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DesignBUILD is returning for its 32nd year from Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 May, with a central theme of ‘it’s all in the detail’, featuring a trade exhibition that will showcase service providers such as PowerHouse prefabricated homes, Wattyl Paint and Swiss Krono Group, to name a few.

Alongside the trade exhibition are two paid speaker and education programs, curated to cover the themes of industry compliance, sustainability and innovation, including panel discussions on topics such as build to rent, property resale and commercial buildings of the future.

Keynote speakers Michael McCormack (Milieu Property Group), Robert Simeoni (Robert Simeoni Architects) and Simon Knott (BKK Architects) will be joining the town planners and design panel to discuss how the growth of Melbourne as an international city depends on a successful working relationship between developers, architects and town planners.

Alongside the speaker program, DesignBUILD’s ‘Incubator’ is a creative pavilion at the trade show that champions innovative thinkers and gives them a proven, commercial platform to launch their inventions.

<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/designbuild_day_1_0291.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Photo from last year's DesignBUILD conference. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/designbuild_day_1_0291.jpg?itok=M9i15Dbe" title="Photo from last year's DesignBUILD conference. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Photo from last year's DesignBUILD conference. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>The five most innovative entries are judged by an industry advisory panel against a set of criteria covering: innovation, creativity, sustainability and proposed impact on industry.

In another project, DesignBUILD’s RAW allows university students from architecture and design disciplines to experience the full tender and construction process as they compete to have their designs built as key feature areas on the show floor.

Speaking to Apartments.com.au last month, conference director Pia Argiratos stated that one of the key outcomes for the conference was to stimulate big picture thinking, but also give pragmatic information that visitors can use in their next project.

<blockquote>
The conference program is focused on how we can do things better, from improving the sustainability of our buildings, to changing how project teams work together using technology and collaborative processes.

We talk about how the design of a building can influence the wellbeing of people who live and work there, and what our communities might need from buildings in the future. These kinds of improvements come from the combination of new approaches in design as well as new, innovative products that solve problems. DesignBUILD offers an opportunity for the entire industry to communicate and learn together as a team.

For me, “It’s all in the detail” talks of improvement by increments, so if we can give people information that helps them tweak their work here and there to become a bit better each day, then we have contributed to the industry and the community.

- Pia Argiratos, DesignBUILD 2018 Conference Director
</blockquote>

<h2>What: </h2>

DesignBUILD is the only dedicated trade show to bring together Australia’s architects, building professionals, contractors and design community together with manufacturers, suppliers and service providers for three days of unrivaled networking and inspiration.

The event encompasses a trade exhibition alongside two paid education offerings, curated to cover the themes of industry compliance, sustainability and innovation.

<h2>When: </h2>

<ul>
<li>Wednesday 2 May 10:00am to 6:00pm</li>
	<li>Thursday 3 May 10:00am to 6:00 pm</li>
	<li>Friday 4 May 10:00am to 4:00pm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Where: </h2>

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Place, 
South Wharf VIC 3006

For more information on the speaker series see below: 

https://designbuildexpo.com.au/speaker-series/
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Laurence Dragomir

DesignBUILD2018 kicks off next week and "It's all in the detail"

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The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has approved ICON Developments' 600 Church Street commercial office development in Cremorne's growing technology precinct, dubbed 'Silicon Valley.'

Designed by Wood Marsh, 600 Church Street is set to become a prominent, architecturally designed commercial office building that will contribute to Cremorne’s existing industrial context and enhance the streetscape.

ICON worked collaboratively with both project architects Wood Marsh and the City of Yarra to refine the final design and ensure it provides a unique offering for businesses looking to relocate into the fast-growing design and technology precinct.

The approved development will include 5,264 sqm of office space and 535 sqm of retail space over eight levels topped off with a landscaped rooftop terrace, in addition to 71 car spaces, 100 bicycle parks and extensive end of trip facilities located within three levels of basement car parking.

The lure for prospective 600 Church Street tenants is the opportunity to join the thriving creative, retail and technology companies that have based themselves in Cremorne which is fast becoming one of Melbourne’s most attractive commercial markets.

<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/hero_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="600 Church Street will add to Cremorne's growing office development. Image : ICON"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="792" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hero_0.jpg?itok=b1r_0iD7" title="600 Church Street will add to Cremorne's growing office development. Image : ICON" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>600 Church Street will add to Cremorne's growing office development. Image: ICON</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We worked closely with Wood Marsh and the City of Yarra before submitting the development application in June 2017. From here, we further refined the design based on community feedback and subsequently approval was granted from VCAT on 17 April 2018.

City fringe locations like Cremorne continue to attract significant interest from occupiers who would’ve previously only looked at CBD office space, making it one of the strongest performing office markets in Victoria.

With all the existing amenity including some of Melbourne’s best cafés and retail strips, public transport and parks, it’s easy to see why many businesses are making the change.

- Brinn Tavener, ICON Developments senior development manager 
</blockquote>

Demolition of the existing building on site is already in full swing, with the construction of the new development anticipated to commence in June 2018, with a target completion date of  Q4 2019.

600 Church Street joins a growing list of commercial developments within Cremorne with Apartments.com.au currently tracking 10 commercial projects within the database. 

Salta Properties has also afforded a glimpse of its latest commercial development designed by Architectus to be located on Church Street, via its social media channels.

<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/screenshot_20180423-181652_instagram.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A glimpse of the interior of Salta Properties' latest Church Street project. Image : Salta Properties"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="574" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screenshot_20180423-181652_instagram.jpg?itok=PA-_HVzF" title="A glimpse of the interior of Salta Properties' latest Church Street project. Image : Salta Properties" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A glimpse of the interior of Salta Properties' latest Church Street project. Image: Salta Properties</figcaption></figure>
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ICON and Wood Marsh combine for 600 Church Street

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<h2>Comment</h2>

As covered by Urban.com.au last week, the third discussion paper which forms part of the City of Melbourne's Transport Refresh Strategy has been released. Covering the topic of Transport, the discussion paper highlights a number of key projects to ensure Melbourne doesn't become a victim of its own success.

The Transport Refresh Strategy's discussion paper on Melbourne's Public Transport Network has identified Melbourne Metro 2 as the highest priority transport project, supported by both Infrastructure Victoria and the Rail Network Development Plan.

Melbourne Metro 2 would see a new rail tunnel proposed to link Newport to Clifton Hill via Fishermans Bend with interchange to City Loop services at Southern Cross and Melbourne Metro 1 at Parkville Station.

<blockquote>
This should be the highest priority major transport project for Victoria. The project was identified as a priority by Infrastructure Victoria and the Rail Network Development Plan.

The Melbourne Metro Rail Authority is in place with the skills and knowledge to deliver this project.

If planning commenced in 2018, Melbourne Metro 2 construction could begin prior to finishing Metro 1.

The vision for Fishermans Bend will not be realised without Melbourne Metro 2 to enable the transition to a world class urban renewal area.
</blockquote>

Further to this, the City of Melbourne has identified a Melbourne Metro 3 which connect Melbourne Airport to Ringwood also traveling via Southern Cross Station. This is on the back of the Federal Government's $5b commitment to delivering a rail link to the airport.

And if as Daniel Andrews says that planning on an airport link would be well advanced by the time Metro 1 is completed it would make sense that the station would be future proofed to allow for both projects, with a new station box likely required to service these new lines. This would be similar to what's happening at Parkville and North Melbourne (formerly Arden) stations.

<blockquote>
The next major transport project for further investigation, Melbourne Metro 3 would supplement a regional airport rail connection and open up urban renewal opportunities in the north-west. It will further increase capacity of the rail network and provide for convenient car-free cross city journeys.
</blockquote>

Both these alignments are illustrated in the map 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/potential_concept_metro_train_map_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The future of Melbourne's rail network? Image : City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/potential_concept_metro_train_map_0.jpg?itok=36wNZJ81" title="The future of Melbourne's rail network? Image : City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The future of Melbourne's rail network? Image : City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>What these two potential projects highlight and reinforce is Southern Cross' role within Melbourne's transport network is about to take on even greater importance, possibly becoming Melbourne's busiest station in the process.

The station is already the juncture of a number of key modes of transport in addition to servicing both the Melbourne CBD and the Docklands Precinct, and with the recent announcement of <a href="/news/etihad-stadiums-redevelopment-to-improve-links-to-cbd-and-victoria-harbour">Etihad Stadium's redevelopment</a>, there is an opportunity to master plan not just the station but the entire precinct into a large transport node with improved connections from the station to its surrounds and safer interchange between modes particularly during peak times.

This could be achieved by closing off Spencer Street between Collins and Lonsdale Streets as discussed in <a href="/expert-insights/buying/city-of-melbournes-transport-strategy-refresh-its-time-to-walk-the-walk">last week's article</a> on improving the walkability of the CBD.

What it also highlights (Alastair and I briefly discussed it on <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-10-rowville-light-rail-and-melbourne-airport-rail-link">Episode 10 of the weekly podcast </a>) is the urgency to deliver at the very least Melbourne Metro 2 and the framework for Metro 3 post completion of Metro 1, utilising the knowledge and skills developed during the project to deliver the next stage and beyond. 

The Napthine Government's Melbourne Rail Link alignment included new metro platforms at South Yarra, with stations at Domain, Montague within Fishermans Bend, a new station box at Southern Cross, and station at Melbourne Airport so some of the ground work has already been done. 

It's also worth remembering that Southern Cross's redevelopment earlier this century was always done with an eye to the future and the station was always envisioned as the departure point to the airport, with material produced during the redevelopment describing how a visitor or local would drop their baggage off at the station and catch a train to the airport.

Already a coach terminal, underneath the Spencer Outlet shopping complex accommodates both Skybus Super Shuttle services to Melbourne Airport and Sunbus Shuttle services to Avalon Airport and there is scope to improve these facilities in the short term but they alone will not be adequate.

If Melbourne is serious about becoming a liveable global city with a world-class transport network it needs to provide the infrastructure for it to happen, it can't rest on its laurels post Metro 1 and City of Melbourne's Transport Strategy Refresh is a good start.

The State Government committing to Melbourne Metro 2 would provide the development industry and existing community in Fishermans Bend with confidence in the urban renewal precinct, acting as a catalyst for development similar to North Melbourne Station and the Arden precinct. 

Docklands wouldn't have developed or attracted the commercial tenants it has, had it not been for Southern Cross Station sitting at its doorstep.

As per the title of this piece, all roads lead to Southern Cross...

Lead image: Grimshaw Architects
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All roads lead to Southern Cross Station

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A topic which rears its head at least once a year is the decking of the Jolimont railyards as a means of providing a stronger connection between the Melbourne CBD and the Yarra River, while adding to the city's open space network.

Announced during last week's sporting investment by the State Government was a $1b proposal to deck the rail corridor between the MCG and Melbourne Park, and unite the two halves of Melbourne's Sporting Precinct.

The feasibility study - which investigated a range of options for how this might be achieved - was initiated and funded by the Melbourne Cricket Club and the MCG Trust as part of a strategy to address safety and security concerns. However, during extensive consultation with multiple key stakeholders ultimately evolved into a study for a range of development options within the precinct. 
The study has been tabled with the Victorian Government for consideration as they assess the future vision of Melbourne and the sporting precinct, but at this point in time no funding has been requested, according to the MCG Trust. 
Among the concepts being considered as part of a two-stage proposal are:

<ul>
<li>Elevated pedestrian paths stretching from the MCG to Richmond Station, designed to separate pedestrians and vehicles, and to improve traffic flows.</li>
	<li>Decking of the railway tracks between the MCG and Melbourne and Olympic Park, with open space able to be utilised for live sites and event activation.</li>
	<li>Creation of new public open space, parkland and other facilities to service the precinct.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mcg-deck_banner.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="How the potential decking project may look. Image: MCG Trust"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="320" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mcg-deck_banner.jpg?itok=WuvliOnc" title="How the potential decking project may look. Image: MCG Trust" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>How the potential decking project may look. Image: MCG Trust</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The development, if it were to proceed, would unite the two halves of the sporting precinct, currently divided by the Jolimont rail corridor, to enable greater utilisation of the precinct, attract more and better events to Melbourne and continue to generate a public legacy for the city well into the future.

- MCG Trust
</blockquote>

If indeed the project proceeds within the next decade as envisioned, options should be explored for the remainder of the Jolimont rail corridor from the MCG through to Fed Square. During its tenure, the former Napthine Government invited interested parties to submit proposals for what is known as Fed Square East, which was eventually abandoned under the Andrews Government.

The Fed Square East site comprises a total of 3.3 hectares, with approximately 2.3 hectares located above rail lines and one hectare largely used for car parking. It is bounded by Federation Square/Russell Street to the west, Flinders Street to the north, Batman Avenue to the east and Birrarung Marr to the south.

The successful proponent's scheme would effectively replace another design conceived by LAB Architecture and OCULUS Landscape Architecture and Urban Design for a key piece of public infrastructure, with vital open space and an extension of Fed Square.

<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/1.-federation-square-east.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One of the many proposals over the years for Fed Square East. Image: OCULUS"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="376" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1.-federation-square-east.jpg?itok=YN3LtcVd" title="One of the many proposals over the years for Fed Square East. Image: OCULUS" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One of the many proposals over the years for Fed Square East. Image: OCULUS</figcaption></figure>Due to the complexities of decking over the live rail corridor, private investment was sought by the Napthine Government for what would otherwise be a costly exercise for any Government to undertake. As such intense development was expected with the balance of the site dedicated to the public realm with the potential for high-rise commercial and residential towers and development extending beyond Batman Avenue down to the Sporting precinct.

The now-adopted C270 amendment within the Capital City Zone effectively renders any such plan redundant, with building heights capped due to overshadowing controls for Birrarung Marr meaning any significant and intensive high-rise development would need to occur east of Batman Avenue and along the southern edge of Flinders/Wellington Streets.

Keep an eye out for a future Apartments.com.au that will look at a study for the rail corridor between Fed Square and the MCG.
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MCG's decking proposal could be the catalyst for Fed Square East?

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The City of Melbourne's Boyd Park concept plan is a step closer to being realised with Melbourne City Council via its Future (Planning) Committee forum, endorsing the scheme and resolving to issue a Planning Permit.

To facilitate the project, demolition of the former school building fronting Balston Street will need to occur allowing Council to upgrade the landscaping and expand the existing Boyd Community Hub into Kavanagh Street. 

The structure is not included in the Heritage Overlay or classified on the Victorian Heritage Register, with the landscaping works proposed along City Road frontage exempted by Heritage Victoria.

The endorsed scheme has been prepared by the Council’s City Design Studio which in tandem with the Open Space Planning Team have undertaken extensive community consultations regarding the expansion and improvement of the park since October 2014.

Demolition of the old classroom building is due to commence next month with the construction of the park slated for August/September 2018.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/boyd_park_final_concept_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Final concept design for Boyd Park. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="689" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/boyd_park_final_concept_plan.jpg?itok=JzZ5CbcU" title="Final concept design for Boyd Park. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Final concept design for Boyd Park. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>14 on-street car parking spaces will be removed to allow for the expansion of the park into Kavanagh Street.

The plan for Boyd park will comprise the following areas and elements;

Forecourt Garden:

<ul>
<li>Retention of existing garden bed planting and seating on City Road.</li>
	<li>Development of existing lawn with raised communal planters.</li>
	<li>Seating edges on garden planters.</li>
	<li>Two generous pathways into the Boyd site.</li>
</ul>
North Lawn:

<ul>
<li>Raised sunny lawn area with shade trees and seating for relaxation.</li>
	<li>Large outdoor space with tables and seating for outdoor dining outside the existing café .</li>
	<li>Generous site entry and gathering area at City Road frontage and improved access to the tram stop via new entry and future raised crossing point.</li>
</ul>
School Yard:

<ul>
<li>Line markings for flexible child-friendly games.</li>
	<li>Sloping lawn and amphitheatre seating opportunities for gatherings and events.</li>
	<li>New garden spaces and shade trees.</li>
</ul>
Forest Garden:

<ul>
<li>Timber and rock seats and edges for gathering and reading.</li>
	<li>Deciduous trees for shade in summer and access to sunlight in winter.</li>
	<li>Sensory gardens and spaces that encourage informal nature-play.</li>
</ul>
Picnic &amp; Play Terrace:

<ul>
<li>Picnic tables and BBQ facilities for gathering and outdoor dining.</li>
	<li>Playground with play equipment.</li>
	<li>Informal play spaces amongst shade trees and places to sit.</li>
</ul>
Village Green:

<ul>
<li>Large open sunny lawn space for flexible activities.</li>
	<li>Shade trees and seating walls around lawn edges for resting and shade.</li>
	<li>Generous pathways and park lighting around the perimeter of the green to provide a strong link through Boyd park.</li>
</ul>
Boyd Park will add much needed open space to Southbank - one of Melbourne’s most densely populated suburbs - joining OSK Property's Melbourne Square and City of Melbourne's vision for Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street transformation.

<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/southbank_and_dodd_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank Boulevard and Dodd Street Transformation Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_and_dodd_plan.jpg?itok=ViF11kJN" title="Southbank Boulevard and Dodd Street Transformation Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank Boulevard and Dodd Street Transformation Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The first stage of Melbourne Square which includes the park is already under construction with construction commencing on Stage 1 of the Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street transformation commencing in July.
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Southbank's Boyd Park moves a step closer

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A 17-storey student housing building at 500 Swanston Street is off to VCAT after the applicant, Journal Property Limited, decided to appeal the matter after City of Melbourne council failed to make a decision within the requisite 60 statutory days.

During its meeting on Tuesday night, the City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee resolved that it would have issued a permit subject to conditions, had the appeal to VCAT not been made.

These conditions would have included a reduction in height of two levels taking the overall height down to 15-storeys or approximately 51.5m, which according to Council planners would provide a better transition between Upper House to the north (17-storeys), Arrow on Swanston Street to the south (12-storeys) and The Eminence (15-storeys) to the north-east.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/swanston_street_elevation.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amended Swanston Street elevation dated March 2018. Image: Metier3 Town Planning documentation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/swanston_street_elevation.jpg?itok=fKJ22BUL" title="Amended Swanston Street elevation dated March 2018. Image: Metier3 Town Planning documentation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amended Swanston Street elevation with reduced height (March 2018). Image: Metier3 Town Planning documentation</figcaption></figure>This would reinforce Upper House's prominence on the corner and ensure that the proposed tower is not as prominent when viewed from Swanston Street, argues Council. Additionally, Council would have required levels 11 and above to be reconfigured to increase the setbacks from the southern boundary reducing their dominance and bulk further.

Increasing the setbacks will also improve internal amenity for student accommodation modules and improve the external amenity impacts by creating a greater separation from surrounding residential properties.

Council's planners provided their appraisal based on plans prepared by Metier3 in November 2017, which were subsequently amended in March 2018 with the following changes:

<ul>
<li>Deletion of levels 15 and 16 to reduce the overall building height by two levels to 15 storeys;</li>
	<li>Increased setback of Building D upper levels (11-14) from the south boundary to provide a 9m setback from the Arrow building, as well as reducing the overhang to allow more natural daylight to lower levels of accommodation;</li>
	<li>Introduction of light wells to Building D upper levels (11-14) to allow for improved natural light and ventilation to hallways on levels 11 to 14;</li>
	<li>The removal of rooms to allow for two additional windows per level to improve natural light and ventilation to hallways in Upper Mezzanine to level 10;</li>
	<li>Deletion of all 13 rooms in the lower mezzanine to remove all rooms with restricted daylight access. Part office and communal areas relocated to this space allowing for the deletion of basement.</li>
	<li>Introduction of four rooms to ground floor. Two twin share rooms added to ground floor made possible as result of the consolidated office space spread across two levels. Rooms were introduced to offset 13 rooms deleted from lower mezzanine below as these four rooms have adequate access to natural daylight;</li>
	<li>Deletion of basement;</li>
	<li>Deletion of east-west facing windows on northern boundary;</li>
	<li>Rationalised internal communal space to levels 10 and 11 to allow for additional rooms;</li>
	<li>Relocation of bike store to ground floor to enable direct access off building entry/street level;</li>
	<li>Overall reduction in number of beds from 710 to 587;</li>
</ul>
The original plans included three building elements providing 710 student accommodation units via a mix of studio, two-bed, three-bed, four-bed and five-bed units.

A food and drink, and two retail tenancies are located at the ground level, while the basement would contain a laundry, workshop, storage for 80 bicycles, and building services.

The lower ground will largely accommodate communal student areas including two landscaped courtyards, lounge, communal and private study areas, kitchen and dining area, entertainment, well-being and gym areas and gaming room.
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500 Swanston Street off to VCAT - City of Melbourne provides conditional support

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Just over a week ago the City of Melbourne released the first two discussion papers as part of its <a href="https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/transportstrategy">Transport Strategy Refresh</a>. These focused on the themes of 'Walking' and 'City Space' with Apartments.com.au providing commentary via <a href="/news/city-of-melbournes-transport-strategy-refresh-should-it-not-apply-to-other-municipalities">this article</a> and during <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-10-rowville-light-rail-and-melbourne-airport-rail-link">Episode 10 of the Weekly podcast. </a>

The ambitious plan will look to examples from abroad such as Barcelona's proposed "superblock" strategy which creates a series of small neighbourhoods around which traffic will circulate around the perimeter, and in which road space within the interior will be re-purposed into shared public spaces.

The Superblock strategy will commence with the famous gridded neighbourhood of Eixample where a superblock will comprise nine existing blocks of the grid, in a 3 x 3 formation. Vehicular traffic will then be restricted to just the roads bounding the superblock, and they will only be allowed in the streets in between if they are residents or providing local businesses, and at a greatly reduced speed of 10km/h.

The NYC Department of Transport's (DOT) “Green Light for Midtown” pilot project in 2009 paved the way (pun intended) for the Times Square Reconstruction project, enabling temporary paving and street furniture to close Broadway to vehicular traffic between 42nd and 47th Streets.

This initiative originally intended to improve safety and alleviate traffic conditions but the pilot project's success led to NYC DOT permanently reconsidering the function and layout of Times Square via a three-pronged approach that would upgrade critical utility infrastructure, provide event infrastructure for new and expanded public events, and permanently adopt the temporary improvements that were piloted in 2009. 

<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/times-square-before-and-after-dec-2016-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before and After December 2016. Image: NYC DOT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/times-square-before-and-after-dec-2016-1.jpg?itok=zy-UdQHZ" title="Before and After December 2016. Image: NYC DOT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New York's Times Square before and after December 2016. Image: NYC DOT</figcaption></figure>London too is getting in on the action with plans to pedestrianise large parts of Oxford Street announced last November, with a target date of the end of this year. The plan aims to improve air quality and congestion in the city and is the first of three phases which will transform Oxford Street, to be followed by the stretch between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road and then between Marble Arch and Orchard Street.

All east-west traffic will be stopped but some north-south routes will be maintained, according to the plans. More than four million people visit Oxford Street each week.

In Melbourne, the largest barrier is changing people's attitudes and reliance on travelling into the city via private vehicle. Part of addressing this lies in providing an efficient and reliable public transport system which offers an alternative to the car. Likewise providing safe and walkable city streets which encourage people to walk short distances and dedicated bicycle lanes for cyclists is critical to ensuring a quality public realm.

Melbourne Metro will go some way to addressing some of the issues, however significant bottlenecks exist for pedestrians in and around Southern Cross Station and Flinders Street Station, in morning and evening peak, which is exacerbated when events are on at Etihad Stadium or within Fed Square. 

The recently announced redevelopment of <a href="/news/etihad-stadiums-redevelopment-to-improve-links-to-cbd-and-victoria-harbour">Etihad Stadium</a> and the delivery of the <a href="/news/federal-government-wants-to-tip-5-billion-into-a-melbourne-airport-rail-link">Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL)</a> in the next 5-10 years and potential for Metro 2.0 to converge at Southern Cross Station will further reinforce its role as a key interchange node and so providing a safe environment surrounding the station is critical.

Notionally applying Barcelona's "Superblock" approach results in something which looks like this:

<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/melbourne_cbd_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Notionally applying Barcelona's &quot;Superblock&quot; strategy to Melbourne's CBD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_cbd_plan.jpg?itok=uQd0oLM5" title="Notionally applying Barcelona's &quot;Superblock&quot; strategy to Melbourne's CBD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Notionally applying Barcelona's "Superblock" strategy to Melbourne's CBD</figcaption></figure>However this doesn't necessarily alleviate the problems described above relating to pedestrian congestion at Flinders Street and Southern Cross Stations and conflict between pedestrians and cars. 

Fundamental to this is understanding and defining the roles and hierarchies of the streets - what is their purpose and how best to manage access and movement for delivery, emergency services, taxis and people with impaired mobility?

Limiting north-south vehicular movement as much as possible allows for improved and safer interchange between heavy and light rail at the city's stations and more pedestrian-focused streets adjacent to the stations.

Additionally, this would create more pedestrian streets with good solar access during the middle of the day. With the CBD short on open space and site acquisition to provide open space costly, the street network offers a potential solution.

One possible outcome might be something like this:

<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/melbourne_cbd_plan2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title='A variation of the "Superblock" with pedestrian zones adjacent to stations.'><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_cbd_plan2.jpg?itok=5t7vNSnd" title='A variation of the "Superblock" with pedestrian zones adjacent to stations.' width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A variation of the "Superblock" with pedestrian zones adjacent to stations.</figcaption></figure>This would include the pedestrianisation of key streets such as:

<ul>
<li>Spencer Street between Lonsdale and Collins Streets</li>
	<li>Bourke Street between Spencer and Spring Streets</li>
	<li>Flinders Street between Swanston and Queen Streets</li>
	<li>LaTrobe Street between Queen and Russell Streets</li>
</ul>
The 'little' streets would serve the purpose of providing servicing and resident vehicle access, with movements primarily occurring in the east-west direction. 

Lead Image: David Lock and Associates
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City of Melbourne's Transport Strategy refresh. It's time to walk the walk

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Late last week the State Government and the AFL announced a $225m allocation in the 2018/19 budget that will facilitate a major redevelopment of the Etihad Stadium Sporting and Entertainment Precinct.

This forms part of a $500m package to retain the AFL Grand Final at the MCG for the next 40 years, support grassroots football and the growing women's competitions through upgrades to local community grounds and suburban stadiums.

The Etihad Stadium upgrade will deliver upgrades for rectangular sports like soccer and rugby, improve women's change facilities and guarantees access for other codes and major events. Developed over the last two-years, the redevelopment will see AFL House demolished and replaced with a multi-storey building with improved connections to the waterfront and surrounding precinct.

The plans will be further developed and refined over the next 12-18 months, according to the AFL with works not likely to commence until 2020.

<blockquote>
We have made a committment to the government that it is a venue that is open for all sports and we've committed to that for 30 years. We have always had that attitude and this is now contractually guaranteed.

We want to open up Etihad Stadium, have a better venue and better destination and open up the precinct.

- AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan
</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/etihad_inline_image.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of what an Etihad Stadium upgrade might look like. Image: AFL"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/etihad_inline_image.png?itok=6UP4UM3Y" title="Artist's impression of what an Etihad Stadium upgrade might look like. Image: AFL" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of what an Etihad Stadium upgrade might look like. Image: AFL</figcaption></figure><h2>What does this mean for Docklands?</h2>

Originally breaking the story on the Footy Show, host and Collingwood President Eddie McGuire spoke about the desire to better integrate the stadium with the Docklands precinct and improve connections for visitors arriving from Southern Cross Station, with the possibility that not only would the works encapsulate AFL House but also Channel 7's digital studios.

The details of this have yet to be confirmed.

Unlike most stadiums around the world, Etihad Stadium (originally Colonial Stadium) was always envisaged as an urban stadium acting as a catalyst for the redevelopment of the former docks, with its four 'corners' eventually developing over time to fill out and assist in achieving the vision for a 24/7 precinct. 

It can be argued that the Stadium Precinct hasn't quite reached its true potential with opportunity for the stadium itself to offer more on non-event days and contribute to the activity and liveliness of the area.

Development of the remaining two parcels will go some way to improving and contributing to the area, with developments by AZX Group and Salta Properties injecting further residential and hotel program into the precinct at their 685 and 695 LaTrobe Street sites.

<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/685_latrobe_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="685 LaTrobe Street and 695-699 LaTrobe Street. Images : AZX Group &amp; Salta Properties"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="177" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/685_latrobe_street.jpg?itok=BmMoPIA8" title="685 LaTrobe Street and 695-699 LaTrobe Street. Images : AZX Group &amp; Salta Properties" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>685 LaTrobe Street and 695-699 LaTrobe Street. Images : AZX Group &amp; Salta Properties</figcaption></figure>Most critically, however, in the mind of this author is the redevelopment of Harbour Esplanade and whether any funding from the State Government and/or AFL will be allocated to finally get this key project realised, after a number of false starts over the years. 

You can read more about the now approved Master Plan for Harbour Esplanade devised by Hassell <a href="https://urban.melbourne/planning/2015/04/29/places-victoria-moves-ahead-harbour-esplanade">here</a> and <a href="https://urban.melbourne/design/2014/12/12/places-victoria-submits-harbour-esplanade-masterplan">here</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/harbour_esplanade_summary_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Harbour Esplanade Master Plan Overview. Image: Hassell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/harbour_esplanade_summary_0.jpg?itok=OE9EWTro" title="Harbour Esplanade Master Plan Overview. Image: Hassell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Harbour Esplanade Master Plan Overview. Image: Hassell</figcaption></figure>
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Etihad Stadium's redevelopment to improve links to CBD and Victoria Harbour

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Ballarat’s $100 million GovHub building has been given the green light, with the Minister for Planning Minister Richard Wynne awarding planning approval for the development, which will transform the Civic Hall site and house up to 1,000 government employees.

Located in the centre of Ballarat's CBD, GovHub will promote growth in the local economy, following the Victorian Government’s $47.8 million investment in the project.

Development Victoria in partnership with Regional Development Victoria undertook consultation with the community late last year including focus groups and the GovHub design launch event.  The feedback received was positive with the community showing overwhelming support for the project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1722_00_n23_website_landscape_large.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The GovHub will include a glass conservatory linking the Civic Hall to the new building. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1722_00_n23_website_landscape_large.jpg?itok=sLlNx5bJ" title="The GovHub will include a glass conservatory linking the Civic Hall to the new building. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The GovHub will include a glass conservatory linking the Civic Hall to the new building. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure>The community's feedback was considered and adopted in the final design where possible, with the project team, which also comprises John Wardle Architects continuing to work and collaborate with the local community as the development progresses.

John Wardle Architects' design for GovHub includes an active ground floor space, incorporating the bricks and masonry theme of the Civic Hall precinct, a reconstructed lower hall space for multi-purpose use, a glass conservatory linking the Civic Hall to the GovHub, five storeys of office space with a visual connection to the Ballarat CBD and basement car parking.

<blockquote>
The new building respects and responds to the scale and form of the neighbouring civic buildings. The design orchestrates the internal program, by drawing collaborative activities to the façade of the building and thereby revealing the work of those serving the community to the passing public. The intention is to heighten the sense of openness between the local community and government.

The new brick and masonry connects the ground plane with the Civic Hall and entwines the stories of old and new. Brick chambers at ground level provide a tactile, engaging presence to house retail and office activities. The external metal cladding system above ground controls heat load through the outer skin with its pattern of integrated windows.

- John Wardle Architects
</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/1722_00_n2_website_3_landscape_large.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ballarat's new GovHub has received planning approval. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1722_00_n2_website_3_landscape_large.jpg?itok=Zhb1bW_a" title="Ballarat's new GovHub has received planning approval. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ballarat's new GovHub has received planning approval. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure>Gaining planning approval represents a key milestone for the regional project, which Development Victoria believes will make a positive contribution to the ongoing revitalization of Ballarat.

Site works will commence in September, with construction proper beginning by the end of the year. 
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Ballarat's GovHub approved

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JSK Group recently celebrated the 'topping out' of its Union Tower residential project at 296-300 Little Lonsdale Street at a ceremony attended by its project partners PDS Group, Watpac and RotheLowman.

The $45m project which comprises 165 apartments across 35 levels and has been designed by architects RotheLowman, represents JSK Group's first Australian development.

In light of the project's success, JSK Group plans to accelerate its investment into the Australian property market by expanding its portfolio nationally. According to JSK Group this is in response to growing demand from buyers from Asia, who are increasingly shifting their focus away from European markets to Australian shores.

The development posed a number of logistical challenges for the project team, not least of which is the 400 sqm site's constrained footprint impacting on the ability to access to the site for the delivery and transport of materials, and mobility of construction vehicles and machinery within a busy city environment.

With the topping out ceremony done and dusted project manager PDS Group's attention turns towards the pending completion of construction and settling the apartments, which are now 100% sold.

Union Tower joins the nearby 399 Little Lonsdale Street, which is nearing completion and will inject 478 3 and 4 star hotel rooms for Ibis and Novotel respectively, into an area that has seen intense development activity over the last 5 years.

<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/39551656161_2a2a6241d1_k.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Union Tower has topped out with installation of facade progressing. Image: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/39551656161_2a2a6241d1_k.jpg?itok=coGjAlLS" title="Union Tower has topped out with installation of facade progressing. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Union Tower has topped out with installation of facade progressing. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Union Tower has been fantastic. It’s going well. We pretty much sold out in the first two to three months of commencing our sales campaign, and construction is on track.  The building is looking great, and we are delighted to have marked our first topping out with our team of local consultants.

We will be investing more resources into the Australian market, as we feel Europe is unstable due to Brexit and, accordingly, has seen a reduction in pricing for apartments in London. Prices, of course, are still very expensive because of the limited space in London however we tend to find that our buyers, especially from Asia, are shifting their focus away from Europe and returning to Australia and Asia. So that is where we will focus our resources into 2018.

We have built houses, townhouses and apartments in Malaysia and in China, however this will be the first time we have ventured into townhouses and houses in Australia.  We are looking forward to offering a new range of products

- Sean Wong, JSK Melbourne based Director
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Meeting complex challenges and delivering innovative outcomes for our clients is a skill our dedicated team bring to every project, and Union Tower has been no exception. I commend the Watpac team for their ability to reach this milestone on schedule, while successfully managing the physical and logistical challenges presented by working in a constrained inner-city site.

Now that the structure is complete, we look forward to continuing our high standard of work to deliver this exceptional project for JSK Group later this year.

- Nick Pavlovic, Watpac Construction Victorian State Manager
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Working with JSK Group on its first Australian development has been very successful for both of companies.  A strong working relationship has delivered a successful project. Union Tower is an elegant glass building designed in the round and delivers high quality apartments, many of which are corner located. We look forward to completing the project now that structural top out has been successfully achieved on time by Watpac.

- Shane Rothe, Founding Principal RotheLowman
</blockquote>
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Union Tower the latest project to top out

Longstanding Gold Coast and Canberra developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> is continuing to roll on with its Glitter Strip apartment pipeline, seeking to return to Mermaid Beach with a new 68-apartment development.

Morris, founded by Barry Morris in 1978 and one of the Gold Coast’s most prolific apartment developers over the past two decades, has filed plans for a 12-storey mixed-use building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-seabeach-avenue-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">34-36 Seabeach Avenue</a>, on the prized eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway.

The 1,227 sqm site occupies a prominent corner position at Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, opposite the Mermaid Plaza retail and office precinct and around 140 metres walking distance from the future Mermaid Beach South light rail station.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a> has designed the project, which will comprise 68 apartments across a mix of 48 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom residences.

The building will rise 12 storeys, reaching a maximum height of 36 metres, with the apartments accounting for a total of 156 bedrooms. The development application also seeks approval for short-term accommodation across the 68 apartments, while two office tenancies are proposed at ground level.

The plans show 108 car spaces across the development, with parking accommodated at ground level and within a three-level basement accessed from Seabeach Avenue.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2175c99-12fd-4a3c-9be1-89bbf258a90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.41%E2%80%AFPM_0.png?VersionId=iNLzWcE6gaAE76rafhEXfHve.4g4Se0p" />

Resident amenity will be concentrated on level two, where Fraser &amp; Partners has designed a recreation deck with a swimming pool, 90 sqm pool terrace, outdoor barbecue area and gym.

The broader communal offering will also incorporate landscaped spaces, with the planning documents noting the amenity has been designed to provide areas for recreation, social interaction and outdoor living.

The proposal would continue the transformation of the Gold Coast Highway corridor through Mermaid Beach ahead of the arrival of the light rail.

The site is zoned Neighbourhood Centre and sits within the Mermaid Beach/Broadbeach Light Rail Corridor neighbourhood plan. While the prescribed building height is 24 metres, the site is identified within an Urban Neighbourhood context providing for a 50 per cent height uplift to 36 metres.

Planning documents describe the stretch of the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Nobby Beach as increasingly characterised by medium and high-rise development, with the proposed Morris tower joining projects including Ventura, The Alfred, Oceans and Otto.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="911f193f-e381-4a55-be08-58be87fcf978" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.48%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=oxVvLJaY.SOXEdXrIcogfyEXDfvCmmpM" />

The development would mark Morris Property Group's latest investment in Mermaid Beach, where it has already delivered two apartment projects.

Otto, at 1 Bondi Avenue on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, comprises 70 apartments across nine storeys. The project was completed in 2019 and includes a residents' gym, recreation deck and swimming pool.

Morris also developed Oceans at 46 Ocean Street, a nine-storey, 70-apartment build-to-rent development completed in 2019. Oceans was the group's first build-to-rent project and incorporates commercial space at ground level.

The two existing Morris projects sit further north along the same Gold Coast Highway corridor as the proposed Seabeach Avenue development. Fraser &amp; Partners' planning analysis specifically identifies both Otto and Oceans among the established built-form precedents surrounding the site.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14925119-7b71-4812-8149-340317512c7c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%203.00.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=aEJqYuw_nTCjcin17BSD0piB1EFotTlj" />

Mermaid Beach represents only part of Morris' considerable Gold Coast footprint.

The family-owned developer has been particularly active in neighbouring Broadbeach, delivering projects including Sierra Grand, Eclipse, Synergy, Qube, Koko, Opus and Malo, while its current pipeline includes Maison and the two-tower Crest development.

Further south, Morris has also developed a string of projects in Burleigh Heads, including Element, Boardwalk and Sandbar, while Essentia expanded its footprint north into Surfers Paradise.

The Seabeach Avenue application has been lodged by PMM Broadbeach Pty Ltd and seeks a development permit for a Material Change of Use for multiple dwellings, short-term accommodation and office uses. Zone Planning Group prepared the planning application, with Fraser &amp; Partners commissioned as architect.

The project comes as the developer continues to expand its Gold Coast pipeline while retaining a significant presence in Canberra. Morris now has more than $2.5 billion of development in its national pipeline and has delivered more than 7,000 homes during its near five-decade history

Joel Robinson

First look: Morris Property Group returns to Mermaid Beach with new Seabeach Avenue apartment development

<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hvFB2uWTRfEyEcpTSnnK9" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis" target="_blank">Fortis</a>&nbsp;is continuing its stronghold on Sydn​ey’s eastern suburbs apartment market, launching&nbsp;in September&nbsp;its latest boutique&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GI5S9-wNeiLUnM-d1uYkw" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">Double Bay</a>&nbsp;development,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YNouJQcFjiTTgVHbgDLA-" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">55 William</a>.

55 William presents&nbsp;just eight north-facing&nbsp;two-bedroom, three-bedroom and full-floor&nbsp;residences to the market, priced from $4.5 million.

The upcoming launch comes just weeks after Fortis secured approval for the $80 million development, its third eastern suburbs approval in two months. Construction is already underway, with completion targeted for 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376250]

55 William adds to a growing concentration of Fortis projects in and around Double Bay, a market the developer has become increasingly active in over recent years.

Fortis previously completed the nine-residence Marmont on New South Head Road, while it is currently developing a mixed-use residential and retail project at 12 Cross Street. Its wider Double Bay footprint also extends into commercial and retail development.

The developer's broader Sydney residential pipeline is particularly concentrated across the eastern suburbs, with projects spanning Doub​le Bay, Ro​se Bay, Wo​ollahra, Dar​ling Point, Poi​nt Piper and Eli​zabeth Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376253]

At 55 William, Fortis has again turned to MHN Design Union, the architecture practice behind several of its eastern suburbs projects, while London-based 1508 London has been appointed to handle the interiors and Wyer &amp; Co the landscaping.

The six-level building will comprise a combination of two and three-bedroom apartments, including a garden residence, full-floor apartments, a sub-penthouse and penthouse. Each residence will have secure basement parking and private outdoor space.

A rooftop terrace for all residents, along with select apartments, enjoys views across Double Bay Harbour and toward the Sydney skyline.

Ceiling heights will reach up to three metres&nbsp;in select residences, while the kitchens will feature natural stone and integrated Gaggenau appliances.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The boutique nature of the project reflects the type of stock Fortis has increasingly targeted across Sydney's eastern suburbs, where larger apartments and smaller buildings are being pitched primarily toward local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

Fortis Group General Manager Ed Eve said the developer continues to see demand from buyers wanting to remain in the eastern suburbs but move into newer, lower-maintenance housing.

“We're seeing continued demand from local owner-occupiers and downsizers looking for high-quality homes that allow them to remain in the eastern suburbs, close to the lifestyle and community they know,” Eve said.

55 William is also one of the early projects to respond directly to the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms. Fortis had previously secured approval for just two townhouses on the 599 sqm site before revising the scheme to eight apartments following the planning changes.

Situated one street back from Double Bay's water's edge, the project enjoys an enviable harbourside setting within walking distance of Double Bay Village and the ferry wharf.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376252]

Fortis has increasingly made the eastern suburbs a major focus of its Sydney pipeline. Beyond Double Bay, it recently completed the 14-residence Piper in Point Piper and has projects underway or planned across Rose Bay, Woollahra and Darling Point.

The developer recently secured approval for Verano in Rose Bay, a six-level development comprising 21 two, three and four-bedroom apartments, also designed by MHNDU.

55 William&nbsp;is soon to be release to the market with VIP appointments commencing early September,&nbsp;with residences priced from $4.5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152579]

Fortis continues eastern suburbs push with 55 William launch

UAE-based developer Arada has unveiled plans for a $2 billion twin-tower apartment development in Broadbeach, marking its first move into Queensland as it continues its rapid expansion across Australia.

Arada will develop 952 apartments across two towers on a prominent site opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the project targeted for completion ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project represents Arada's largest commitment to the Australian market since arriving in the country in 2024 and significantly expands a local pipeline that has now grown to eight projects and more than 5,000 homes.

It will also be the first major Queensland project delivered by Roberts Co since the tier-one contractor was acquired by Arada Group in 2025.

Plus Studio has designed the Broadbeach development, which will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two towers connected by a landscaped podium.

A significant resident amenity offering will include lagoon and lap pools, a gym, sauna and steam room, alongside a mist room, infrared room and salt scrub facilities. Communal terraces, private dining areas, a library, residents' lounge and work-from-home spaces are also planned. Around 1,200 sqm of retail and hospitality space will occupy the ground floor.

The site puts Arada in one of the Gold Coast's most active apartment markets, directly opposite the convention centre and within walking distance of Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Broadbeach's dining and retail precinct.

It also has immediate access to the Gold Coast light rail network and sits just a few blocks from the beach.

Arada Group Chief Executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said Broadbeach represented an opportunity for the developer to expand beyond its initial NSW pipeline.

“Broadbeach is a world-class address that gives us the canvas to create a community of exceptional design and lifestyle quality that genuinely enriches the daily lives of the people who call it home,” Alkhoshaibi said.

“This is our first development outside New South Wales, and it reflects our growing ambition to grow in key urban markets around the country.”

Alkhoshaibi said bringing Roberts Co into the project would give Arada greater control over the development and construction process.

“Delivering this project through Roberts Co, our own tier-one construction business, means we can bring the quality, pace and accountability that our buyers expect.”

The move into Broadbeach comes as Arada accelerates its Australian expansion following its entry into the market two years ago. The developer has assembled a pipeline of eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, while the acquisition of Roberts Co last year gave the group its own Australian construction capability.

Globally, Arada has a development portfolio valued at $50 billion comprising more than 55,000 homes across the UAE, United Kingdom and Australia.

The Gold Coast is emerging as the next major market for the developer, with strong population growth and infrastructure spending ahead of the 2032 Games continuing to underpin significant apartment development across the coastal strip.

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

Sydney’s downsizer market is changing, with a growing cohort of buyers prioritising the right home over simply finding a smaller one.

Coronation Property Head of Sales Cam Porter says the traditional idea of downsizing does not necessarily reflect what many buyers are now looking for, particularly those moving from established family homes across Sydney.

Instead, he says they are increasingly becoming “right-sizers”, seeking lower-maintenance homes without sacrificing the space, amenity or quality they have become accustomed to.

“We are increasingly seeing buyers who are not motivated by the idea of simply moving into a smaller property,” Porter says.

“They are right-sizers. They want a home that is easier to manage and better connected, but they still expect generosity, quality and a floorplan that supports the way they live.”

It is a subtle but important distinction in a market where apartment developers are increasingly targeting established owner-occupiers.

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For many of these buyers, moving from a house to an apartment is not driven by a desire to dramatically reduce their living space. Instead, the appeal is in removing some of the maintenance associated with a larger home while retaining generous living areas, storage and enough flexibility to accommodate family and friends.

Coronation’s sales team is seeing buyers place particular importance on natural light, practical storage and additional rooms that can be used as guest bedrooms, home offices or secondary living spaces.

Kitchens and dining areas are also playing an increasingly important role, particularly for buyers who regularly entertain or have children and grandchildren visit.

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“These buyers still want their home to feel generous,” Porter says.

“They may want less maintenance, but they are not looking for less life.”

The challenge for the broader housing market is providing enough of the right stock to encourage that move.

While much of the discussion around Sydney’s housing shortage has centred on the number of homes being delivered, Porter says the diversity of those homes is equally important.

Older homeowners can remain in large family houses for longer when they cannot find an appropriate alternative in the neighbourhoods where they have built their lives.

“The decision is rarely as simple as wanting fewer bedrooms,” Porter says.

“People are weighing up their connection to a neighbourhood, the space they need for family, the quality of the home and whether it will continue to work for them over the long term.”

It also has implications beyond the downsizer market. Providing suitable apartments for smaller households can free up established houses for families who need the additional bedrooms and land, creating greater movement through the housing market.

<h2>Lillian targets the next stage of apartment buyer</h2>

It is a buyer Coronation is targeting at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, its new collection of apartments, terraces and penthouses at Erskineville Village.

Designed by Silvester Fuller, Lillian has been shaped around larger living spaces, natural light and flexible floorplans, alongside landscaped areas, wellness amenity and communal spaces for residents.

The development will form part of Coronation’s broader Erskineville Village precinct, which will combine new homes with green space, retail, hospitality and new pedestrian connections.

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McPherson Park will sit at the centre of the precinct, creating a significant new green space alongside the project’s retail and hospitality offering.

For Porter, the opportunity is to give buyers another housing option without forcing them to leave the part of Sydney they already know.

“People should be able to change the type of home they live in without having to change their entire life,” he says.

“For many buyers, Lillian offers the opportunity to remain connected to the Inner West and the city, while gaining access to a more convenient, walkable and considered way of living.”

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Coronation will explore the changing <a href="https://lillianresidences.com.au/news/lillian-x-space-x-downsizers-event-27-august/">right-sizer market at an event on August 27</a>, bringing together experts across property, design and lifestyle.

Held in partnership with SPACE, Poliform and Downsizer.com.au, the event will include a property market outlook from economist Michael Blythe alongside discussion around the considerations facing buyers planning their next move.

Attendees will also be able to learn more about the residences and amenity planned at Lillian Erskineville.

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From downsizing to right-sizing: What Sydney buyers want from their next home

Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

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Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

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The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

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Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

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Laurence Dragomir

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