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In October 2016 when we first kicked off the series of articles looking at the development pipeline along Melbourne's tram corridors, <a href="https://urban.melbourne/development/2016/10/13/melbournes-development-tram-59">the 59 was </a><a href="/news/melbournes-development-by-tram-the-59">first tram out of the depot</a>.

The 59 corridor, except for Elizabeth Street and Flemington Road through the CBD and North Melbourne, runs exclusively within the City of Moonee Valley through Travancore, Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Niddrie and Airport West.

Moonee Ponds was and still is an emerging hotspot of development activity with the Moonee Ponds market site a hotbed of construction with a pipeline that will likely keep on keeping on for many years yet - here's looking at you Moonee Valley Racecourse.

The October 2016 snapshot showed 38 projects with 3,201 dwelling across all statuses.  Planning Assessment, Approved and Registration and Sales status had an equal number of projects (10 each) but there was a significant amount of dwellings being assessed - thanks to the market site being before the council at that time.

Fast forward and in terms of the market site in Moonee Ponds - a few trips to VCAT and the Minister's office - those apartments have largely moved from Planning Assessment to the Approved column.

That said, there's still a good amount of dwellings at the start of the journey with 12 projects and 850 dwellings before council.

In terms of construction, the number of projects and number of dwellings is relatively stable with similar figures both for Feb 2018 and October 2016.

<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/editor_moonee_p.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Editor Moonee Ponds - 31 Taylor Street, Moonee Ponds - image: FKD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="358" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/editor_moonee_p.jpg?itok=vdrYAgpc" title="Editor Moonee Ponds - 31 Taylor Street, Moonee Ponds - image: FKD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption><a href="/buildings/editor-moonee-ponds-31-taylor-street-moonee-ponds">Editor Moonee Ponds</a> - 31 Taylor Street, Moonee Ponds - image: FKD</figcaption></figure><table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col">Aspect</th>
			<th scope="col">Number of projects</th>
			<th scope="col">Number of dwellings</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Residential projects: Planning Assessment</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">12</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">850</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Residential projects: Approved</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">14</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">1,396</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Residential projects: Registration and Sales</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">12</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">731</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Residential projects: Under Construction</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">9</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">985</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>TOTAL</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">47</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">3,962</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Mount Alexander Road (South)</h2>

One of the biggest changes since October 2016 has been the number of projects that have cropped up on Mount Alexander Road, south of the Moonee Ponds activities district. 

Previously in October 2016, there was only one project located between the City of Moonee Valley and City of Melbourne council boundary at Flemington Bridge and Moonee Ponds, now there are 6.

The Moonee Ponds activities district has no less than 20 projects and they vary greatly in size from the 30 level, 597 apartment tower that was approved through VCAT at <a href="/buildings/rise-15-everage-street-moonee-ponds">23 Everage Street</a> to the 5-level, 10-apartment <a href="/new-apartments/sur-53-homer-street-moonee-ponds">Sur at 53 Homer Street</a>.

<h2>Pascoe Vale Road, Fletcher Street, Mount Alexander Road (north)</h2>

The short stretch of Pascoe Vale Road and Fletcher Street which the 59 tram runs down sees one more project active in the database since October 2016 and no projects have been logged on Fletcher Street.

Essendon itself, where the tram turns north back on to Mount Alexander Road, has seen a slight reduction in projects compared to October 2016 from 7 projects to 5.

<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/linc_essendon.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="LINC - 13-21 Russell Street, Essendon - Image: REVEL Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/linc_essendon.jpg?itok=56CWyhpx" title="LINC - 13-21 Russell Street, Essendon - Image: REVEL Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption><a href="/new-apartments/linc-19-russell-street-essendon">LINC - 13-21 Russell Street, Essendon</a> - Image: REVEL Development Group</figcaption></figure><h2>Keilor Road and Matthews Ave</h2>

Keilor Road maintains a healthy number of projects thanks to the myriad of development sites afforded to the area. 

As we remarked back in October 2016, this stretch of the 59 tram route has seen significant change and it is set to continue with 6 projects on the database.

Matthews Avenue, right up at the current terminus of the 59 tram has seen its project count expand to 3 from 1.
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Alastair Taylor

Melbourne's development by tram redux - the 59

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Foreshadowed in the final months of last year, the Pakenham/Cranbourne lines - also known as the Dandenong corridor - has had various shutdowns in place in order for work to progressively open new stations and sections of elevated track.

The main shutdown of the line between Westall and Dandenong is underway and it will re-open with trains using the new elevated track and station on Thursday the 15th of February.

During this large-scale shutdown, workers have been busing installing new catenary, connecting existing tracks to the new elevated sections as well as finalising Noble Park's new 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/noble_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Connecting track to the new elevated sections in Noble Park - image © LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/noble_5.jpg?itok=MjrtbMk2" title="Connecting track to the new elevated sections in Noble Park - image © LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Connecting track to the new elevated sections in Noble Park - image © LXRA</figcaption></figure>The elevation and grade separation of all level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong will make it possible to increase train frequencies on the busiest rail corridor in Melbourne without causing mayhem on the roads.

The new Noble Park station is providing local areas with a different perspective on their local neighbourhood - locals can now see above the treetops - a rare and accessible outcome for much of the suburban South East.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/noble_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View from the new Noble Park station - image © LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/noble_4.jpg?itok=oxx2WV5r" title="View from the new Noble Park station - image © LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View from the new Noble Park station - image © LXRA</figcaption></figure>The Noble Park section of grade separation involves two smaller elevated sections: one which rises over Chandler Road between Noble Park and Yarraman stations and another which includes the new Noble Park station and elevated the track above Heatherton and Corrigan Roads.

This Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) image is taken from the larger Noble Park station section to the Chandler Road section.

<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/noble_2_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="From one elevated section to the next - image © LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/noble_2_0.jpg?itok=ciVMXxrw" title="From one elevated section to the next - image © LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>From one elevated section to the next - image © LXRA</figcaption></figure>Work is also progressing on the South Morang to Mernda rail line extension which is also being delivered by the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA).

Images posted to the authority's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/levelcrossings">Facebook page</a> show works progressing north to the new terminus at Mernda which has a familiar architectural style rapidly rising into the sky.

<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/mernda_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mernda station under construction - image © LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mernda_1.jpg?itok=vULYb_mQ" title="Mernda station under construction - image © LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mernda station under construction - image © LXRA</figcaption></figure>The end of the line, once the extension is complete, will be at a new stabling yard, currently under construction, just north of the new Mernda 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/mernda_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="End of the line at the stabling yard north of Mernda - image © LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mernda_2.jpg?itok=JVmWU97m" title="End of the line at the stabling yard north of Mernda - image © LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>End of the line at the stabling yard north of Mernda - image © LXRA</figcaption></figure>
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Noble Park's new station inching closer to opening

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<a href="/news/melbournes-development-by-tram-the-19">Last time we profiled the development occurring along the Tram #19 / Sydney Road corridor</a> there were 43 projects and 2,938 units in the pipeline with almost half of those projects sitting at a status of approved.

15 months later, Brunswick, Coburg and Coburg North have unsurprisingly seen their numbers increase, both in total number of projects as well as dwelling unit counts on the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

5 projects have completed construction (304 new units) and there's still a bit of cross-over - some projects have progressed, some are still sitting at approved.

Tram 19 corridor status - early February 2018.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col">Aspect</th>
			<th scope="col">Number of Projects</th>
			<th scope="col">Number of dwellings</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Residential projects: Planning Assessment</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">11</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">1,036</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Residential projects: Approved</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">21</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">1,324</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Residential projects: Registration &amp; Sales</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">9</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">397</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Residential projects: Under Construction</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">7</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">601</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>TOTAL</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">48</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">3,358</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The number of approved project has stayed roughly the same over the past 15 months, cementing Brunswick with a good pipeline of approved new dwellings. 

In October 2016 like in February 2018 there are 9 projects at Registration &amp; Sales however there are approximately 25% less dwellings currently for sale, which speaks to <a href="/news/leonard-teplin-discusses-whats-next-for-melbournes-property-market-in-2018">what the industry has been saying for a while now</a> - projects are seeing fewer apartments which are not targeted at investors but owner-occupiers.

Furthermore - there is a similar amount of apartments currently under construction - 7 projects in February, 8 back in October 2016 and there are approximately 14% less units under construction.

The biggest increase in numbers for the pipeline segment is projects before council/with a Planning Assessment status.  In October 2016 there were 6 projects representing 313 dwellings before Moreland City Council, now there are 11 projects and over 1000 dwellings.

<h2>Sydney Road (South of Moreland Road)</h2>

The heart of Brunswick maintains its place on the list of local areas where the most projects are located.   

In October 2016 it was the Anstey precinct which had the most projects but now between Victoria and Park Streets there are 21 projects (up from 13).

The Anstey precinct (plus immediate area) has 15 projects between Victoria Street and Moreland Road.

<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/0291_florence_street_view_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mesh Apartments - image CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/0291_florence_street_view_01.jpg?itok=abIAki0R" title="Mesh Apartments - image CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption><a href="/new-apartments/mesh-apartments-8-florence-street-brunswick">Mesh Apartments</a> - image CHT Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Coburg (North of Moreland Road)</h2>

As was the case in October 2016, north of Moreland Road, the Apartments.com.au Project Database shows far less projects than what is present south of Moreland Road.

Including projects in the area around the old Pentridge Gaol, there are 11 projects plus one more straggler located near the end of the tram tracks on Sydney Road adjacent to Batman Station.

See below for a full list of projects on The #19 tram corridor.
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Melbourne's development by tram redux: the 19

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Submissions to the Fishermans Bend Planning Review Panel have a strong theme of calling out the lack of commitments and funding in the transport component of the framework and likewise, the preferred tram bridge across the Yarra from Docklands remains a flashpoint.

There are multiple submissions from landowners in Fishermans Bend as well as many other submissions focusing on the individual precinct planning controls - Goodman as the largest landowner in the area has made a <a href="/news/goodman-group-outlines-its-future-fishermans-bend-expectations">very detailed submission</a>.

In its submission, CBRE noted it had held discussions with developers that indicated they would only consider developing in Fishermans Bend once the public transport strategy had been implemented.

<blockquote>
CBRE firmly believe that the success of Fishermans Bend is reliant on the provision of public transport. The plan clearly outlines a number of new transport strategies that will connect the precinct to the surrounding area.

CBRE believe that the office components of the plan will not be viable unless the extension to the tramline is constructed in the short term.

Developers and tenants will require certainty around the likelihood and timing of any potential train line running through the site. Anecdotally, a number of developers have indicated that they would only consider development once the public transport strategy has been implemented otherwise there would be too much risk.
<a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/application/files/9115/1313/4873/Submission_40_-_CBRE.pdf"><cite>CBRE</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/tram.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Yarra River tram crossing options that were considered - image: fishermansbend.vic.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tram.png?itok=IUEOo_V4" title="Yarra River tram crossing options that were considered - image: fishermansbend.vic.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yarra River tram crossing options that were considered - image: <a href="http://www.fishermansbend.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/87059/Fishermans-Bend-Integrated-Transport-Plan-Final.docx.pdf">fishermansbend.vic.gov.au</a></figcaption></figure>The draft framework's transport plan outlines multiple options for adding tram line capacity into Fishermans Bend.  The #109 tram line currently serves parts of the Montague precinct and owing to operational and capacity constraints further upstream, this corridor would not be expanded to include new links branching off it.

Therefore the focus for tram connections shifted to creating a new river crossing with the Charles Grimes Bridge and a new bridge connecting Collins Street and Point Park considered.

The preferred option was for a fixed bridge raised 6m above the river and remaining elevated to cross the West Gate Freeway - the submissions in response to this paint and interesting picture, and note the contrast between corporate and individual interest in the case study below.

An individual who lives in Yarra's Edge was positive above the inclusion of a fixed bridge as he weights the benefits of better connectivity between Docklands precincts - the predominantly residential Yarra's Edge with the mixed-use and far better amenities on offer in Victoria Harbour - higher than any impacts on the marina upstream.

<blockquote>
It is accepted that any new bridge will prevent some boat owners from accessing the Yarra Edge marina. However, the severity of this impact is grossly overstated. The recommendation from Transport Victoria under the Transport Plan is for a bridge with 6 meter clearance. 

This height clearance will allow the vast majority of users of the Yarra Edge marina to pass beneath the Tram Extension bridge and access the marina. In fact, the Transport Plan notes that in its survey of boats in the Yarra Edge marina that the 6m clearance height would only impact 9 boats.
<a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/application/files/8215/1364/7865/Submission_204_Bryce_Paterson_Attachment_Missing.pdf"><cite>Bryce Paterson</cite></a>
</blockquote>

On the flipside ANZ which is a significant landowner in Docklands, would be impacted by any new tram bridge that would connect with the Collins Street tram network outside its headquarters.

They argue The Framework Plan has failed to give proper consideration to the impact of the proposed tram route on the Docklands Precinct and the significant planning work undertaken for the development of the Docklands Precinct.

<blockquote>
ANZ submits that the proposed tram route identified in the Framework Plan:

<ol>
<li>Fails to have proper regard to the existing public realm works between the ANZ Centre and Building Y3, resulting in an unjustified loss of public open space;</li>
	<li>Will adversely affect the amenity of the existing public realm between the ANZ Centre and Building Y3;</li>
	<li>Will pose a safety risk to users of the ANZ Centre and Building Y3;</li>
	<li>Will result in unacceptable traffic conditions; and</li>
	<li>Has not been properly considered in light of technical constraints. </li>
</ol>
<a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/application/files/6115/1364/8439/Submission_216_-_ANZ.pdf"><cite>ANZ</cite></a>
</blockquote>

The ANZ submission furthermore refers to the City of Melbourne's refusal to approve a sky bridge to provide an internal link between its two campuses and the company has concerns for its workers who will need to traverse the tram route at ground level.

<blockquote>
Melbourne City Council (MCC) resolved to recommend refusal of a proposed sky bridge between the ANZ Centre and Building Y3 (Planning Permit application 2012/004820-3, referred to MCC by the Minister for Planning).

Therefore the expectation is that workers needing to transition between the buildings, will do so at ground level.

ANZ has significant concerns regarding the safety of workers needing to traverse the proposed tram route between the ANZ Centre and Building Y3.

The current tram stop congestion already creates a safety concern during peak hours, which will be further exacerbated by the proposed tram route. 
<a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/application/files/6115/1364/8439/Submission_216_-_ANZ.pdf"><cite>ANZ</cite></a>
</blockquote>

In any case, the authority whose job it is to flesh out the transport plan has its work cut out for itself. 

To view all the submissions made to the Fishermans Bend Draft Framework Plan, see <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/fishermans-bend-draft-framework/fishermans-bend-submissions">engage.vic.gov.au</a>.
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Fishermans Bend framework submissions highlight angst over Yarra tram bridge

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Air Asia is set to shift its double daily Kuala Lumpur flights from Tullamarine to Avalon with a new international terminal and associated border, customs and quarantine facilities set to open toward the end of 2018.

At an event attended by the Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, State Minister for Industry and Employment Bend Carroll and State Minister for Tourism and local member John Eren, it was also announced that the new international facilities at Avalon will be capable of export 14 tonnes of fresh produce per day.

Air Asia CEO Tony Fernades was also in attendance and Federal member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson, tweeted that Air Asia wanted to fly to Thailand and Indonesia as well.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
Wonderful to be joined by <a href="https://twitter.com/JulieBishopMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JulieBishopMP</a> for this incredible announcement. The sky’s the limit for <a href="https://twitter.com/AvalonAirportAU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AvalonAirportAU</a> international airport. Two flights a day from KL, almost 500,000 passengers pa &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/tonyfernandes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tonyfernandes</a> wants to introduce Bali &amp; Thai flights. Wow! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/celebrateCorangamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#celebrateCorangamite</a> <a href="https://t.co/1H2BurWdM3">pic.twitter.com/1H2BurWdM3</a>
— Sarah Henderson MP (@SHendersonMP) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/SHendersonMP/status/959947427825385472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2018</a>
</blockquote>

Air Asia's current Tullamarine - Kuala Lumpur double daily flights are flown by A330-300s which have 12 premium economy and 365 economy seats. 

Assuming a double daily schedule is flown year round, this represents a touch over 275,000 available seats in each direction.

The CEO of Air Asia said via <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-04/avalon-airport-to-get-international-services-to-kuala-lumpur/9386336">the ABC</a> "I firmly believe this is a turning point in our great dream of making Australian and south-east Asia and Asia much much closer."

<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/klia2_flickr_cc_by_sa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Air Asia operates out of KLIA2 in the Malaysian Capital - image: flickr"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/klia2_flickr_cc_by_sa.jpg?itok=pmhttL5l" title="Air Asia operates out of KLIA2 in the Malaysian Capital - image: flickr" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Air Asia operates out of KLIA2 in the Malaysian Capital - image: <a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8656/16642762245_59744d970e_b.jpg">flickr</a></figcaption></figure>Air Asia operates out of the new, vast, 'KLIA2' (Kuala Lumpur International Airport - Terminal 2) in the Malaysian Capital which is located approximately 50 km south of the city centre.  KL's airport is linked with its urban heart via the KLIA Ekspress rail service and the Malaysian capital's large freeway/tollway network

<h2>Comment</h2>

Well, it happened at last, Avalon will become an international airport.  The new investment is welcome but one can't help but feel for people arriving at Avalon. 

As it is, this represents moving of entire operations between airports, I'll be watching to see if Air Asia maintains double daily frequencies.  The airline is known to vary its flights to Tullamarine depending on the season - will its customers cop the extra distance to the get to/from the airport?

Regardless, the export handling capacity at Avalon that will be built as part of what was announced today seems to suggest whomever flies internationally into Avalon is likely to bank on taking a slice of the cargo market as well.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:YMAV.jpg">wikipedia</a>
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Avalon Airport says 'selamat datang' to Air Asia as new international facilities are announced

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News from Germany in recent days has seen Aldi Nord announce that it intends to build a combined 2,000 apartments above its stores in Berlin.

According to <a href="http://www.dw.com/en/german-retailer-aldi-set-to-build-2000-homes-above-its-berlin-stores/a-42393855">Deutsche Welle</a>, the retailer will build above 30 different stores throughout the metropolitan area of Berlin with 200 apartments already under construction at two of its stores.

The model has already been introduced in Hamburg and one of the primary benefits cited for Aldi is that it allows the company to expand the traditionally smaller supermarkets at each site.

<blockquote>
Rather than renovate old, one-storey supermarkets it owns, often in prime locations, the retailer hopes to get planning permission for 30 blocks with larger stores on the ground floor and apartments above.
<a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/aldi-owners-to-build-2-000-apartments-in-berlin-1.3378181"><cite>Irish Times</cite></a>
</blockquote>

It's not just a story of extracting even more value from the land and buildings they own - and no doubt that would be a key determinant - Aldi Nord will reportedly give back to the city by reserving 30% of the new apartments for social housing.

Berlin's population, like Melbourne's, is growing and while space and development sites are more constrained in the German capital, for Melbourne - and all major Australian cities for that matter - there is still a wide range of opportunities to redevelop traditional retail-surrounded-by-carpark sites.

Shopping centres and single-site retail precincts surrounded by car parks can often, but not always, be found near rail lines and other high-frequency public transport modes in suburban centres.   

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1517805111196!6m8!1m7!1sNQHv1TVeKC_YcQUFZBblVQ!2m2!1d-37.79138351600565!2d145.0952391300483!3f300.00025241415455!4f5.494942146425672!5f0.7820865974627469" style="border:0" width="100%"></iframe>

There are already some examples in Melbourne where apartments have been developed above supermarkets - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/yFKW48zQ85L2">ALDI in Balwyn North</a> on Doncaster Road is an example - but this was a case of redeveloping an old garage with a new building with supermarket space.

<ul>
<li>existing small to large-scale shopping centres and single-outlet premises will generally be located in a Commercial Zone.</li>
	<li>Commercial Zones can have residential uses mixed in with commercial uses</li>
</ul>
This <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/6N39o2m4U3s">Woolworths on Riversdale Road</a> in Camberwell is zoned C1Z, likewise, this <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/SAmKXWMBENK2">Coles on Grantham Street</a> in Brunswick West is zoned C1Z.

<a href="/developments/fitzroy-north-vic-3068">Piedemonte in Fitzroy North</a> has a proposal which would see the existing supermarket demolished, and an entirely new building erected on site, complete with an enlarged supermarket.

Yet one of the main gripes with this proposal is that there was no affordable housing component - which is not surprising given that developers and not compelled to include it in their developments.

Among the listed large-scale developers, Mirvac and Lendlease have both made it known they are looking to expand into the build-to-rent market and likewise they both have significant holdings in retail centres around the country.

However, it remains to be seen if these market rentals that may be built in the near future will aid with affordable housing.
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Are standalone supermarkets and small retail centres in our suburbs ripe for increasing housing supply?

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Today Apartments.com.au joins the podcasting world with the first episode of what will be a regular weekly podcast covering anything topical in the development, planning, transport spaces in Melbourne.

Over time there'll be extra co-hosts and special guests - we aim to mix things up over time.

In the first episode, I briefly cover:

<ul>
<li> Fishermans Bend &amp; MM2</li>
	<li> <a href="/news/winning-design-for-victorian-pride-centre-unveiled">Victorian Pride Centre</a>
</li>
	<li> <a href="/news/capital-alliance-and-dko-architecture-showcase-docklands-and-prepare-fishermans-bend">The new Marriot</a>
</li>
	<li><a href="/news/the-elephant-in-the-planning-scheme-how-cities-still-work-around-the-dominance-of-parking-space">The elephant in the planning scheme</a></li>
</ul>
<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="0" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/392154093&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 1 - Hello podcasting world!

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Originally launched in September 2016 by Tim Fischer, the <a href="http://www.railfutures.org.au">Rail Futures Institute</a>'s InterCity proposal presents a decades-long proposal to increase connectivity to Melbourne for Victoria's regions through an investment program that would see new or altered routes as well as service improvements on the regional Victorian Rail network.

Regular readers might be familiar with InterCity as we've highlighted or referred to the group's proposal on multiple occasions over the past two years.  Toward the end of the 2017, Rail Futures unveiled its latest update to its proposal for Victoria's regional passenger network in a presentation to the <a href="http://www.railfutures.org.au/2017/12/hume-rail-corridor-presentation/">Hume City Council</a>.

Speaking with Apartments.com.au, RFI's secretary, Bill Russell explained that the wider InterCity proposal will be continually refined by internal members of the RFI's team.

<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/intercity_updates.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The most recently updated InterCity proposal, December 2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="445" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/intercity_updates.png?itok=_0AOWsM9" title="The most recently updated InterCity proposal, December 2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The most recently updated InterCity proposal, <a href="http://www.railfutures.org.au/2017/12/hume-rail-corridor-presentation/">December 2017</a></figcaption></figure>In the most recent update of the InterCity proposal, the Geelong line has seen some tweaks plus there are new additions to the west of the state - reactivating the Hamilton line as well as the Mildura line.

When InterCity was first released, it advocated for a new dedicated tunnel and track for Geelong-Colac-Warrnambool trains however that's changed to a more familiar routing: another track pair in the Regional Rail Link alignment.

This four track scenario in the Regional Rail Link corridor is necessary as the InterCity proposal sees the extension of the Werribee metro line 'back and around' the Regional Rail Link line - the stations currently on the RRL corridor would become Metro stations and another track pair, already catered for at existing stations and road overpasses, would run beside the existing pair.

As was the case in the original InterCity, the Melbourne Airport Rail Link &amp; line extension to Bendigo &amp; Shepparton/Albury lines is front and centre for improving regional connectivity to the north and west of Melbourne.

And as The Age noted back in November, the Premier's public comments to VECCI on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link somewhat closely mirrored the concepts embedded in the InterCity proposal.

<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/original_intercity.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The original InterCity proposal from September 2016"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/original_intercity.png?itok=SJQdhFQJ" title="The original InterCity proposal from September 2016" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The original InterCity proposal from <a href="http://www.railfutures.org.au/2016/09/intercity-presentation/">September 2016</a></figcaption></figure>Stay tuned for later this year as the rail-focused think-tank plans to update the InterCity proposal once again as well as release a metropolitan network-focused proposal.  
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Rail Futures Institute updates its InterCity proposal

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<h2>Comment</h2>

In September VicRoads proposed to make Hoddle Street &amp; Punt Road a permanent clearway from the Eastern Freeway to the Yarra River as part of a larger project to alter intersections along the route.  

Also during the Christmas season, Spring Street unveiled its decision on which corridor to select for the North East Link and at the same time announced that a new busway would be built down the Eastern Freeway median between Hoddle Street and Doncaster Park and Ride.

The decision to build a busway in the Eastern Freeway median has many implications for the publicly available transport plans but in the short term, one needs to ask if the backflip on permanent clearways on Hoddle Street will only be temporary.

Vicroads conducted a community consultation with stakeholders affected by the road changes on Hoddle Street and Vicroads has summarised the main feedback themes:

<blockquote>
Here’s a snapshot of what we heard:

<ul>
<li>The majority of concerns were from businesses on the east side of Hoddle Street, about the impacts this proposal would have on customer and staff parking </li>
	<li>Many businesses had concerns about the short timeframe being proposed which did not provide enough time to plan ahead to adapt to the changes</li>
	<li>We heard concerns about how loading and deliveries would take place</li>
	<li>Some people questioned whether current bus use was high enough to need 24/7 bus lanes</li>
	<li>There is already a lack of parking in the general area.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/planning-and-projects/melbourne-road-projects/punt-road-hoddle-street/hoddle-street--streamlining-initiative"><cite>Vicroads</cite></a>
</blockquote>

Whilst some of the business affected by the changes on Hoddle Street mightn't think there's a need for permanent clearways however it's not a stretch to believe that with a large-scale bus infrastructure upgrade on the Eastern Freeway, then services will also increase. 

Other than attempting to mask the scale of the budget for a new road tunnel, why would you build a busway if the authority didn't believe more services will be running in future?   

It follows that if there are to be more frequencies, eventually, on the new busway, the same buses will need capacity on Hoddle Street &amp; Victoria Parade to get to their ultimate destination: the CBD.  Therefore it is only pertinent that I ask, what longer-term planning is being done in this area so that the concerns of today are eventually addressed when the backflip on a backflip inevitably happens?

<h2>And the wider implications</h2>

With a busway effectively pushing a Doncaster Rail line many down the road (literally?) for many more decades, what's going to happen to the second Metro tunnel project?

As many have continued to voice their displeasure at the total lack of an overall transport strategy for Melbourne, we're still highly dependent on the published plans from the previous government.  And even though the previous state government only released a heavy rail network plan, it has had many details teased out of it over the proceeding years that are now well understood.

One of those concepts was rail line reconfiguration - Sunbury (and Melton) will become one line with Pakenham &amp; Cranbourne on the Metro 1 project. 

The Metro 2 project, utilsing a tunnel across the centre of the city from North East to South West and vice versa, would link the South Morang line with Fishermans Bend.  It has since been acknowledged through other planning processes (Fishermans Bend structure plan had the most up to date information) that this second Metro tunnel will link to South-West Melbourne at or near Newport.

When South Morang is diverted through the new tunnel, as per the previous government's heavy rail network development plan, this would free up capacity on the existing Clifton Hill section, so that a Doncaster Rail line could join at Victoria Park.

But with a busway now on the cards, not a rail line for the forseeable future (I'd say two decades away, minimum, the idea of a rail line might get a serious look in once again now that the state government appears locked into the busway idea), that obviously impacts the case for the Metro 2 tunnel.

South Morang is currently getting extended to Mernda and both it and the Hurstbridge line are seeing new resident development close to the rail lines so it's a safe bet to assume that over time more capacity will be needed - but will a new entire rail tunnel required?

Do we have an opportunity to start building what Jeff Kennet has on more than one occasion said we should do - a proper light or heavy metro network for the inner-city?

Lead image credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hoddle_Street,_Collingwood,_Victoria,_Australia.jpg">wikipedia</a>
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The Hoddle Street clearway backflip and Metro 2 - what now?

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Victoria's first public vertical school in South Melbourne is set to open with the first term set to start in a few short weeks.

Deputy Premier &amp; Minister for Education James Merlino joined new South Melbourne Primary School principal Noel Creece and lead architect Richard Leonard from Hayball for a tour of the site during the final fit-out stages earlier this week.

The school, located at 129 Ferrars Street in South Melbourne, was allocated $44 million for its construction in the 2016-2017 State Budget and has steadily carved out its own corner in Melbourne's skyline.

The school has capacity for upwards of 500 students.

The primary school's designated neighbourhood boundary for enrolments includes the entirety of the suburbs of Docklands, Southbank and the majority of South Melbourne.

<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/smel_vertical_school_boundary.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Source: School Buildings Authority"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="613" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/smel_vertical_school_boundary.jpg?itok=AuFR_uQE" title="Source: School Buildings Authority" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Source: School Buildings Authority</figcaption></figure>Builders, ADCO Construction, entered the site just before Christmas in 2016 and have turned the site around in just over 12 months.  

<blockquote>
We’re absolutely thrilled to see our design for South Melbourne Primary School come to fruition in less than two years.

What’s more, we’re delighted to hear that enrolments for preps are at capacity, highlighting the need for such a facility in the area and that this new integrated model of school is supported enthusiastically by the community

“Many people may have had a preconception that a vertical primary school would simply resemble an office building  – but as you can see South Melbourne Primary School is far from it.

This school represents the very best in contemporary education design and focusses on the needs of 21st century students and their wider community. There’s a number of innovative, creative spaces that allow for active learning that take advantage of the building’s height.

For instance, there are a wide variety of integrated teaching and learning areas and with annexed outdoor spaces at every level providing students with seamless indoor/outdoor learning opportunities.  

Likewise, there’s a climbing play structure called the Treehouse which allows vertical connection between the outdoor learning areas on level 2 and 3, promoting exercise and physical skills.

There’s also seating steps and a perforated timber balustrade where classes can gather as a group for presentations, or students can read on their own when it’s not in use. These features emphasise how vertical schools can still provide a fun learning environment for students and encourage active play.”
<cite>Richard Leonard, lead architect on South Melbourne Primary School</cite>
</blockquote>

The first phase of the new <a href="http://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/Pages/Schools/Richmond-High-School.aspx">Richmond High School</a> will join South Melbourne Primary School in opening its doors for day one of 2018's term one. 

Richmond High School will start with a Year 7 enrolment at first and for 2018 will have a wide designated neighbourhood boundary in 2018 encompassing many areas south of the Yarra and in 2019 the boundary will be reduced to include only minor areas to the south of the river.

<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/smel_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Lead architect Richard Leonard from Hayball and the Deputy Premier tour the SMPS site. Image: Henry Lam, Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="431" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/smel_1.png?itok=NRXeSMwI" title="Lead architect Richard Leonard from Hayball and the Deputy Premier tour the SMPS site. Image: Henry Lam, Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lead architect Richard Leonard from Hayball and the Deputy Premier tour the SMPS site. Image: Henry Lam, Hayball</figcaption></figure>Prahran High School - another vertical public school - according to the School Buildings Authority <a href="http://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/Pages/Schools/Prahran-High.aspx">website</a> is well under construction and is due to be complete by the end of the year and will start accepting enrolments in mid 2018.
</body></html>

South Melbourne Primary School set to open for Term 1

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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