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Maps of the Suburban Rail Loop released by the state government thus far have featured a notable kink in the line in Melbourne's east - a kink that seeks to connect the new SRL directly with the suburb of Glen Waverley.

While the localities in which SRL stations will be located have been announced, the exact location of stations will be determined in early 2020.  However, it's a safe bet in Glen Waverley's case; the underground SRL platforms will be located adjacent to or near the Glen Waverley line terminus.

When the business case for the SRL is released, Glen Waverley's station will be the only terminus the new line will interface with.  

Glen Waverley is also a major rail and bus interchange with over 10 bus routes terminating or passing through the station precinct.  Specifically, buses to and from Glen Waverley connect to suburbs further east through High Street Road and Ferntree Gully Road as well as the orbital 902 start bus other local routes which reach Glen Waverley along Springvale 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/srl_glen_waverley.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Glen Waverley. Image: suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/srl_glen_waverley.png?itok=Nn50TfOI" title="Glen Waverley. Image: suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Glen Waverley. Image: suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au</figcaption></figure>Glen Waverley is home to a large retail precinct anchored by The Glen shopping centre and Century City Walk retail and hotel complex. The suburb has long since started changing from a relatively low-rise eastern suburb to an increasingly higher-density activity centre.

The area houses the Victoria Police Academy and is located midway between the Tally Ho business park to the north on the corner of Springvale Road and Burwood Highway and Brandon Park and the wider Monash NEIC to the south.

One of VicTrack's earliest experiments relating to selling surplus railway land for development is present in Glen Waverley.  The 10 level IKON tower, sitting above an entrance to Glen Waverley station, was completed in 2011 and set a height precedent for the suburb.

Since then the recently completed 15-level Galleria residential tower has had its first residents move in, and the pipeline is aflush with other larger-scale projects.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/glen-waverley-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Most projects in the pipeline are concentrated in or around the station and retail precinct and that's best explained by the liberal application of the <a href="https://planning-schemes.delwp.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/490479/monash10zn.pdf">Commercial and Residential Growth zones</a> in Glen Waverley.

In 2016, the City of Monash adopted the <a href="https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/Building-amp-Planning/Strategic-Planning/Structure-Plans/Glen-Waverley-Activity-Centre">Glen Waverley Activity Centre Structure Plan</a> which has guided the most recent projects to have been proposed and approved in the area. 

Yet the plan has its origins from an even earlier timeframe and given the Suburban Rail Loop was not on the radar when these structure plans were being devised, it would not be surprising if the City of Monash embarks on a journey of updating existing plans to enable the precinct to grow with the introduction of the SRL.

The City of Monash completed a community consultation round in mid-2019 that would aid in developing a <a href="https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/Building-Planning/Strategic-Planning/Structure-Plans/Mount-Waverley-Activity-Centre">structure plan for Mount Waverley</a>, two stations closer to the city along the Glen Waverley railway line.

The discussion paper released as part of the consultation round highlighted opportunities of consolidating retail on the western side of Stephensons Road and likewise discussed the opportunity of introducing diverse housing options, including introducing apartments above retail components in Mount Waverley village.

<ul>
<li>Previous stop: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-clayton-the-monash-neic">Clayton &amp; the Monash NEIC</a></li>
	<li>Next stop: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-burwood">Burwood &amp; Deakin University's campus</a></li>
</ul>
Lead image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Waverley_railway_station">Wikipedia</a>
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Alastair Taylor

Suburban Rail Loop in focus: Glen Waverley

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Located just over the halfway point if a crow were to fly between Melbourne's CBD and Dandenong, Clayton station is set to be the major interchange for the Suburban Rail Loop with the Pakenham and Cranbourne metro lines as well as Gippsland V/Line services.

The state government dubbed Clayton, Broadmeadows and Sunshine stations as 'super-hubs' in the context of the Suburban Rail Loop because each of the three stations would see metro and V/Line services stop to allow cross-town interchanges on the new line.  Clayton for Gippsland V/Line services, Broadmeadows for Albury and Shepparton V/Line services and Sunshine for services on the big three regional trunks to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.

Monash University's original and primary campus is located approximately 1-1.5 km north of the existing Clayton station and all the maps published to date suggest there will be a station at or located adjacent to Monash University.  

Monash University and the wider employment precinct located just north of Clayton station has for the past few years seen an emphasis on future structure planning, having been deemed a National Employment and Innovation Cluster (NEIC) by the <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/monash-employment-cluster/">Victorian Planning Authority</a>.  

The Monah NEIC, with the University as its key anchor tenant, is the largest concentration jobs outside the Melbourne CBD and according to VPA data, the region already contributes $9.4 billion to the Victorian economy per annum.

<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/clayton_levelcrossing_removal1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Clayton has seen significant public investment in the past few years. Image: levelcrossings.vic.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/clayton_levelcrossing_removal1.jpg?itok=9gwu7pkD" title="Clayton has seen significant public investment in the past few years. Image: levelcrossings.vic.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Clayton has seen significant public investment in the past few years. Image: levelcrossings.vic.gov.au</figcaption></figure>Unlike Cheltenham, Glen Waverley and Box Hill, there's not a lot of existing projects we're tracking on the Urban database along the phase 1 alignment of the Suburban Rail Loop.  There have been notable exceptions in the past with some of the higher density buildings developed at Jackson Green near Centre Road and M-City projects on the Princes Highway featuring prominently in the database and in editorial.

On the VPA website, the status of the framework plan for the Monash NEIC appears to have stalled, showing the plan is still in a finalisation phase with an estimated completion of Mid-2018.  Perhaps, that might be easy to explain: the Suburban Rail Loop election policy was announced in 2018 and it naturally will affect the transport planning for the precinct.

The draft framework plan developed by the VPA was published in 2017 and it makes mention of working with the City of Monash to develop a precinct plan for Clayton within the NEIC.  That precinct plan has been developed by the City of Monash in collaboration with TRACT Consultants and a recent community consultation period was completed in September 2019.

The draft precinct plan for Clayton emphasises expanding medical and research industry activities - with the ever-present Monash Medical Centre and new Children's hospital as anchors - and the draft precinct plan sees opportunities for developing other commercial, retail and mixed-use residential sites along the Clayton Road spine.  <a href="https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/about-us/council/council-meetings/2019-25-june/1.1-attachment-2-council-meeting-25-june-2019.pdf">One map in the draft</a> depicts building heights peaking near 10 levels - in particular, north of Clayton Station - and notes the liberal use of the residential growth zone already in force in the area.

<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/clayton_precinct_neic_context1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Major transport routes in the context of the Clayton precinct plan. Image: TRACT Consultants/City of Monash"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="706" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/clayton_precinct_neic_context1.png?itok=I9ystsL0" title="Major transport routes in the context of the Clayton precinct plan. Image: TRACT Consultants/City of Monash" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Major transport routes in the context of the Clayton precinct plan. Image: TRACT Consultants/City of Monash</figcaption></figure>VPA's Monash NEIC draft framework plan almost singles out other activity centres that will see precinct plans: Huntingdale, Springvale and Sandown Park which also involves the neighbouring councils of Greater Dandenong and Kingston.

<a href="https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/about-us/council/council-meetings/2019-25-june/1.1-attachment-3-council-meeting-25-june-2019.pdf">Huntingdale's draft precinct plan</a> was devised by SJB Urban and like Clayton's precinct plan, wrapped up a community consultation period in September 2019.

Overall however, we'll have to wait to see how the VPA's framework plan may change with the addition of the Suburban Rail Loop now thrown into the mix.  Depending on what the City of Monash ultimately adopts, all the draft plans point to more intensive employment, retail and residential uses.

The existing pipeline of projects on the Urban database in the Clayton &amp; Monash University areas is limited to either lower-rise apartment buildings, townhouses or academic buildings - with the notable exceptions mentioned earlier.  

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/clayton-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Previous stop: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-cheltenham">Cheltenham</a>

Next stop: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-glen-waverley">Glen Waverley</a>.
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Suburban Rail Loop in focus: Clayton & the Monash NEIC

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A not-for-profit alliance of institutions local to Melbourne's west, chaired by former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks, has produced a paper to outline its thinking on how economic growth and job development should be supercharged off the back of the significant public investment heading into the region over the next two decades.

The West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA) board comprises representatives from Victoria University, Western Bulldogs Football Club, Wyndham City Council, Western Health, City West Water, Maribyrnong City Council, John Holland, Scalzo Foods and Lead West.

The paper notes the State Government has made crucial decisions that will shape Sunshine's future through the establishment of a transport 'super-hub' at Sunshine, declaring Sunshine as a Priority Precinct for investment and development and enhancing suburban railways through Sunshine.

The Sunshine super-hub concept relates to State Government initiatives that are set to run through Sunshine, such as the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, Suburban Rail Loop and Western Rail Plan (electrification of Melton and Wyndham Vale railway lines).

<a href="https://www.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/womeda-sunshine-economic-development-jobs-strategy.pdf">Sunshine: daring to be great</a> sets out WoMEDA's aspirations for the area by attracting more public and private investment and channelling it into four key anchor institutions: a medical complex, a university/polytechnic complex, a court/justice complex and transport/retail complex.

The paper notes each of the four anchor institutions will need to grow to support a target of 50,000 new jobs to Sunshine and the immediate area by 2036 and outlines what success will look like in 6 different ways.  

<ol>
<li>An attractive precinct to work and play: A new Town Square near Brimbank's Council offices, transforming Hampshire Road into a car-free street, park and tree cover extended throughout the precinct and the development of new affordable housing.
</li>
	<li>A vibrant economy: plenty of local jobs: Success in this aspect would include more public administration and justice jobs; more healthy sector, business services and education jobs; and attracting airport-oriented employment jobs.
</li>
	<li>Great Transport Access: Fast train links to the city via the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, enhanced connectivity to the west and south west through the electrification and service improvements to Melton and Wyndham Vale, an expanded tram network to Deer Park, Altona and Moonee Ponds and a clearing articulated active transport strategy.
</li>
	<li>Strong Education Infrastructure: Enhanced investments to Victoria University and Victoria University Polytechnic, VU Polytechnic integrated into the state's overall advanced manufacturing strategy, deeper university engagement at Sunshine Hospital and a high-performing high school to be set up in the region.
</li>
	<li>Adequate leisure opportunities: Protect Sunshine's multi-cultural restaurant precinct, support nearby sports and entertainment facilities, attract a branch of the National Gallery of Victoria and further upgrades to the Sunshine Leisure Centre and Cinema/entertainment complex. 
</li>
	<li>Attractive to investors: State and councils will need to provide planning clarity and certainty, highlight clear opportunities for growth and deliver promised infrastructure.
</li>
</ol>
<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/sunshine_daring1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Spotlight on the Sunshine Triangle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sunshine_daring1.png?itok=fTKSFWwY" title="Spotlight on the Sunshine Triangle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spotlight on the Sunshine Triangle</figcaption></figure>The core of Sunshine, with the station precinct at heart, in WoMEDA's eyes would see increased mixed-use residential, commercial and retail uses concentrated in higher-densities.

The paper notes the population of the West of Melbourne is expected to almost double over 20 years from 686,000 to 1.5 million, giving the region a similar population to the entirety of Adelaide.

<blockquote>
"A total of 267,761 extra people in the West will be looking for jobs in sixteen years from now.  This is about 60% added to the current workforce of 484,000."  
</blockquote>

The paper furthermore notes 230,000 people commute out of the West every day for work and to limit commuting the entire West of Melbourne region needs between 138,000 and 317,000 extra jobs.

Health and care sectors are naturally a focus for the paper, as is the case in many parts of the country, it is one industry sector that is experiencing very fast employment growth.   

<blockquote>
"The health and care sectors will generate about one job in three and clear it has to be a principal focus of job creation in the West."
</blockquote>

WoMEDA would also like to see the existing Magistrates court precinct expanded dramatically into a wider legal services hub to cater to the expected professional, scientific and technical services to be located in the region as well as catering for enhanced public administration and safety.

The alliance is very keen to get the jump on other precincts around the metro area by setting itself up as a spillover precinct for airport-related jobs.  The paper draws a very tight correlation between Tullamarine Airport expansion and the building of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

<blockquote>
"Tullamarine Airport is planned to undergo very rapid expansion. Employment within the airport precinct is projected to increase by 14,000 to 35,000 jobs by 2038 if a third runway is built.  The adjacent business parts are likely to add a further 7,000.  Nearly 70% of workers live locally and if Sunshine captures just 5% [of the expected jobs increase], it increases local employment by 1,000 jobs."  
</blockquote>

On top of developing more affordable housing in central Sunshine, the paper also notes that Braybrook's current public and social housing stock should also be developed and expanded over time.

Click <a href="https://www.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/womeda-sunshine-economic-development-jobs-strategy.pdf">here</a> to read the 'Sunshine: daring to be great' paper.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine,_Victoria">Wikipedia</a>
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Alliance of Melbourne's West institutions publishes new economic development and jobs strategy: Sunshine, daring to be great

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A question that has existed ever since the Suburban Rail Loop project was announced in the run-up to the 2018 Victorian State Election has been answered.  The Suburban Rail Loop line and system will be different from the existing Melbourne rail network, much the same way the Sydney Metro system under development in New South Wales differs from the existing Sydney trains network.

Marking the 1 year anniversary of his government, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, announced the Suburban Rail Loop that was unveiled as a key re-election policy in 2018 will be a standalone railway, operating independently of the existing Melbourne rail network.

Operationally independent, but still integrated at the key interchange stations which will provide the interface with the new line, gives the State Government wriggle room when it comes to setting the parameters for the new infrastructure, and some of those parameters are now clearer.

On Sunday, the State Government released a media statement.

<blockquote>
The Surban Rail Loop will be built as a separate rail line, meaning it can use state-of-the-art systems from around the world without having to retrofit technology into the existing network - saving time and money

Being a dedicated line also means the design of the trains that use the line won't be constrainted by the requirements of Melbourne's hundred-year-old train network.  

As a result, the new trains will be four to five carriages long and faster than the existing fleet.

Being smaller, means they can turn up more often, and that the platforms will be shorter - reducing the distance passengers need to walk at the station each day to get on the train.
</blockquote>

It follows that with shorter platforms, the cost to build stations will be cheaper when compared to those that are currently under construction on the Melbourne Metro Tunnel project.  

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xUDydY0FXBA" width="100%"></iframe>

Pre-construction work on the first stage of the route from Cheltenham to Box Hill is underway with the government stating 14 boreholes have already been dug as part of the geotechnical investigations phase of the project.  Up to 100 will be drilled by mid-2020, according to the government media statement.

Community consultation and market engagement related activities are expected to increase next year and construction is still expected to begin by 2022.

<h2>Comment</h2>

More than 12 months on from the election and the original policy unveiling, the latest animation and statements produced by the state government still remain very high-level.

We still see a generic map that looks like more effort was put into it through the eastern and northern sides of Melbourne, yet in the west we still see the SRL running directly from Sunshine to Werribee.  

The 'we'll start the build and other governments will finish it' rhetoric is still the same and other local media are reporting that the Premier stated he would prefer the new system to have drivers (despite the fact the very parameters we now know by virtue of the statements today point to a driverless system). 

Those details are still being worked out, according to the Premier.  Sure enough, multi-millions were allocated in this year's state budget and we're promised to see the outcomes of all that work next year - where hopefully many other questions will be answered.

Regardless, the latest drip-feed does start to paint a picture of a new rail line that, on the face of it, might stretch a $50 billion figure a lot further than what some people would understandably think.  That is of course if the projected cost of the entire project is still $50 billion - we simply won't know until the business case is released and it's worth pointing out that the previously trotted-out figure was not present in Sunday's media statement.

The other thing to watch for when the business case does get released is how it will interface with other profile public transport projects - the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and the Western Rail Plan - because today didn't appear to answer any questions in that department either.

Private investment will be welcomed according to the Premier - whether that means a direct financial/ownership stake in the new rail infrastructure or developing land surrounding stations is not clear either - but it's worth taking a look at what is already present in the development pipeline for each station location.

That's going to be a focus over the next few weeks on Apartments.com.au and to kick things off, I present a map of Box Hill developments on <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">the database</a>.  It's not outside the bounds of possibility that each suburb that will see an SRL station will look like this once the SRL is under construction.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/box-hill-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Up next, a look at the pipeline and planning regimes at various phase 1 station locations: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-cheltenham">Suburban Rail Loop in focus: Cheltenham</a>
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Victorian Government says Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop will be an operationally-independent railway

The City of Parramatta Council has unveiled an animated flythrough of Parramatta's CBD offering residents and those from further afield a glimpse of what the city will look like in the near future. The projects shown in the animation encompass 30 different projects that won design excellence competitions over the past four years with the council stating they have a combined development value of $5.5 billion.

Design excellence competitions are normally triggered when a proposed development hits certain thresholds relating to height, site area, capital value or location (i.e. a key or landmark site). The City of Parramatta requires a design excellence competition for projects that are proposed to have a height of 55m or more, likewise if the capital value of the project exceeds $100 million&nbsp;a competition is also required.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lord Mayor, Cr Bob Dwyer, said,

<blockquote>
"At the core of any great city is quality design and planning. This leads to the construction of first-rate commercial and residential buildings and infrastructure that meets the needs of current and future populations. The flythrough animation provides a remarkable glimpse into the future of Parramatta, showcasing exceptional architecture that will undoubtedly help cement Parramatta as a world-class city."
</blockquote>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vfFcGdiQv74" width="100%"></iframe>

Projects featured in the fly through include Bankwest Stadium, <a href="/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta Square</a>, Parramatta Aquatic and Leisure Centre, the Civic Link and Arthur Phillip High School which will be NSW's first high-rise public high school.

Parramatta is also a major focus for new public transport projects within metropolitan Sydney.&nbsp; Parramatta has already seen early-stage works begin for its new light rail system that will travel from Westmead through North Parramatta, into the Parramatta CBD, then it will replace the existing Carlingford Sydney trains line.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The second stage of light rail expansion might see a network junction near Rosehill that would then connect through Melrose Park, crossing the Parramatta River into Westworth Point and then terminating at Sydney Olympic Park.

Metropolitan Sydney's blitz of new metro lines - railways operated by driverless trains, operationally separate from the existing Sydney Trains network - will reach Parramatta's CBD as well with the state government team driving the Sydney Metro West project recently outlining&nbsp;station locations in the region.

<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/sm_west_map_update_forweb_oct_2019-01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sydney Metro West route. Image: sydneymetro.info"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="320" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sm_west_map_update_forweb_oct_2019-01.jpg?itok=72rvdLIw" title="Sydney Metro West route. Image: sydneymetro.info" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Sydney Metro West route. Image: sydneymetro.info</figcaption>
</figure>

Construction on Sydney Metro West is set to start in 2020 at the Bays Precinct site further up the line toward Sydney's CBD to prepare the site for major tunnelling works.

Bankwest Stadium opened in April 2019, the new aquatic and leisure centre's development application will be lodged in 2020 and new learning spaces in the new Arthur Phillip High School will be ready for teachers and students at the start of term 1 in 2020.

Parramatta is no stranger to the <a href="/">Apartments.com.au</a> database with many of the projects shown in the City of Parramatta Council's animation listed locally where there upwards of 40 medium and high-density projects being tracked for the locality.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>Properties selling now in Sydney:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21618]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7619]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]

Council offers a glimpse of what Parramatta will look like in the near future

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The third stage of the Gold Coast's light rail project has been approved after securing extra Federal funding to the tune of $157 million. The total Federal Government contribution to the project will total $269 million with the Queensland Government set to contribute $351 million and the Gold Coast City Council contributing $89 million. From the existing southern terminus at Broadbeach, the Stage 3A extension will utilise the Gold Coast Highway median and include an extra 8 stops along the 7km of new tram track to be built.

Upon completion, Mermaid Beach, Miami and Burleigh Heads will be connected to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Southport, and the tram-train interchange at Helensvale by rail for the first time.

A media release from the Prime Minister and Queensland Premier states that the project will create more than 760 jobs during construction.

The investment in the Gold Coast Light Rail extension project sits beside other initiatives in Queensland including the Federal government contributing $50 billion to the relocation of Loganlea station as well as various road upgrades around the state.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ltnQyCVHu8g" width="100%"></iframe>

There are several projects already in the pipeline along the path of the light rail extension project.

Together Mermaid Beach, Miami and Burleigh Heads have several apartment and townhouse projects either underway or waiting for the go-ahead, including the multi-tower <a href="/new-apartments/2605-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach">Elegance project</a> located at the existing Broadbeach South light rail terminus and the <a href="/buildings/sandbar-burleigh-heads-1969-1971-gold-coast-highway-burleigh-heads">Sandbar Burleigh</a> project that is located near the new Christine Avenue stop.

Not to be outdone by other suburbs, the bulk of the Gold Coast's pipeline of higher-density residential and commercial projects are located in the arc spanning Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.  

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/miami-qld?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

No specific start dates for the extension project were mentioned in media releases from the various levels of government but funding will flow 'immediately' and local Queensland media are reporting the likely start for the extension will be in 2020 with a 3-year construction timeframe. 

Lead image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G:link">wikipedia</a>
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Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A to start soon after securing extra Federal Government funding

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The level of economic activity contained within the 37.7 square kilometres that make up the municipal area of the City of Melbourne has surpassed $100 billion for the first time and in 2018 this was larger than the entire states of South Australia and Tasmania as well as the Australian Capital Territory.

City of Melbourne's own Census of Land Use and Employment (CLUE) recorded the Gross Local Product for the municipality grew more than 5% to reach $100.3 billion. South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory's Gross State Products for the same time period totalled $96 billion.

According to the 2018 CLUE, 479,200 jobs across almost 17,000 business are now contained within the City of Melbourne and over the past decade employment in Docklands has increased 243% or an increase in 51,600 jobs.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said,

<blockquote>
"We've added 12,630 new dwellings to the CBD in the past ten years. The growth in our CBD alone is the equivalent of the entire amount of housing within the City of Adelaide."
</blockquote>

The City of Melbourne now has 83,080 residential dwellings, 67,420 of which are apartments.

<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/clue-2018-summary-report-infographic-page-001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Infographic on CLUE's 2018 results. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="820" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/clue-2018-summary-report-infographic-page-001.jpg?itok=QAkWXuFh" title="Infographic on CLUE's 2018 results. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Infographic on CLUE's 2018 results. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Office space in the City of Melbourne has increased by 10% over the past decade, clocking an extra 500,000 square metres on the land use census. Back in 2018, predictions were that City of Melbourne's office supply would increase by 170,000 square metres in 2019 and in 2020, supply would increase by another 290,000 square metres.

In terms of projects in the pipeline, the suburb 'Melbourne' (Postcodes 3000 and 3004) has <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">47 projects on the Urban.com.au database</a>.

In Southbank, there are 35 projects at various stages in the development pipeline. Projects such as Australia 108 which will be the city's next tallest building and is nearing the end of its construction phase, has had residents living in the building - at lower levels - for well over a year.

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Docklands, nearing completion still registers 17 projects on the Apartments.com.au database with Lend Lease recently announcing what its final buildings will look like in Victoria Harbour.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/docklands-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Multiple state government-focused transport projects, such as extending trams from Docklands onto the southern bank of the Yarra, are or have had some level of planning completed to drive the growth into Fishermans Bend. Precinct plans for the massive 480-hectare urban redevelopment zone have been underway since the <a href="/news/fishermans-bend-framework-and-planning-controls-finalised">Fishermans Bend framework was released</a> in mid-2018.
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City of Melbourne's economy now larger than South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT combined

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On Tuesday night (12th of November), the City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne committee endorsed the council's submission to the Victorian Government's Ministerial Advisory Committee on Planning Mechanisms for Affordable Housing, effectively making clear the council supports a mandatory and state-wide inclusionary zoning mechanism to increase affordable housing across the state.

The Advisory Committee was appointed in September, has been set up to operate for six months and, will deliver its final report containing advice to the Planning Minister on affordable housing models and options within three months of its initial meeting.

City of Melbourne's submission notes it is developing its own Affordable Housing Strategy that is set to build on its Homes for People: Housing Strategy 2014-2018.  Other research obtained by the City of Melbourne, namely a Housing Needs Analysis, found that there is a current shortfall of at least 5500 affordable rental homes in the municipality and that number is anticipated to increase to 23,200 by 2036.

The council's now-adopted report states,

<blockquote>
"Current mechanisms in the Melbourne Planning Scheme which seek to encourage affordable housing are yet to deliver any affordable homes.  No affordable homes have been negotiated in private developments in the City of Melbourne since legislative changes to the Act. State and federal government programs are anticipated to provide 250 affordable homes in the City of Melbourne by 2036 [and] the introduction of a mechanism to the Victorian planning system requiring affordable housing will ensure a consistent supply."
</blockquote>

The City of Melbourne’s submission to the Ministerial Advisory Committee recommends there is an introduction of state-wide mandatory inclusionary zoning, at a rate to be determined by modelling, with a cash-in-lieu option, complemented by:

<ul>
<li>Flexibility for local governments to increase the state-wide minimum requirement where there is strategic justification and evidence of need;</li>
	<li>A voluntary uplift incentive that can be applied in strategic development areas to encourage a higher provision beyond the state-wide minimum or any local government-specific minimum; </li>
	<li>A commitment from the three tiers of government to work in partnership to create a holistic and integrated approach to ensure that policy, funding, incentives and governance is effective. </li>
</ul>
SGS Economics and Planning was commissioned to undertake a Housing Needs Analysis that looked at current and future demand for affordable rental housing within the City of Melbourne, the inner Melbourne and metropolitan Melbourne.

For inner-Melbourne, the analysis found a shortfall of 29,500 affordable and social housing dwellings in the Inner Metro Partnership region (which includes the Cities of Melbourne, Port Phillip and Yarra).  Likewise, for metropolitan Melbourne, the analysis found 231,250 households are "currently in need of affordable and social housing," accounting for 13% of all households.

The council's submission, through research performed by SGS, references other jurisdiction's inclusionary zoning implementations including in South Australia, New South Wales, London and California.  In San Francisco for example, new private housing developments with 10 or more housing units are to include affordable housing units or pay a fee in lieu.

Non-residential development mechanisms to finance affordable housing are also cited - for instance in Boston - Melbourne's sister-city - approximately 5000 affordable units were financed through a levy of $8 per square foot on new commercial development that generated $45 million USD between 1986 and 2000.

The Advisory Committee's final report is set to be delivered by early December 2019.

To read the City of Melbourne's Ministerial Advisory Committee submission as well as its supporting evidence, see <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/878/15660/NOV19%20FMC1%20AGENDA%20ITEM%206.5%20SUBMISSIONS%20TO%20MINISTERIAL%20ADVISORY%20COMMITTEE%20ON%20PLANNING%20MECHANISMS.pdf">melbourne.vic.gov.au</a>.

Lead image: Artist impression of the Boyd development, which includes affordable housing via <a href="https://twitter.com/cityofmelbourne">City of Melbourne</a>
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City of Melbourne adopts policy for mandatory inclusionary zoning as mechanism to deliver affordable housing

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The juggernaut level crossing removal project in Melbourne rolls on with the Level Crossing Removal Authority unveiling new renders and video for the solution to remove the Cherry Street level crossing in Werribee.

A new road bridge will be constructed further up the line that links Tarneit Road directly to the Princes Highway through an irrigation existing reserve.  

Similar to the Aviation Road level crossing removal design response, now complete up the line at Aircraft station, the new bridge rises in parallel with the railway line on the northern side then crosses over the railway corridor then gently lowers down to the Princes Highway in the irrigation channel reserve next to the Wyndham City Council offices. 

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Public consultation documents on the <a href="https://your.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/cherry-street-werribee">LXRA's website</a> show a range of design responses were considered but ultimately ruled out.

Building a road bridge over the rail corridor at Cherry Street was ruled out because it would create a 9m high barrier right in the heart of Werribee. 

Raising the railway lines over the existing Cherry Street grade was ruled out because it would extend the construction period out to 2 years. "Three train tracks currently cross Cherry Street, and network plans suggest more train lines could be added in the future. All future tracks would need to be elevated, and property acquisition would be required," the report says.

The interstate railway line that runs through the Werribee line corridor has restrictions on disruption and like elevating it above the road corridor, lowering it under the rail corridor was ruled out.

A new road underpass through the irrigation channel alignment was also ruled out due to the need to move oil pipeline infrastructure.

The outer western region of Melbourne will see a significant amount of public transport investment on top of level crossing removal work.  Old Geelong Road at Hoppers Crossing and Werribee Street located to the west of Werribee station are two more locations with level crossing removal design investigations underway.

And as Apartments.com.au highlighted last week, the region will benefit in some shape or form with the <a href="/news/werribee">Western Rail Plan and Melbourne Airport Rail Link</a> projects likely to dramatically increase capacity to a region that has many <a href="/news/an-overview-of-western-melbourne-precinct-structure-plans">drivers of growth</a>. 

<h2>Not to be out-done by the west, four level crossing removal designs in Melbourne's north were announced today</h2>

The Premier and Minister for Transport Infrastructure were in Preston to announce the Level Crossing Removal Authority will remove four level crossings on the Mernda line in one fell swoop by building a 2km-long rail bridge.

Bell and Preston stations will be rebuilt and the level crossings to go are Bell Street, Cramer Street, Murray Road and Oakover Road.

The S bend starting just north of Bell Street between Bell and Preston stations will be straightened, increasing speeds and therefore train throughput.  The State Government has conceded it will require property acquisition adjacent to the railway corridor and residents were informed prior to the media conference on site today.

Preston has long been a centre with an increasing amount of medium and high-density projects in the pipeline.  <a href="/new-apartments/preston-vic-3072">26 new apartment projects for Preston</a> currently exist on the Apartments.com.au database with the total pipeline bulking out to 48 apartment and townhouse projects.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/preston-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Similar to the Caulfield-Dandenong corridor and the Upfield corridor between Coburg and Moreland stations, an elevated rail line will create new open/green space once the level crossing removal is complete. Another round of consultation will open up to enable the Preston community to have their say on how the authority will develop their new open space.

Lead image credit: <a href="http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au">levelcrossings.vic.gov.au</a>
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Level crossing removal design unveiled for Werribee: Authority selects elevated solution for Mernda line through Preston

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Cheltenham, halfway along the Frankston line, one of Melbourne's longest on the existing network, a mountain of public investment has been mobilised to <a href="/news/designs-unveiled-for-mentone-and-cheltenham-stations-with-work-set-to-commence-mid-year">rebuild a station and remove two level crossings</a>. Likewise, the gravy train of public investment won't be stopping after the level crossings are removed because Cheltenham will be the eastern (or southern, depending on which way you look at the map) terminus for the Suburban Rail Loop.

The level crossing removal program is no stranger to Apartments.com.au's pages and nor is it a stranger to most Melburnians. While I accept that a level crossing removal project is most noteworthy to its respective local community, seeing where the investment is driving change is noteworthy, especially in Cheltenham's case.

Over the weekend, the Premier and Minister for Transport Infrastructure announced the Suburban Rail Loop - already flagged as terminating in the Cheltenham area over a year ago - will be an independent railway line, operating separately from the existing network but integrating with it at key interchange stations.

For the Frankston line, Cheltenham was announced back in September 2019 for the location of the new Suburban Rail Loop station its set to expand on construction work now underway in Cheltenham will result in a new station for the Frankston line sunk below the grade of the existing station. 

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/cheltenham-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Cheltenham has a healthy pipeline of projects with the Urban database currently showing 28 across the entire suburb.  The majority of the projects in the pipeline are located between the Nepean Highway and the Frankston Railway line, either side of Park Road (which along with Charman Road will be removed as part of the level crossing removals underway).

Approximately half of the projects in the pipeline are located within a 500-metre walk of Cheltenham station.

Public Transport on this scale is the exact kind that goes hand in hand with accelerating the modal shift from cars as well as providing high-quality transport for people who would seek a lifestyle away from the automotive grind by living in higher-density precincts.

The municipality governing Cheltenham, the City of Kingston, already has planning mechanisms in place that have allowed the current crop of recently built and pipeline projects to proceed. Similarly, the council has shown its willingness to update plans.

In January 2018, the City of Kingston adopted a review into its <a href="https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/Places-and-Events/Shopping-Villages/Cheltenham-Urban-Shopping-Village/Cheltenham-Structure-Plan">Cheltenham Structure Plan</a> which was first adopted back in 2010.  The original structure plan was devised within the policy context of Melbourne 2030 and Melbourne @ 5 Million and the findings translated into the Kingston Planning Scheme through the introduction of an Activity Centre Zone, which remains in place.

It's worth noting the January 2018 review was conducted before the State Government unveiled its Suburban Rail Loop election policy and the review only takes into account the change that will occur through the level crossing removal program.

Exact station locations for the entire Suburban Rail Loop are still to be determined - the State Government announced over the weekend that consultation will ramp up in early 2020 - however it's not outside the realms of possibility that the City of Kingston, by virtue of the Suburban Rail Loop scheduled to terminate and transport a lot more people into its own front yard, might revisit the Cheltenham structure plan once again in the next few years.

Next stop: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-clayton-the-monash-neic">Clayton &amp; the Monash NEIC</a>.

Lead image: Southbay
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Suburban Rail Loop in focus: Cheltenham

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

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Alastair Taylor

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