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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.
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South Melbourne Primary School set to open for Term 1

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

Joel Robinson

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more international and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

Alastair Taylor

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