<html><body>
<h2>Comment</h2>

There's much to admire about Rodney Maddock's advocacy piece in The Conversation - '<a href="https://theconversation.com/our-growing-big-cities-need-new-centres-of-employment-heres-melbournes-chance-93067">Our growing big cities need new centres of employment - here's Melbourne's chance</a>' - the three projects he advocates for have been in the public domain for quite a while now.

The Vice Chancellor's Fellow at Victoria University says the state government should get a wriggle on with Australian Education City in East Werribee, announcing which site will house the new Footscray Hospital and the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

It's worth attempting to add more meat to the bones on two of the VC's favoured projects as they do have a wider context.

Interestingly enough, only today has the Federal Government finally reached an agreement with the State Government to transfer funds in order for the Spring Street-led Regional Rail Revival programme to kick off. At the same time, Victoria has signed up to the federal government's inland rail project.

The agreement is significant as it represents the merry-go-round of new federal infrastructure ministers coming to a stop so focus can shift to other announcements made in both state and federal budgets last year: how to spend the money on studying how the Melbourne Airport Rail Link can be sped up.

Note also that Sunshine is getting the rolls royce treatment from the Victorian Planning Authority as it has been designated a <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/sunshine-employment-cluster/">national employment and innovation cluster</a>.

Australian Education City had some more time in the limelight recently when the Herald Sun reported Jacobs were undertaking the design of the new centre which reportedly will have a $30billion value.

The paper also reported that in order to sufficiently service the precinct with Public Transport multiple options are under investigation including a diversion of the Werribee line through the site between Werribee and Hoppers Crossing stations or a dedicated driverless train system linking with Hoppers Crossing and Werribee Stations.

The University campus that will form a major part of the precinct would also eventually enrol up to 45,000 local and international students and the precinct would have a focus on technology industries.

<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/australian_education_city1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Conceptual render of Australian Education City- from Herald Sun/AEC"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/australian_education_city1.jpg?itok=Edydpb1c" title="Conceptual render of Australian Education City- from Herald Sun/AEC" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Conceptual render of Australian Education City- from Herald Sun/AEC</figcaption></figure>With talk about possibly diverting the Werribee Line or linking a standalone system to the existing stations on the Werribee Line, it's a good idea to also look at what else is happening in the region.

Just recently Wyndham council approved the master plan for a new suburb to be built adjacent to the regional rail link called Mambourin which is being billed as a 5-minute city where residents will have a 5-minute walk or bike ride to everything they need, including public transport services (that is of course, when the station at Black Forest Road is built).

We've known the land around the regional rail link was going to be developed for new town centres and suburbs however they are coming into sharper focus.

As its name suggests, the regional rail link, it was originally designed for giving regional services a faster, separated from metro trains, run into and out of the city but the Geelong line is increasingly doing the job of metro.  

The public hearings on Fishermans Bend are underway and as reported yesterday, little by little more detail on the heavy rail line is creeping into the public domain.

<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/mm2_routes.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Screenshot from GTA Consultants expert witness statement"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="453" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mm2_routes.png?itok=NUdw_hsl" title="Screenshot from GTA Consultants expert witness statement" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Screenshot from GTA Consultants expert witness statement</figcaption></figure>The above image is from <a href="/news/public-hearings-on-fishermans-bend-draft-framework-have-kicked-off">GTA Consultants expert witness statement</a> that's been published on the Fishermans Bend community <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/application/files/3415/2030/6979/Document_70_-_Strategic_Transport_-ITP_Peer_Review_-_John_Kiriakidis.pdf">engagement site</a> and it provides a wider view of the thinking behind where the second metro tunnel might go.  

The Integrated Transport Plan, produced by Transport for Victoria, came up with two alignment options which originally didn't show how they would connect with rail network to the west however the image above makes it pretty clear the heavy rail alignment will connect to the Werribee Line.

With the Fishermans Bend planning work likely to be complete by mid-year, Australian Education City and ongoing suburban &amp; town centre development on either side of the regional rail link, it's not hard to imagine how Melbourne Metro 2 &amp; the Melbourne Airport Rail Link can be used as great enablers for poly-centric aspirations for the West.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.victrack.com.au/projects/past-projects/regional-rail-link">VicTrack</a>
</body></html>

Alastair Taylor

Rail will be the enabler of the polycentric city aspirations of Melbourne's West

<html><body>
Following submissions that were published on the Victorian Government's engage website in early February, public hearings have kicked off to provide the opportunity to those that have lodged a submission to make a more detailed submission to the review panel.

From Wednesday March 14th, the Minister for Planning, represented by Susan Brennan SC and Rupert Watters, was allocated 5 days to call on various expert witnesses across the Urban Design, Urban Planning, Transport Planning, Landscape Planning and Architecture disciplines.

As each week progresses, tabled documents are appearing on the public hearing's website and this week much of the supporting documentation that Minister's expert witnesses have provided has been uploaded.

GTA Consultants have produced two expert witness statements now available to view, one of which, written by John Kiriakidis, includes a clearer map of where stations might be built should the government prioritise its construction.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gta_peer_review_rail_fishbend_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Screen capture from GTA consultants expert witness statements"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="443" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gta_peer_review_rail_fishbend_2.png?itok=e67-u2gM" title="Screen capture from GTA consultants expert witness statements" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Screen capture from <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/application/files/3415/2030/6979/Document_70_-_Strategic_Transport_-ITP_Peer_Review_-_John_Kiriakidis.pdf">GTA consultants expert witness statements</a></figcaption></figure>The <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/application/files/3415/2030/6979/Document_70_-_Strategic_Transport_-ITP_Peer_Review_-_John_Kiriakidis.pdf">peer review report into the Integrated Transport Plan</a> also responds to transport-related questions from the two main municipalities and other large submissions the review process had received.  Likewise, the report assesses whether mode share targets will be achievable within the scope of the outlined plan.

The Integrated Transport Plan that was devised under the guidance of Transport for Victoria shortlisted two different alignments for heavy rail through Fishermans Bend and Kiriakidis's expert witness statement argues the route through the Fishermans Bend employment precinct may be the better of the two.  

<blockquote>
At this stage, the ITP provides an acknowledgement that the southern alignment offers slightly better performance.

Based on my experience, the addition of another 20,000 jobs in the northern precinct could counter-balance results to the extent that the northern rail alignment is more favourable.

By way of example, when looking at the attractiveness of a Plummer Street Station for those working in the Employment Precinct it is worth considering the distance for potential passengers from the Plummer Street Station to the Employment Precinct, and the severance and barrier effect of the Westgate Freeway on movement.

This is illustrated below
</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/gta_peer_review_rail_fishbend_3.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Comparing walking distances from existing stations in Melbourne - image GTA Consultants"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gta_peer_review_rail_fishbend_3.png?itok=7Rz9UTgl" title="Comparing walking distances from existing stations in Melbourne - image GTA Consultants" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Comparing walking distances from existing stations in Melbourne - image <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/application/files/3415/2030/6979/Document_70_-_Strategic_Transport_-ITP_Peer_Review_-_John_Kiriakidis.pdf">GTA Consultants</a></figcaption></figure>The expert witness statement calls for 'further analysis should be completed in relation to the impact of the additional 20,000 jobs in the employment precinct' and what impacts it 'may have on the preferred rail station and the two-short-listed heavy rail alignment options'.

According to the <a href="http://www.fishermansbend.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/115814/Fishermans-Bend-Part-A-Submission-Final-19-Feb-2018.pdf">Minister's response</a>, dated 19th of February, a funding (infrastructure delivery) plan is the process of being written, which GTA Consultants have referred to throughout their expert witness statement in relation to answering the transport-related questions from large submissions.

Stage 1 panel hearings kicked off on March 1st and will run to March 28th, stage 2 hearings run from April 9th until May 24th.  

To view all the tabled documents, see <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/fishermans-bend-draft-framework/fishermans-bend-tabled-documents">engage.vic.gov.au</a>.
</body></html>

Public hearings on Fishermans Bend Draft Framework have kicked off 

<html><body>
The City of Moreland at its upcoming meeting has a recommendation from council offices to approve the draft Cooling the Upfield Corridor Action Plan which would see a community consultation session begin in early April.

The draft action plan came about as a result of the Moreland Council's overarching 2017-2018 plan and it seeks to focus on mitigating the urban heat island effect in the corridor that spans both Brunswick and Coburg from Park Street to Gaffney Street.

Moreland's officer report sets the cost of action of the initiatives which have a defined scope just shy of $10 million over the next 11 years.  The report also notes there are other initiatives which could be leveraged including VicRoad's Revaitalising Sydney Road study.

<blockquote>
Currently, VicRoads is investigating opportunities to revitalise Sydney Road which could include options to reconfigure the Sydney Road to allow for tree planting and prioritise pedestrians and cyclists. 

Through these negotiations, Council is committed to ensuring that Sydney Road will retain its function as the civic and commercial heart of the Brunswick and Coburg Activity Centres whilst ensuring the inclusion of street trees and prioritisation of pedestrians and cyclists.

The Draft Action Plan identifies greening and cooling strategies for the Sydney Road/Upfield Corridor area under 6 themes:

<ul>
<li>Theme 1: Streets for People – Interventions that re-allocate space within existing streetscapes to create new landscaped areas.</li>
	<li>Theme 2: Influencing outcomes in the private realm – Building collaborative relationships to increase greening opportunities within the private realm.</li>
	<li>Theme 3: Utilising Council owned car parks – Harnessing opportunities to add landscaping to Council owned land.</li>
	<li>Theme 4: Planting in side streets - Increase tree canopy cover within the side streets off Sydney Road</li>
	<li>Theme 5: Sydney Road - Increase planting opportunities within the Sydney Road streetscape</li>
	<li>Theme 6: Additional Interventions – Potential projects requiring new funding which harness opportunities to cool/green the corridor. </li>
</ul>
<a href="http://moreland.vic.gov.au/globalassets/key-docs/meeting/agenda-council-upc/council-agenda-14-march-2018.pdf"><cite>Moreland Council Officer's report on Cooling the Upfield corridor Action Plan - page 343</cite></a>
</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/cooling_upfield_corridor.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The area included in the action plan's scope - image: Moreland Council."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="630" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cooling_upfield_corridor.png?itok=cPTLt0VM" title="The area included in the action plan's scope - image: Moreland Council." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The area included in the action plan's scope - image: Moreland Council.</figcaption></figure>Moreland already has endorsed Urban Forest Strategy (2017) which among other things aims grow the existing canopy in the municipality by 5000 trees per annum and the Cooling the Upfield Corridor Action Plan seeks to align the tree planting initiative into appropriate areas in the Sydney Road/Upfield corridor.

Sydney Road is sparsely populated with vegetation and one of the projects the officer's report lists as scope to be confirmed is opportunistic landscape planting to be carried out in conjunction with private landowners within close proximity to Sydney Road.

The officer's report also lists Coburg Streetscape Masterplan and Sydney Road Revitalisation projects as scope to be confirmed - in Sydney Road's case that project is being led by VicRoads, not the council.

The draft action plan is attached to the upcoming council meeting agenda, you can view it <a href="http://moreland.vic.gov.au/globalassets/key-docs/meeting/agenda-council-upc/council-agenda-14-march-2018.pdf">here</a> (from page 341 onwards).

If the council endorses the action plan, community consultation will open from April 4th and run to May 16th.
</body></html>

Moreland Council set to open its Cooling the Upfield Corridor Action Plan to community consultation

<html><body>
Last night, the ABC's flagship current affairs programme, 4 Corners, devoted an entire episode to defining what a 'big Australia' really is.  Later on, another hour was dedicated to big Australia on Q&amp;A which started to explore how we, as a nation, might do things differently but it ultimately failed due to the lack of planning/architecture/urban design academics or practitioners on the panel.

On 4 Corners, presenter Sarah Ferguson ends her opening dialogue with "[Reporter Ben Knight] explores what a big Australia might look like and whether we have a plan to get there". 

Innes Willox, the chief executive of the Australian Industry Group says in the closing minutes of the programme "Not everyone wants to live in a quarter acre block, not everyone wants to live miles and miles away from where they work - which is the inevitable consequence of this."

"But what we do need to do is to give people choice, affordable realistic choice and that should be the goal of our policymakers. It's an issue of planning and planners need to get it right so that we are able to accommodate the needs of the community."

A lot of talk about planning, but very little planning voices were heard last night.

4 Corners is adept at kicking off national debates and there's no disputing they haven't done it in this instance, but the Q&amp;A follow up degenerated right from the outset with the first question seeking an easy solution (wind back immigration) rather than asking how we might do things differently.

"Do you think our politicians understand how angry Australians are about our mass immigration programme?" the questioner asked.

Bob Carr's answer after extolling the virtues of immigration, was to call for the pace to be wound back.

This specific area of debate no doubt will have legs and many people will focus on it, but it is too easily sidetracked into an argument about yearning for a yesteryear that just doesn't exist anymore - where the only mass-market housing choices young people had were quarter acre blocks on the fringe.

Times have changed, our cities have dramatically changed and both Melbourne and Sydney are no longer twee suburban outposts at the bottom of the world.

The entire hour dedicated to big Australia on Q&amp;A was dominated by the symptoms of high population growth in a poor, particularly transport, planning world and when it looked like panelists might start exploring how Australia might be able to do things differently, host Tony Jones would either shut down the conversation or another of the panelists would interject and take the conversation on a completely new path.

The Grattan Institute is a think-tank that's been at the forefront in prosecuting the case for a change to the way governments price access to roads and when the chief executive, John Daley, began talking about the institute's research in this area, there was an interjection and the topic stopped dead. Tony, the interjection should have been taken as a comment.

If big Australia is to be debated, then isn't it right that the audience is presented with possible solutions that address the symptoms we are all feeling?

As 4 Corners pointed out, the time in the day when people are going to notice population growth the most is when they need to transport themselves from home to their place of work, education, to the shops or during their leisure time.

Likewise, as 4 Corners further pointed out, Melbourne &amp; Sydney are playing catch up with public transport investment with governments still willing to 'balance' infrastructure spend between road expansion and public transport expansion to chase the marginal electorate votes.

Maybe the ABC chose not to have a planning, architecture or urban design professional on the Q&amp;A panel or on 4 Corners for fear of looking too technocratic, however, their voices were sorely missed on Monday night's coverage.

They are the professionals who are skilled at communicating the 'what could be' to audiences - much better than lobbyists &amp; politicians - and we'll all be poorer if they don't get the airtime.
</body></html>

Q&A tackles big Australia but there was one big gap

<html><body>
The Victorian Government has announced it will ban the use of aluminium cladding panels that have a polyethylene core of more than 30% and expanded polystyrene will also be banned on buildings with 3 or more levels.

The changes were announced by the Planning Minister, Richard Wynne, on Saturday morning along with new guidelines for building surveyors.  The Victorian Cladding Taskforce, who made the recommendations, was set up in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster in London.

<blockquote>
There’s nothing more important than public safety, which is why we’re cracking down on the use of dangerous materials on worksites.

We’re putting a stop to dangerous combustible cladding being used on Victorian buildings. This has been allowed to go on for too long and we’re ending it.

The rules are clear: if builders use these dangerous flammable products, they’ll face disciplinary action from the VBA.
<cite>Victorian Planning Minister, Richard Wynne</cite>
</blockquote>

The Victorian Cladding Taskforce, which counted former premier Ted Ballieu and former deputy Premier John Thwaites as members, originally identified 1,369 buildings as most likely having aluminium cladding panels with a polyethylene core or expanded polystyrene but that figure has reduced.

A Spring media release states the taskforce established 579 buildings had not begun construction and a further 129 were only part way through construction.

The Victorian Building Authority has had its powers and resources beefed up and has purportedly assessed 87 buildings as part of a Victoria-wide audit.  If any building is to be found non-compliant, the VBA and municipal building surveyors will be issuing emergency orders to rectify building facades.

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-10/victorian-government-moves-to-restrict-use-of-flammable-cladding/9534926">Speaking to the ABC</a>, Wayne Liddy from the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors said the peak industry group wanted to see an increase in mandatory inspections.

<blockquote>
Give us the rule book, the guidelines, and we can enforce it and administer these measures of compliance.

We want to see a nationally consistent approach to dealing with the cladding issue. At the moment we don't want to see political point scoring.
<cite>Wayne Liddy,<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-10/victorian-government-moves-to-restrict-use-of-flammable-cladding/9534926"> speaking to the ABC</a></cite>
</blockquote>

The state government has directed the Victorian Building Authority to increase its amount of inspections, up from 2% to 10% per year.   
</body></html>

Spring Street announces bans on certain types of combustible cladding

<html><body>
Three intercity rail corridors across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are set to share in $20million announced at the last federal budget to develop business cases for faster and expanded rail services.

The three separate business cases are expected to be developed over the next 12 months and the money the federal government invests in the business case development will be matched with investment from the three different proponents.

In Victoria, Consolidated Land and Rail Australia (CLARA) - a private organisation which has previously unveiled plans to build a Melbourne-Canberra-Sydney high-speed rail line - has won the competitive selection process.

The New South Wales Government was selected for the rail corridor in that state and the North Coast Connect consortium was selected for Queensland.

The corridors to have business cases developed are Melbourne to Shepparton, Sydney to Newcastle and Brisbane to Nambour/Maroochydore.

According to the <a href="https://infrastructure.gov.au/rail/trains/faster_rail/">federal government</a>, CLARA's proposal summary aims to build two new smart cities between the Victorian capital and Shepparton, linking them with some form of high-speed rail.   <a href="https://infrastructure.gov.au/rail/trains/faster_rail/files/Fact-Sheet-CLARA.pdf">CLARA claims</a> journey times from Shepparton to Melbourne could be reduced from 3 hours down to, potentially, 32 minutes. 

The <a href="https://infrastructure.gov.au/rail/trains/faster_rail/files/Fact-Sheet-NSW-Govt.pdf">New South Wales government aims</a> to reduce the journey time from Newcastle to Sydney down from 3 hours to 2 hours through improvements such as removing regional level crossings, track re-alignments, and junction rearrangement.  

The <a href="https://infrastructure.gov.au/rail/trains/faster_rail/files/Fact-Sheet-North-Coast-Connect.pdf">North Coast Consortium </a><a href="https://infrastructure.gov.au/rail/trains/faster_rail/files/Fact-Sheet-North-Coast-Connect.pdf">aims</a> improve rail journeys between Brisbane and Nambour through track improvements like curvature easing, duplication to from Beerburum to Nambour, operational systems upgrades to allow for 160kph services as well as build a new rail branch from Beerwah to Maroochydore.    The consortium stated benefits may include reducing journey times from 2 hours to 45 minutes.

The Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities, Paul Fletcher, said once each business case is complete it will proceed to be independently assessed by Infrastructure Australia at which point each proposal will be considered within the context of infrastructure priorities and future budgets as well as taking into account the level of state and private sector investment.

For more information, see: https://infrastructure.gov.au/rail/trains/faster_rail/

Lead image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V/Line_VLocity">Wikipedia</a>.
</body></html>

Three rail corridors across VIC, NSW, QLD receive federal money for business cases

<html><body>
Alastair chats with Laury about The University of Melbourne's new student precinct, commercial development and proposals in Melbourne and is Malcolm Turnbull really the Prime Minister for Sydney?

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/410294355&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
</body></html>

Weekly Podcast: Episode 6 - UoM, Melbourne's commercial pipeline, and is Malcolm Turnbull Sydney-centric?

<html><body>
The New South Wales Transport Minister Andrew Constance has confirmed Laing O'Rourke has secured the contract to build the new Sydney Metro platforms at Central Station. The contractor will also be responsible for building Central Walk, a new underground concourse designed to simplify pedestrian connectivity throughout Sydney's primary rail terminal.

Billed as the biggest improvement to the station in decades, the contract awarded to Laing O'Rourke is valued at $955 million and will see new entrances and simpler interchanges to Central Station.

<blockquote>
This is the start of Central's long-awaited renewal, bringing new entrances and simpler interchanges that will make life so much easier for customers.

Central Station is the gateway to our great city, and we are working to develop a station that blends heritage with innovative design on par with other grand stations around the world.
<cite>Andrew Constance - NSW Transport Minister</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/central-upgrade_sydney-terminal-angle.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="How the terminal platforms will look after 2022 - image: Transport for NSW"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/central-upgrade_sydney-terminal-angle.jpg?itok=bkHfKTvu" title="How the terminal platforms will look after 2022 - image: Transport for NSW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>How the terminal platforms will look after 2022. Image: Transport for NSW</figcaption></figure>The contract for Central station includes:

<ul>
<li>Excavation and construction of the new underground Sydney Metro platforms beneath existing platforms 13 and 14.</li>
	<li>Central Walk - a new 19-metre wide underground concourse from Chalmers Street which will connect with existing train services, the new Sydney Metro platforms, new and existing light rail services and buses.</li>
	<li>Platforms 12 through to 23 will be accessible through escalators for the first time</li>
</ul>
Work is to be carried out underground and during Sydney Train's scheduled maintenance periods, with the completion of the Central Walk and Central Station metro upgrade contract is expected in 2022.

Sydney Metro is a 66km driverless train line that is being built in two stages. The first stage - dubbed Sydney Metro Northwest - runs from Cudgerong Road in Rouse Hill to the major north shore centre of Chatswood.

It involves a combination of elevated and underground track being built from Sydney's outer north west to Epping, with the Epping to Chatswood railway line that opened in 2009 re-purposed for the new trains and operating equipment required.

The Cudgerong Road to Chatswood first phase will be operational in 2019 and the second phase from Chatswood to Bankstown is expected to be complete by 2024.

The second phase - dubbed Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest - of the first Sydney Metro line will involve new tunnels from Chatswood down to the lower north shore and under Port Jackson, Barangaroo, the CBD. It will ultimately surface on the existing Bankstown line at Sydenham. 

The existing rail line between Sydenham and Bankstown will be closed and re-purposed for the exclusive use of the new Sydney Metro trains and operating equipment.

The Central Walk and Central Station contract is a key milestone in the development of the second phase of the Sydney Metro.

<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/sydneymetro_central_metro-platforms.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sydney Metro platforms at Central Station - image: Transport for NSW"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sydneymetro_central_metro-platforms.jpg?itok=3V2WEY8d" title="Sydney Metro platforms at Central Station - image: Transport for NSW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sydney Metro platforms at Central Station - image: Transport for NSW</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Laing O'Rourke secures contract to transform Sydney's Central Station

<html><body>
Spring Street has forewarned the travelling public to expect delays over March and April as major shutdowns occur on key parts of the city's transport network.

From the 16th of March to the 29th of April, the Hurstbridge line will be shut down with buses replacing trains between Clifton Hill and Macleod/Greensborough. 

The Hurstbridge line shutdown will occur in order to complete the Grange Road and Lower Plenty Road grade separation projects as well as open the duplicated track section between Heidelberg and the new Rosanna station.

Grange Road in Alphington will be closed to traffic between Heidelberg Road and Darling Street between the 16th of March and the 6th of April, Lower Plenty Road will be closed to traffic between the 16th and 19th of March.  Lower Plenty Road will again be closed between the 30th of March and the 16th of April between Ellesmere Parade and Turnham Avenue.

On the Cranbourne line, buses will replace trains between Dandenong and Cranbourne for three days starting March 23rd for the Thompson Road level crossing removal project and the next major shutdown on the Caulfield to Dandenong segment will start on the 30th of March until the 16oth of April.

This rail network shutdown relates to the completion and commissioning of the Clayton segment on the Dandenong corridor.  

<blockquote>
On the Cranbourne/Pakenham line, a 17-day blitz from 30 March to 15 April will see two level crossings removed in Clayton and the suburb’s new station open to passengers, with trains travelling on the next 1.4-kilometre section of the new elevated rail line.

Buses will replace trains between Oakleigh and Dandenong from Friday 30 March and Tuesday 2 April, then between Caulfield to Westall from Tuesday 3 April to Sunday 15 April.
<a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/getting-it-done-six-week-road-and-rail-construction-blitz/"><cite>Spring Street media release</cite></a>
</blockquote>

Early station works at the new Anzac station &amp; existing Domain tram interchange will force the replacement of tram services with buses between the Commercial Road and Shrine of Remembrance stops for all St Kilda Road tram routes between the 5th and 17th of April.  Likewise, the 58 tram will not run between Toorak Road West and Park Street between the 1st of April and the 17th of April.

<h2>Road over Rail selected for Aviation Road</h2>

Aviation Road which crosses in front of Aircraft station has had its level crossing removal solution selected with the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) announcing Aviation Road will be raised over the existing rail tracks.

A new pedestrian underpass will be built where Aviation Road currently crosses the rail tracks with the new road bridge rising within the rail reserve on both sides of the tracks.

A community information session is being held at the Laverton Community Hub on Saturday the 17th of March from 2pm.

Construction at Aviation Road and Aircraft station is expected to start later in the year.

<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/aviation_road.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The selected design solution for grade separating Aviation Road at Aircraft station - image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aviation_road.jpg?itok=LYkZmfn-" title="The selected design solution for grade separating Aviation Road at Aircraft station - image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The selected design solution for grade separating Aviation Road at Aircraft station - image: <a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/road-bridge-to-replace-the-dangerous-aviation-road-level-crossing-in-laverton">LXRA</a></figcaption></figure>Lead image credit: LXRA.
</body></html>

Major transport network shutdowns announced across March & April

<html><body>
At its April 3rd meeting of last year, the City of Darebin released a technical and pre-feasibility study compiled by Raylink Consulting which looked at solutions for expanding the scope of the Bell Street level crossing removal project to cover 3 additional roads through the use of an elevated rail segment.

Bell Street and Bell station, as well as Reservoir Station and the myriad of roads which converge at that point, are both on the list of 50 level crossings to be removed and went through initial community consultation processes in late 2016.

Much like the work they did for Maroondah Council and the<a href="/news/croydon-station-and-how-its-relationship-with-the-local-area-might-change"> study produced for Croydon station</a>, Raylink consulting has provided an <a href="http://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/-/media/cityofdarebin/Files/YourCouncil/HowCouncilWorks/MeetingAgendasMinutes/CouncilMeetings/2017/3Apr/Item601AppendixA-TechnicalandPre-feasibilityStudy-BellStreetLevelCrossingRemoval.ashx?la=en">interesting insight</a> into early estimates of the costs of grade separation.

As the report outlines, the South Morang line has a maximum gradient of 1 in 50 (2%) and advocates for this to change, as the line no longer carries freight trains, to 1 in 40 (1.5%). 

The study compares a trench and elevated rail engineering solution to grade separate Bell Street and Oakover Road as a base case and also looks at extending grade separation to Cramer Street and Murray Road which bookend Preston Station.

<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/bell_preston.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Possible elevated rail solution for level crossing removals at Bell &amp; Preston stations - image: Raylink Consulting"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bell_preston.png?itok=cW4Y5obI" title="Possible elevated rail solution for level crossing removals at Bell &amp; Preston stations - image: Raylink Consulting" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Possible elevated rail solution for level crossing removals at Bell &amp; Preston stations - image: Raylink Consulting</figcaption></figure>The study ruled out a complete 'underground' solution but examined the impacts of a rail trench both as a base case (Bell Street and Oakover Road) and extended through to Preston station like in the elevated rail scenario.

In terms of costs, Raylink Consulting, with regards to the base case, found an elevated rail engineering solution would cost $135 million and a trench engineering solution would cost $204 million.

When both engineering solutions were extended to cover Preston Station and the two extra roads for grade separation, elevated rail was estimated to cost $247 million.

A rail trench was found only to be feasible if the trench continued all the way through Regent Station and up to Reservoir and that High Street in Reservoir would need to be a rail trench as well - no comparative cost was provided given the extraordinarily long scope of the rail trench in this case.  

The study also looked at grade separation options for Hutton Street and Thornbury station and while the study noted the City of Darebin did not believe this grade separation would have the same benefits as the other four level crossing removals to the north, the report finds there would be difficulty in mixing and matching different grade separation solutions up and down the South Morang line.

On its advocacy page, the City of Darebin took the view that an elevated rail engineering solution is the best fit for the area.

<blockquote>
The evidence presented in the study clearly shows that an elevated rail bridge by far produces the best outcomes for the local community.

It is the only feasible way to remove four crossings as one integrated project. And it's the only way to future-proof Preston's rail corridor.
<a href="http://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/en/Your-Say/Advocacy/Current-Projects#Level-Crossing-Removals"><cite>City of Darebin - Advocacy</cite></a>
</blockquote>

The City of Darebin used this study as a submission to the Level Crossing Removal Authority.  The chosen solution and whether the scope of the Bell Street level crossing removal has not yet been announced.  

Lead image credit: <a href="https://your.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/bell-street-preston">Level Crossing Removal Authority</a>
</body></html>

A look at City of Darebin's advocacy in regards to expanding the Bell Street level crossing removal project

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Joel Robinson

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 52-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

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

Alastair Taylor

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Alastair Taylor

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News