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This week's focus on Melbourne's hotspots of development leads us to Carnegie which is currently seeing significant public investment through the level crossing removal programme on the Pakenham/Cranbourne lines. Laila Residences is an example of one the <a href="/buildings/laila-residences-7-11-belsize-avenue-carnegie">modern developments</a> in Carnegie. 

Carnegie sees no less than <a href="/new-apartments/carnegie-vic-3163">28 projects</a> on the Apartments.com.au project database ranging from 'Goldilocks' (RGZ) zone-scale development to the much larger scale - the latter especially on sites lying to the north of the railway line.

The 9 level crossing removals that are currently underway between Caulfield and Dandenong see three distinct zones of work:  Noble Park (now complete), Clayton (the section most likely to open next) and Carnegie, Murrumbeena and Hughesdale.

The railway line is being elevated between Caulfield and Oakleigh and with that three new stations are being built to replace existing stations.  The end-game is that there will be no level crossing between the City and Dandenong eventually, paving the way for higher frequency services that will eventually link directly to the Melbourne metro tunnel.

And it's in the context of the Melbourne Metro project and the omnipresent Caulfield campus of Monash University that often draws owner-occupiers and investors into Carnegie. 

Thanks to a permanent express stopping pattern from Caulfield to South Yarra - and one that is likely to be maintained but just diverted to the new ANZAC (née Domain) station and then onto Town Hall (née Flinders Street) through the Melbourne Metro tunnel - trains from Carnegie are timetabled to arrive at Flinders Street 15-16 minutes later when they run direct.

Contrast this with <a href="/news/moonee-ponds-apartment-scene-in-focus">Moonee Ponds</a> which, as the crow flies, is 6-7km from the city versus Carnegie at 12km: the direct train journey to Flinders Street from Moonee Ponds is timetabled for 16-17 minutes.

<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/murrumbeena.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Station canopy modules have begun to appear one stop down the line at Murrumbeena - image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="459" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/murrumbeena.jpg?itok=Aabph4VD" title="Station canopy modules have begun to appear one stop down the line at Murrumbeena - image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Station canopy modules have begun to appear one stop down the line at Murrumbeena - image: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/levelcrossings/photos/?ref=page_internal">LXRA</a></figcaption></figure>Dissecting the project pipeline in Carnegie, there are 10 projects under construction, 8 at sales and the remaining 10 projects either approved or currently with Glen Eira council for planning assessment.

With a very strong pipeline where over a third of the projects in the suburb being under construction, points to a great deal of new rental supply likely to come online as projects transition to completion.

For buyers there's plenty of choices - not just with the current number of projects that are actively being marketed but also with the pipeline of projects still to come.

Carnegie is one of the three main enclaves of 'Goldilocks' zone in the City of Glen Eira.  The others are Bentleigh and Elsternwick.

The 'Goldilocks' zone is how we colloquially refer to the Residential Growth Zone.  It's not too cold ('suburban'/under development), not too hot (30 level towers next to suburban backyards), but just right: new buildings that can introduce a mix of uses on the ground floor with up to 3 more residential dwelling levels above.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1519262743508!6m8!1m7!1sztSxeSIGtheRD9eXt-BrjQ!2m2!1d-37.88896834209392!2d145.056283217642!3f336.0481383140882!4f8.806939711911198!5f0.7820865974627469" style="border:0" width="100%"></iframe>Check out the full list of Carnegie projects on the database below.
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Alastair Taylor

Carnegie's apartment scene in focus

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Construction is set to commence on the Genton-designed refreshed Frankston station this month which is set to include new public plazas and walkways. McGregor Coxall have worked with Genton during the design phase, accounting for the station's new landscape architecture features.

<a href="/architects/genton">Genton Architecture</a> was announced as the winner of the design competition in March 2017 and Spring Street has announced it has awarded the build contract to an alliance led by John Holland and KBR.

The design competition was chaired by the Office of the Victorian Government Architect, the registrar for the competition was Stephen Varady and the jury empanelled for the design competition unanimously chose Genton's design from a total of 39 entries.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority will have oversight of the project and will coordinate work with the nearby Skye/Overton Road level crossing removal work site.

The Frankston railway line, on the authority's website, will see 13 level crossing removals in total and purportedly create 2000 jobs during the construction phase and combined with the new Frankston station will near $2 billion in rail investment in the corridor.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDanielAndrewsMP%2Fvideos%2F1682850271779502%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>

Frankston also has a small, yet tidy, non-transport development pipeline with a total of 7 projects - 2 commercial projects and 5 residential projects located in the Frankston Activities District or on its periphery.

Further up the line there is a scattering of projects on the section of the railway line which runs parallel to Port Phillip south of Moordialloc with <a href="/new-apartments/chelsea-vic-3196">Chelsea</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/edithvale-vic-3196">Edithvale</a>, and <a href="/new-apartments/seaford-vic-3198">Seaford</a> all registering a few projects each.

The section of the line between <a href="/new-apartments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> and Caulfield is where the bulk of new development is occurring in this section of Melbourne when we isolate rail corridors.

Between <a href="/new-apartments/cheltenham-vic-3192">Cheltenham</a> station and Southland Shopping Centre, there are 13 projects with the bulk of them being assessed by Kingston City Council.

Between Southland Shopping Centre and <a href="/new-apartments/highett-vic-3190">Highett</a>, there are 14 projects with 4 under construction and 6 actively being marketed.

In the immediate vicinity of <a href="/new-apartments/moorabbin-vic-3189">Moorabbin</a> station there are 6 projects and reflecting their position closer to the city, <a href="/new-apartments/bentleigh-vic-3204">Bentleigh</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/mckinnon-vic-3204">McKinnon</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/ormond-vic-3204">Ormond</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/glen-huntly-vic-3163">Glenhuntly</a> stations have a combined 31 projects in the pipeline.

See below for the list of projects in Frankston on the Apartments.com.au Project Database.
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Construction kicks off on new Frankston Station

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Long gone are the days when Eddie McGuire was helping out with the marketing of Mondo Tower on the Footy Show - back then it was the tallest residential tower proposed outside of central Melbourne. These days Moonee Ponds joins the likes of Box Hill in not needing specialist marketing to get projects off the ground.

Moonee Ponds - one of the Melbourne suburbs that the publishers of Melway street directories decided was important enough to warrant its own close-up red-border maps in later versions of the local map bible - is blessed with a distinct street-grid area that has for much of its life see a range of commercial/retail uses.

The ATO was drawn to Moonee Ponds during the 80s (note also that the ATO has tenanted a new office tower in Box Hill), Mirvac built a sub-regional shopping centre there in the early 2000s and the guardians of the Moonee Valley Racecourse - distinct from other racecourses in that it doesn't sit on crown land - have ambitious aspirations to re-work the course into a diversified precinct.

<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/masonsq.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mason Square - 40 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="406" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/masonsq.jpg?itok=_gLfb0S3" title="Mason Square - 40 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mason Square - 40 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds</figcaption></figure>As I mentioned in the <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-3-central-melbourne-design-guide-box-hill-and-skyrail">most recent episode of the weekly podcast</a>, we have an endless fascination with Box Hill and the eye-popping amount of development proposals it has racked up - the same can be said for Moonee Ponds.

On the numbers, Box Hill has 31 projects on the Apartments.com.au Project Database compared to 25 in Moonee Ponds.  

Moonee Ponds like Box Hill also has a good range in terms of scale of development either proposed or under construction. On the old market site, Caydon is building at the upper end of the scale, well and truly dwarfing Mondo in height and number of apartments. 

Yet there are also a lot of smaller developments happening on the periphery of Moonee Ponds' activities district.

<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/350_ascot.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="350 Ascot Vale Road, Moonee Ponds"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/350_ascot.jpg?itok=T3_9XFFr" title="350 Ascot Vale Road, Moonee Ponds" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>350 Ascot Vale Road, Moonee Ponds</figcaption></figure>Projects such as <a href="/buildings/350-ascot-vale-road-moonee-ponds">350 Ascot Vale Road</a> are common on the periphery of central Moonee Ponds, so too are projects such as <a href="/buildings/nue-21-norwood-crescent-moonee-ponds">Nue</a> on the other side of the Craigieburn railway line and <a href="/new-apartments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Queens Quarter</a> located on Pascoe Vale Road just outside central Moonee Ponds.

Apartments.com.au editors have noticed some new site works occurring recently on the 33 Hall Street site - a long time after the original retail + rooftop car parking building that once inhabited the site had been demolished. Expected is a 14 level apartment tower.

Looking forward, we are waiting to see more detail on the Moonee Valley Racecourse redevelopment.

The new vision for the racetrack <a href="https://www.thevalley.com.au/news/2017-11-22/the-valley-of-tomorrow">was unveiled during November 2017</a> however it only focused on the equestrian facilities - in previous iterations, the racecourse would have seen a large number of residential buildings added to the area.

And there are still a large number of open-air car parks in the activities district - <a href="/news/are-standalone-supermarkets-and-small-retail-centres-in-our-suburbs-ripe-for-increasing-housing-supply">could Woolworths do an Aldi and redevelopment them</a>?

Lead image: <a href="/buildings/9-shuter-street-moonee-ponds">9 Shuter Street</a>.
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Moonee Ponds' apartment scene in focus

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Last week Public Transport Victoria unleashed a torrent of data concerning punctuality and cancellation figures for Melbourne's train network with the Frankston line bestowed with the unfortunate title of train line with the most cancellations.

I understand the public interest value of this data - it's a way of holding operators (and the government) to account - however I wonder about the efficacy of this going forward, given the stated aim of Metro 1 to operate on a turn up and go basis.

'Turn up and go' (TUAG) is a concise way to convey: trains will run that frequently so you don't need to structure your journey around a timetable, you need only rock up to a station and a train will arrive relatively quickly. 

It is the rolled-gold standard of train operations in cities and in some cases Melburnians can do it already with how our network bunches lines at certain points which in turn creates high frequency of service. 

Between South Yarra and the City, between Burnley and the City, between Footscray and the city, between Clifton Hill and the city - these are the areas where it's very much possible to simply turn up and go outside of peaks and on weekends under existing operational timetables.

However, as stated on many occasions by the state government, the entire Pakenham/Cranbourne-Sunbury line - as they claim - will become a TUAG line - meaning frequencies are set to increase and given the lack of any other clarifying statements to the contrary, we are lead to believe frequencies will be better than they are now in off-peak and weekend periods.

<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/schematic_stage_2_after_melb_metro.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Line frequencies in peak after Metro 1 is complete - PTV Network Development Plan 2013"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="437" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/schematic_stage_2_after_melb_metro.png?itok=l5F5LgO-" title="Line frequencies in peak after Metro 1 is complete - PTV Network Development Plan 2013" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Line frequencies in peak after Metro 1 is complete - PTV Network Development Plan 2013</figcaption></figure>We know that as part of the Melbourne Metro Tunnel (Metro 1) project that there are several 'wider network enhancements' budgeted for which will see stations like Westall, West Footscray, Essendon and Cheltenham have new train turn-back facilities either built as new or upgraded to allow for shorter runs on their respective lines, thus increasing frequencies in the parts of the network which have or are expected to shoulder a heavier load.

But will measuring punctuality or cancellations mean much when the government wants us to effectively ditch living our lives by a train timetable?  Should it?

The new cross-town line created by the Metro 1 tunnel will have a dedicated train fleet which, from the outset, will be able to carry more passengers when you compare one trainset to any other type running on the network.

Likewise, when the Metro 1 opens for passengers, these former 'City Loop' lines will only have to interact with 1-2 Vline trains in any given hour (Bendigo Vline on the Sunbury side, Gippsland Vline on the Pakenham side) as well as the odd freight train, presumably only outside peak hours.

This contrasts with their respective &amp; current interaction with the Frankston (and Sandringham on weekends) on the Pakenham/Cranbourne side and the Craigieburn &amp; Upfield lines on the Sunbury side on top of the Vline and freight services.

Under the operational regime once Metro 1 opens and the fleet which operates Pakenham, Cranbourne and Sunbury lines is transferred to other lines, the Frankston, Craigieburn, Upfield, Werribee, Williamstown and Sandringham lines will all be in the same boat: either less interaction with other train lines or outright operational changes. 

In short, the infrastructure will support having a higher frequency of timetable updates and will allow trains on those other lines to run more frequently - the Metro 1 project doesn't just selectively benefit two narrow corridors of Melbourne's Metropolitan area, it actually benefits the majority of Melbourne's rail lines.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mm-web-20171204-benefits.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stated line benefits from the Metro Tunnel website - www.metrotunnel.vic.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mm-web-20171204-benefits.jpg?itok=7bZi1lIQ" title="Stated line benefits from the Metro Tunnel website - www.metrotunnel.vic.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stated line benefits from the Metro Tunnel website - www.metrotunnel.vic.gov.au</figcaption></figure>For instance, the Werribee/Williamstown line, according to the <a href="/news">PTV's network development plan from 2013</a>, will join in gunzel matrimony, the Frankston line will get sole use of the existing loop tunnel that it currently shares with Pakenham/Cranbourne and the Craigieburn and Upfield lines and likewise, Craigieburn and Upfield services will - naturally - not have to fight for space in the current loop tunnel that it shares with Sunbury.

All of them are going to see significant peak increases therefore according to the 2013 network development plan, in peak times at least, and the TUAG-factor on these lines will be enhanced just like the Metro 1 line.

So taking into account all of the above, should the train operator of the day be judged based on the average frequency it provides on specific lines? 
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When Metro 1 opens, will punctuality figures become redundant?

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In this week's wrap:

<ul>
<li>City of Melbourne's Central Melbourne Design Guide</li>
	<li>Noble Park and "skyrail"</li>
	<li>Box Hill &amp; it's intense development</li>
	<li>HomesVic.</li>
</ul>
With apologies around the 2 minute mark, it's not always nice living in Brunswick where you can live under the flight path of choppers!

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/400338993&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>
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Weekly Podcast: Episode 3 - Central Melbourne Design Guide, Box Hill and Skyrail

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Agenda item 6.1 at the upcoming Future Melbourne committee meeting at City of Melbourne includes <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/805/14437/AGENDA%20ITEM%206.1.pdf">a meaty document</a> that seeks to reshape the way new CBD and Southbank developments are composed, and similarly how they're presented to all of us on the footpath.

One of the main outputs in the amendment process is to include a Central Melbourne Design Guide which outlines through imagery what, in the council's view, are acceptable and avoidable built-form outcomes.

The report's opening statements characterise the amendment thus:

<blockquote>
Amendment C270 specifies minimum setbacks from streets and laneways, building separation requirements and overshadowing and wind requirements in two types of precincts, defined as Special Character Areas and the General Development Area.

It also introduced density controls, comprising a floor area ratio threshold with public benefits.

It did not consider the interface of buildings with the street, public realm and architectural quality, which is the focus of Amendment C308
</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/fut_melb_comm_308.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Land affected by amendment 308 - image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="558" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fut_melb_comm_308.png?itok=JiPqkWrr" title="Land affected by amendment 308 - image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Land affected by amendment 308 - image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Amendment 308 proposes to replace the existing Design and Development Schedule 1 (DDO1) with a new schedule that would include mandatory requirements including:

<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>car parking in buildings within the Hoddle Grid to be underground (in line with current practice)</li>
	<li>car parking in buildings within Southbank must be sleeved with active uses and configured to be adaptable to future uses (including floor to ceiling heights)</li>
	<li>less than 40 per cent of the ground floor of a building to be occupied by building services to reduce blank facades along streets</li>
	<li>the existing Retail Core requirement for 80 per cent active frontages to main streets and streets is to be expanded to encompass the Specia</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>

The new schedule to the DDO will also list outcomes that should be avoided by describing building examples which are not desirable 'as they cumulatively detract from a high-quality public realm'.

A key recommendation in the supporting synthesis report listed in the amendment documents is to create a Central Melbourne Design Guide to provide clarity for Planners, Applicants and the Community to understand the elements of the policy.  

The design guide, attached to the amendment documents, would be integrated as a reference document within the City of Melbourne's planning scheme which would repeat the wording of the proposed new Schedule 1 to the Design and Development overlay with clear graphic explanation and would use sketch and precedent images to 'clearly articulate preferred outcomes as a guide for design negotiation'.

<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/com_design_guide.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A snapshot from the Central Melbourne Design Guide - image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="668" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/com_design_guide.png?itok=diJdF9fh" title="A snapshot from the Central Melbourne Design Guide - image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A snapshot from the Central Melbourne Design Guide - image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>At the Future Melbourne Committee meeting on the 20th of February, City of Melbourne management are seeking endorsement to then request the authorisation of the Planning Minister to prepare and exhibit Amendment 308 to the Melbourne Planning Scheme.

Click <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/805/14437/AGENDA%20ITEM%206.1.pdf">here</a> to read the full document suite.  The Central Melbourne Design Guide starts on page 176 of 259.
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City of Melbourne's amendment 308 seeks to implement a new central city design guide

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The first of the new elevated stations on the Caulfield-Dandenong corridor has opened to passengers with the Premier, Public Transport Minister and local members on hand to officially re-open Noble Park station.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
A new era dawned at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoblePark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoblePark</a> this morning! Thanks for your patience during these <a href="https://twitter.com/levelcrossings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@levelcrossings</a> works. 
There will be some access changes in and around the forecourt and station precinct at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoblePark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoblePark</a> as works continue. Details: <a href="https://t.co/78RkXTctmt">https://t.co/78RkXTctmt</a>. <a href="https://t.co/l706NXtalk">pic.twitter.com/l706NXtalk</a>
— Metro Trains (@metrotrains) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/metrotrains/status/963950068968579073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2018</a>
</blockquote>

The opening of the new section of elevated track and station is the start of multiple level crossing removal completions slated to come to a close by the end of the year in the Pakenham/Cranbourne line rail corridor.  It's likely (albeit unconfirmed) that Clayton will be the next section to open given the large amount of work still to be completed in the Caulfield-Oakleigh section.

When the elevated sections of track have been completed it will mean there will be no level crossings between the city and Dandenong and when the South Gippsland Highway, Hallam South Road and Clyde Road get underway, there will only be 8 level crossings remaining on the Pakenham branch and 2 remaining on the Cranbourne branch.

The 9 remaining Pakenham branch level crossings are Webster Street in Dandenong, Progress Street in Eumemmering, Webb Street in Narre Warren, Station Street in Beaconsfield, Brunt Road and Station Street in Officer, Cardinia Road in Lakeside as well as McGregor Road and Main Street in Pakenham.

The final 2 Cranbourne branch level crossings are Greens Road in Dandenong South and Camms Road in Cranbourne - Evans Road near Merinda Park is technically a level crossing but the road is blocked at the Cranbourne railway line.  

Abbots Road and Thompson Road level crossings on the Cranbourne branch are currently being removed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
More sky rail <a href="https://t.co/VO3iFJQJVA">pic.twitter.com/VO3iFJQJVA</a>
— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/963878183392002048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2018</a>
</blockquote>

The re-opening of Noble Park comes on the same day that almost two decades worth of punctuality and service cancellation data was released by Public Transport Victoria.

Interestingly, the Frankston line has seen the most cancellations and if you've watched the tweeted video above, there's some enthusiastic support for 'skyrailing' Frankston from at least one passenger who was recorded in the background.

The data dump is an interesting development, as <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/when-it-comes-to-train-cancellations-frankston-line-fares-the-worst-20180214-p4z0bm">The Age reports</a>, it's Spring Street fulfilling a promise when the new operator contracts were signed.

Having the data is wonderful, but what hasn't happened, yet at least?  A release of a full-scale long-term Public Transport network development plan which is designed to improve the infrastructure which impacts cancellations and punctuality but also provides a clear vision on where new infrastructure will be built over the coming decades. 
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The new Noble Park station opens for passengers

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Unveiled in 2017, Frasers Property is now inviting expressions of interest to design, construction and operate the rooftop garden/farm in what seeks to be world's most sustainable shopping centre at Burwood Brickworks.

According to its <a href="https://www.frasersproperty.com.au/retail/vic/burwood-brickworks/urban-farm">enquiry</a><a href="https://www.frasersproperty.com.au/retail/vic/burwood-brickworks/urban-farm"> page</a>, the project is chasing accreditation under the <a href="https://living-future.org/lbc/">Living Building Challenge</a> which would result in the Burwood Brickworks the most sustainable shopping centre in the world.

<blockquote>
The aim is to create an internationally recognised agricultural project on an urban scale unprecedented in Australia, promoting sustainability through fresh produce, education and events. It will strive to strengthen the link with nature and reconnect people with the food they eat.

Design of the space is still at concept level and we are seeking a partner to collaborate with in delivering:

<ol>
<li>glasshouse of ~800 m²</li>
	<li>landscaped grounds of ~1,000 m².</li>
	<li>co-located restaurant/café/event space ~350 m²</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://www.frasersproperty.com.au/retail/vic/burwood-brickworks/urban-farm"><cite>Frasers Property</cite></a>
</blockquote>

Following a community consultation session in October and November 2014, The City of Whitehorse adopted a master plan in January 2015.  The master plan was devised by Frasers Property - then known as Australand - that in turn resulted in the council drawing up <a href="http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Amendment-C170">amendment C170</a>. 

The amendment saw the 20.5 hectare site rezoned with Residential Growth Zone - schedule 3, Commercial Zone 1, Neighbourhood Residential Zone - schedule 5 and a development plan overlay applied to the land affected.

The master plan envisioned up to 950 dwellings on the site in typologies ranging from detached houses to apartments in 6 level buildings, plus the shopping centre.

In 2016 a development plan was drawn up and opened for community consultation in February of that year.  The development plan went before Whitehorse City Council in July 2016 and was approved subject to various conditions. 

Construction is slated to start in mid-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/burwood_brickworks_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Burwood Brickwork's rooftop garden &amp; farm - image: Frasers Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/burwood_brickworks_2.jpg?itok=EKmeb-cT" title="Burwood Brickwork's rooftop garden &amp; farm - image: Frasers Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Burwood Brickwork's rooftop garden &amp; farm - image: Frasers Property</figcaption></figure>The Burwood Highway between Middleborough Road and Deakin University's campus is zoned Residential Growth Zone and there are multiple developments on the Apartments.com.au database that stand to benefit from the existing and to-be-built amenity on the brickworks site.

Collectively the 6 projects include potentially up to 266 new units in the short strip which fronts the #75 tram route on Burwood Highway.

See below for a list of other residential projects in the area.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.frasersproperty.com.au/retail/vic/burwood-brickworks/register">Frasers Property</a>
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Frasers Property invites EOI to design, construct & operate its rooftop farm at Burwood Brickworks

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The State Government has today launched its HomesVic scheme which was foreshadowed back in March 2017 and is designed to make it easier for those eligible to buy their first home with a 5% deposit.

The pilot scheme will see the state government taking a proportional beneficial interest of up to 25 percent in eligible applicant's properties.  The pilot is being financed with a $50 million fund announced last year.

While the scheme has been launched today, applications for the scheme open at 9am on Monday 19th February.

<blockquote>
HomesVic will take a proportional beneficial interest of up to 25% in the property, and eligibility will target applicants with incomes of up to $75,000 for singles, or up to $95,000 for couples or families.

Buyers will need to contribute at least 5% of the acquisition price from genuine savings and be able to cover all acquisition costs in addition to that contribution to the acquisition price.
<a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/affordablehousing/buying-a-house-in-victoria/homesvic"><cite>HomesVic</cite></a>
</blockquote>

As the scheme is a pilot, there are only 400 places and first home buyers are encouraged to apply as quickly as they can once the applications option.

According to a state government media release, the areas where the pilot will be available include 85 Melbourne suburbs, 130 regional towns and suburbs and 7 peri-urban towns. 

The scheme will only apply in the priority areas and in certain dwelling typologies - for instance, in Box Hill, <a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/affordablehousing/buying-a-house-in-victoria/homesvic/preferred-locations">the scheme will not apply to houses but will apply to townhouses and apartments</a>.

Eligible candidates for the pilot will need to submit to an annual review of their circumstances and the <a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/affordablehousing/buying-a-house-in-victoria/homesvic/am-i-eligible">eligibility criteria</a> are somewhat robust, examples include:

<ul>
<li>Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent resident status and have been residing in Victoria for the past two years.</li>
	<li>Entities (companies, trusts or other bodies) are not eligible - you must be a 'natural person' and must not be related to or associated with the vendor of the property being purchased.</li>
	<li>Applicants must not be earning more than $75,000 per annum (for singles) or more than $95,000 where there are multiple incomes combined.</li>
	<li>You must not have owned property in whole or in part prior to applying for the pilot (legally or beneficially).</li>
	<li>The property can be existing or off the plan and must be a standard residential property (apartment, townhouse or house) and located in a designated area.</li>
	<li>Prospective buyers must seek loan approval from a panel financial institution (<a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/affordablehousing/buying-a-house-in-victoria/homesvic/panel-financial-institutions">Bank Australia and Bendigo Bank for the pilot</a>) before the government will begin to assess the pilot.</li>
	<li>Buyers must have a new (no refinance) principle and interest loan, maximum duration is set at 30 years and the home loan can be a variable or fixed-rate.</li>
	<li>The home loan must have either an offset account or a redraw facility and the amount of the principle and interest loan payments at the commencement of the home loan cannot exceed 37% of the total taxable income of the applicant(s).</li>
</ul>
For more information &amp; eligibility criteria, visit www.homesvic.vic.gov.au
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HomesVic launched, applications open Monday 19th of February

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In this week's podcast I'm joined by Laurence Dragomir and we talk about the Melbourne's development by tram series, RMIT's New Academic Street, <a href="/news/leonard-teplin-discusses-whats-next-for-melbournes-property-market-in-2018">Laury's interview with Leonard Teplin</a>.

Ps. I'll try to not talk as fast next time!

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/397190265&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>

 
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Weekly Podcast: Episode 2 - Development by Tram, RMIT NAS and Leonard Teplin

Joel Robinson

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

Alastair Taylor

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