can it change to give both industry and community certainty?

Much criticism was heaped on Plan Melbourne for its lack of any controls to compel the inclusion of affordable housing in new development - is that the only area which needs to have serious debate prior to the first review of Plan Melbourne?

When is the best time to add planning controls so the market players can adjust their business models?

Should we give anti-change organisations like Planning Backlash a voice or treat them like a Sydney radio shock-jock (best ignored)?

Can we have our cake and eat it too?

The floor (and comment thread below) is open.

Lead image credit: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hoddle_Map_1_1837.JPG">Wikipedia</a>.
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Prescribed rules and discretionary guidelines: it's the discussion we need to have

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There are very limited spaces available for architects, developers and project managers to attend a tall buildings seminar in Melbourne’s CBD next week.

“Skyscraper Trends In Melbourne: From Super Skinny To ‘Prefabulous’” is part of Meinhardt’s imagin8 seminar series and is presented in partnership with Apartments.com.au.

Melbourne has become a hotbed for tall building development, with the Planning Minister dubbed ‘Mr Skyscraper” following a raft of development approvals. So what’s next?

<ul>
<li>Where are the hotspots for new towers?</li>
	<li>What is the market looking for?</li>
	<li>How do we optimize development sites, maximize floor plates and improve returns?</li>
	<li>How can we build better, faster and more safely?</li>
</ul>
The speaker line-up includes Andrew Leoncelli, Managing Director – CBRE Residential Projects and ex-Melbourne Demon, George Argyrou, Managing Director and co-founder of builders Hickory Group and Jon Brock, Meinhardt’s National Director of Land Development.

The event, on Wednesday 1st October at 4.30pm, will be held at Meinhardt’s 501 Swanston Street offices and is free to attend.

The last remaining spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis.

To register your interest, email Justin.farmer@meinhardtgroup.com with your name, company and contact details. More information can be found at http://practicalimagination.info/imagin8/skyscraper-trends-in-melbourne-from-super-skinny-to-prefabulous/

UPDATE: Friday 26/9/14 11am:  Justin reports that all seats have now been filled - thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest in attending.
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Meinhardt and Urban.com.au present a seminar on skyscraper trends in Melbourne

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Places Victoria received three new independent board members on Monday with the appointment of Tamara Brezzi, Robert Goudswaard and Graeme Parton.

The Planning Minister Matthew Guy said of the new board members "the Board and management team at Places Victoria, led by CEO Gregory Anderson, has continued to drive the organisation’s transformation. I am delighted to announce the appointment of three new independent board members, Tamara Brezzi, Robert Goudswaard and Graeme Parton".

A media release from the Planning Minister provided a short biography on the three new board members:

<blockquote>
Tamara Brezzi is a planning and environment lawyer and qualified town planner with over 22 years’ experience in all aspects of planning and environmental law. Ms Brezzi is also President of the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association.

Robert Goudswaard has extensive financial and business experience, having held a number of senior executive roles within the ANZ Bank and having managed risk for the institutional division of Institutional Global, during the global financial crisis.

Graeme Parton has over 35 years’ experience in the property development and construction industry, as a consultant providing strategic property advice to State and local government, and in project development management and economic and market feasibility services for major projects. He has previously served on the Places Victoria board.
</blockquote>

The Planning Minister went on to say: "Places Victoria is now in strong position to focus on its core urban renewal mandate. It has been tasked with the important role of working closely with both government and the private sector to unlock the potential of urban development sites and revitalise neighbourhoods".

The appointments come six months after the Napthine Government axed the previous board.

Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.australiandesignreview.com/designwall/1524-architecture-goods-shed-north">Architecture Design Review</a>.
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Places Victoria board expands by three

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Late on Friday afternoon <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-19/melbournes-historic-forum-theatre-to-get-a-32-storey-revamp/5756802">the ABC reported</a> that Planning Minister Matthew Guy had approved the Forum Theatre restoration and Hotel development which Apartments.com.au previously <a href="/news/progressive-development-or-cultural-vandalism">reported on back in March</a>.

The 32 level tower will include boutique hotel suites, retail and office spaces with a pedestrian link through to Hosier Lane. Crucially it's been reported there are substantial changes to the Hosier Lane site boundary, which have been implemented in order to lessen the development's impact upon the venerable art and tourist area.

Quoted in the ABC report, Matthew Guy said "people shouldn't be concerned about any encroachment on street art, because it will virtually all remain - 99 per cent of it will still be there as it is now". The approved development has reduced the impact on Hosier Lane, and its street art precinct, from 16 metres to 3 metres, the Planning Minister said.

A subsequent report in <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/planning-minister-matthew-guy-signs-off-on-controversial-hosier-lane-hotel-20140919-10jhoj">The Age</a> commented that <a href="http://www.townplanners.com.au/">Clement Stone Town Planners</a> had successfully argued to have the Planning Minister designated as the responsible authority when the Forum Theatre and tower proposal's gross floor area is combined. City of Melbourne had opposed the plans in May this year.

Incidentally expressions of interest have been called for <a href="http://hosierrutledge.wordpress.com/">Paint UP Round Two</a>, which will see a second building along Hosier Lane adorned with a large-scale painted image. While revised plans for the Forum Hotel's interaction with Hosier Lane have yet to be spotted, the original planning application provides some indication as to what can be expected, as seen below.

<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/image7_24.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Original plans for an altered Hosier Lane - images courtesy of Scharp."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_24.jpg?itok=EoDgN__n" title="Original plans for an altered Hosier Lane - images courtesy of Scharp." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Original plans for an altered Hosier Lane - images courtesy of Scharp.</figcaption></figure>
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The forum finds favour

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

Alastair Taylor

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