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A few weeks ago the Road and Public Transport ministers announced another construction blitz for the Spring School holiday period with many disruptions to both public transport and freeway networks foreshadowed.

Most of the disruptions on the rail network are due to works occurring on the multiple level crossing removal sites around the metro area.  Like last time, if you are one who likes losing yourself in construction photos, I highly recommend following the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/levelcrossings">on Facebook</a> - the images below are a mere fraction of those that can be found on their own page.

Here's some highlights (links go directly to the LXRA albums for all the specific sites).

CD9 - 'Caulfield-Dandenong 9' - the 9 level crossings being removed between Caulfield and Dandenong is naturally a big focus at this stage with many of the columns that popped up earlier in the year now set to host the horizontal rail decks (lead image above).

<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/skye_frankston_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Skye/Overton Road, image - LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/skye_frankston_1.jpg?itok=Nafhw0JM" title="Skye/Overton Road, image - LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Skye/Overton Road, image - LXRA</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/levelcrossings/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=1631948743546471">Skye/Overton Roads in Frankston</a> is seeing its early works package kick off with a recent shutdown resulting in underground service relocations, further investigative works and the installation of construction fencing according to the LXRA.

Skye/Overton Road will be grade separated by sending the rail line over the current road level.  See renders <a href="http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/crossings/overton-road-frankston">here</a>.

The LXRA is the body responsible for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/levelcrossings/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=1524062634335083">Mernda Rail extension</a> from South Morang along the original Whittlesea railway line.  

<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/south_morang.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new cutting for the eastern side of South Morang station, 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/south_morang.jpg?itok=DYuuiVN7" title="A new cutting for the eastern side of South Morang station, image - LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new cutting for the eastern side of South Morang station, image - LXRA</figcaption></figure>As seen above, a new cutting is being carved out on the eastern side of the current terminus at South Morang.  

The station at Mernda which will be the new terminus will be elevated and the major works on the station have advanced.

<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mernda major works have kicked off, 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.jpg?itok=zPvtciDM" title="Mernda major works have kicked off, image - LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mernda major works have kicked off, image - LXRA</figcaption></figure>The Noble Park section of the CD9 set of level crossing removals hit a new milestone with the first spans lifted into place above <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/levelcrossings/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=1270350439706305">Chandler Road</a>.

<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/chandler_noble.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spans lifted into place over Chandler Road in Noble Park"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/chandler_noble.jpg?itok=sJn0L2J4" title="Spans lifted into place over Chandler Road in Noble Park" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spans lifted into place over Chandler Road in Noble Park</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/levelcrossings/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=1517433721664641">Melton Highway out near Watergardens Station</a> will see the road elevated above the existing rail grade and built in two stages - the first (southern) span will complete and then start diverting traffic away from the level crossings whilst the second stage will see the northern span built - eventually eastbound traffic will shift to the northern span, leaving the southern span for westbound road traffic.

The southern (westbound) span is well under construction.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melton_hwy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melton Highway bridge over Sunbury/Bendigo line, image - LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melton_hwy.jpg?itok=Mnvn4N38" title="Melton Highway bridge over Sunbury/Bendigo line, image - LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melton Highway bridge over Sunbury/Bendigo line, image - LXRA</figcaption></figure>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/levelcrossings/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=1632006460207366">Kororoit Creek Road</a> level crossing removal will see the rail line elevated above the existing the rail grade and also build some more rail track redundancy into the Altona Loop. 

The Altona Loop is a single track however the Kororoit Creek Road removal will start the process of adding a second track with the new rail bridge and Werribee Line junction.  Works have kicked off.

<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/kororoit.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prep work at Kororoit Creek Road, 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/kororoit.jpg?itok=5ngv3iKu" title="Prep work at Kororoit Creek Road, image - LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prep work at Kororoit Creek Road, image - LXRA</figcaption></figure>The consultation sessions for Buckley Street in Essendon have been ongoing for some time now and we're likely to see the design of the proposed Reservoir level crossing removal soon - one that is going to be pique the interest of both locals and transport watchers alike, given the <a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.7158583,145.0074758,378m/data=!3m1!1e3">extraordinary road network complexity</a> in the area.

The other inner-middle northern crossings that have been announced but their designs not made publicly available at Bell Street in both Coburg and Thornbury, Moreland Road in Coburg and Glenroy Road in Glenroy are also of great interest as they are some of the last inner-to-middle-ring level crossings in the original list of 50 yet to be unveiled.
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Alastair Taylor

Level Crossing Removals steaming through Spring school holidays

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The Australian Bureau of Statistics <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/3101.0Main+Features1Mar%202017?OpenDocument">released its most recent tranche of estimated resident population data</a> yesterday and once again it sees Victoria well out in front on both raw numbers and percentage growth.

The estimated resident population in Victoria at the end of the March quarter this year was 6,290,700 representing a change of 149,400 or 2.4% growth since the same time in the previous year.

As other <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/business/the-economy/victoria-booms-as-nsw-leaks-residents-by-the-thousands-20170927-gypper">media outlets have noted</a>, you need to look all the way back to the 1960s to find an equivalent time when Victoria was adding population as fast as it is now.  

Nationally, the ERP is sitting at 24,511,800 with 389,100 new residents of Australia - that represents a 1.6% growth rate since the end of the March 2016 quarter. 

The current narrative has Victoria and New South Wales as the two magnets for population growth - NSW grew by 123,300 to 7,837,700 (1.6%) with Queensland nearing edging closer to 5 million residents - its March 2017 ERP is 4,907,600 with 75,400 new residents representing 1.6% growth.

Context is a beautiful thing because not 5 years ago the story <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/allprimarymainfeatures/089DE88A71A19B3DCA257AD7000D10F4?opendocument">was so very different</a>.  How's this for even, distributed population growth? 

The various ERP and growth numbers for each state and territory at the end of each March quarters in <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/allprimarymainfeatures/089DE88A71A19B3DCA257AD7000D10F4?opendocument">2012</a> and <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/3101.0Main+Features1Mar%202017?OpenDocument">2017</a>.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col"> </th>
			<th scope="col">March 2012</th>
			<th scope="col">March 2017</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Victoria</td>
			<td>5,603,100 - 82,500 - 1.5%</td>
			<td>6,290,700 - 149,400 - 2.4%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>New South Wales</td>
			<td>7,272,800 - 73,500 - 1.0%</td>
			<td>7,837,700 - 123,300 - 1.6%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Queensland</td>
			<td>4,537,700 - 76,400 - 1.7%</td>
			<td>4,907,600 - 75,400 - 1.6%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Western Australia</td>
			<td>2,410,600 - 73,300 - 3.1%</td>
			<td>2,576,000 - 18,400 - 0.7%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>South Australia</td>
			<td>1,650,600 - 14,100 - 0.9%</td>
			<td>1,721,000 - 10,300 - 0.6%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tasmania</td>
			<td>512,100 - 1,300 - 0.3%</td>
			<td>520,100 - 3,100 - 0.6%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northern Territory</td>
			<td>233,300 - 3,000 - 1.3%</td>
			<td>245,000 - 300 - 0.1%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Australian Capital Territory</td>
			<td>373,100 - 7,000 - 1.9%</td>
			<td>409,100 - 7,200 - 1.8%</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Australia</td>
			<td>22,596,500 - 331,200 - 1.5%</td>
			<td>24,511,800 - 389,100 - 1.6%</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
In 2012 Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and most importantly Western Australia all added around the same number of people.  It's generally accepted that the 2012 numbers were a reflection of the mining boom sending people west and north and now that is over, Queensland is holding its own, but Western Australia has fallen off a cliff.

Despite the past decade of evidence of Victoria leading the population growth pack, you'd be a fool to think that this most recent peak - 150,000 new residents in a year - is the new norm.  

That said, Melbourne is and always will be a large city, one that hasn't seen all that significant change in how we transport ourselves.

It's been an interesting task to keep one eye on the state Liberals continuing population policy development and consultation.  At this stage of the game is very much focused on regions outside of Melbourne.

Growing regional cities is a noble goal, that is of course only if there are plans in place to grow employment in them at the same time, therefore reducing pressure on the <a href="https://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2016/11/14/decentralisation/">long and thin transport routes</a> between the regional cities and Melbourne.  Outlining how population decentralisation will work with existing regional city economies would make a lot of interested parties far more comfortable.

However, one large gap in the opposition's policy development process is Melbourne itself.  Is it assumed a business-as-usual approach to transport within Melbourne will continue?  How is that acceptable?

Another angle on the ABS data outlined above is that it highlights how people are attracted to the big cities, where the bigger economic opportunities are to be found.  And it's a safe assumption that Melbourne will continue to attract the most people in Victoria, regardless of a solid &amp; well-executed population decentralisation policy from the opposition (or government).

Therefore, the same broad challenges exist - auto-centricity within Melbourne, a public transport network that is slow to respond to population growth (not to mention the focus of the primary mode is on getting people into and out of central Melbourne rather than also facilitating greater suburb-to-suburb commuting), continuing fringe-belt growth.

As we enter the 4th year of the first term of the Andrews Government we're getting close to the release of big infrastructure-related documents that will inform growth and development decisions going forward. 

The first big release is the draft Fishermans Bend Framework - the <a href="http://www.fishermansbend.vic.gov.au/framework">urban renewal area's website</a> states 'Spring 2017' as the release date - and state government's response to Infrastructure Victoria's 30-year infrastructure strategy, due by year's end.

Throw in the low-key launch of <a href="http://economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/transport/about-transport-for-victoria">Transport for Victoria</a> - it was organised earlier this year and but doesn't have the presence that Transport for New South Wales or Transport for London enjoy - which reportedly will have the task of whole-of-state transport planning; one also assumes this is where updates to heavy rail, tram and bus network development plans will come from.

It's all well and good to point to examples of where shovels are in the ground, but the state ability to get things moving, creating employment and addressing short-term needs is established, it now needs to provide a clearer picture of its vision and the programmes of work that will deal not just with high immigration numbers and its impact on the transport network in the short-term but where we're headed in future. 

 

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cafuego/33397836043/in/photolist-STfD6n-YwEJgS-WvY9Yg-YbVX6t-XNgagu-YpmMCc-Wj4Ea7-VCM2VA-VACoHL-VZjHcD-W8oeUb-UXmjcD-UVRNFi-TK9cqL-SGdU9s-RFQbRv-Ri3tfo-PAhbHb-N9zoTf-MwZ4VG-RL4NdJ-QXihWu-P9sXMD-Qa3AVG-U6UFQJ-NPcmFa-UkULRe-PVJSNb-PNRxjK-PqmPS8-PcHaUh-P8rAkh-P8rMf3-NU4VZ9-N2J9aR-MvQo1j-LJzrgb-Lg3aTV-Lg3rtT-K2yYsL-JY1ns8-JTRjBb-JTRjzN-GivF2c-Eojmty-CxtUiS-BKvPsy-CzJ9fi-BKv8tf-C7NSQX">flickr</a>
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As Victoria's population soars, will large planning and transport initiatives keep pace?

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Melbourne Airport has hit a new passenger milestone with its August 2017 passenger data confirming 10 million passengers had been clocked through the international terminal over the previous 12 months.

<blockquote>
For the first time in the airport’s 47-year history, 10 million international passengers passed through the doors in a rolling 12-month period. That’s a five-fold increase since privatisation in 1997.

The airport’s latest passenger data revealed more than 850,000 international travellers took international trips in August 2017, a 9.7 per cent increase compared to the same time last year.
<a href="http://melbourneairport.com.au/about-melbourne-airport/media/media-releases/melbourne-airport-passenger-performance-august-2017"><cite>Melbourne Airport Media release</cite></a>
</blockquote>

On a month-to-month comparison, in August 2017, 853,253 passengers travelled on international services and there were 2,097,857 domestic passengers.  This represents 9.7% growth compared to August 2016 for international and 3.6% growth in domestic numbers.

Over the short to medium term it's not hard to see how this growth will continue.  

Australia Pacific Airports - the owner of the leasehold and operator of Tullamarine airport - says the numbers will be boosted further by new services to China with Jetstar beginning services to Zhengzhou and Xiamen Airlines kicking off flights to Hangzhou.

<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/west_lake_hangzhou.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hangzhou's West Lake - China Daily"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/west_lake_hangzhou.jpg?itok=L_RKUBxl" title="Hangzhou's West Lake - China Daily" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hangzhou's <a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/West+Lake/@30.2587323,120.1428134,6344m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x344b62c0d149f2cb:0xf0f28861cfd37ec9!8m2!3d30.2427011!4d120.1502699">West Lake</a> - China Daily</figcaption></figure>As Apartments.com.au previously reported, we're finally set to get a second non-stop mainland North American destination - Vancouver - with Air Canada kicking off a 4 times weekly seasonal service from December this year through to February next year.  Air Canada has subsequently decided to restart and make the services permanent from <a href="http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/09/air-canada-schedules-year-round-flights-for-melbourne/">June 2018 flying three-times weekly</a>.  

The first non-stop flight to a South American destination - Santiago de Chile - will begin next month and at the beginning of September Japan Airlines kicked off its Tokyo-Narita - Melbourne service.  

The roll-call of Chinese cities to have a non-stop service to Melbourne is pushing upwards of 10 cities.  Air China, China Eastern and China Southern have the lion's share with multiple daily flights to the big three - Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou - however the aviation network from Melbourne is well and truly established amongst the mid-tier cities.

At any rate, the morning <a href="http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=141817842&amp;postcount=12701">departures from Melbourne Airport are set to be very busy</a> with multiple mid-tier Chinese cities in the mix. 

Lead image credit: <a href="http://melbourneairport.com.au/about-melbourne-airport/media/photo-gallery">Melbourne Airport</a>.
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Tullamarine hits a new passenger milestone

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Designed by Bruce Henderson Architects, the proposal includes 14 levels with ground floor retail and over 100 apartments.  <a href="https://www.orionig.com.au/05-foster">Orion Group International</a> is the proponent.

A spokesperson for Orion confirmed more than 50% of the building's apartments will have a 2 bedroom configuration and a healthy number of 1 and 3 bedroom configurations.

Lot 10 is located on the opposite side of Foster Street from Dandenong Station and the site has frontpages to the new Settlers Square and Halpin Way.  The proposal, if approved, would rise in between the new ATO and Dandenong station.

The planning application is before and will be decided upon by City of Greater Dandenong.

<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/lot_10_foster_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aspect from Settler's Square"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lot_10_foster_2.jpg?itok=vMC_vUab" title="Aspect from Settler's Square" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aspect from Settlers Square</figcaption></figure><h2>Context</h2>

Revitalising Central Dandenong is a Bracks-Brumby era project that kicked off in 2006 and is expected to see a multi-site redevelopment of the southern and south-western corners of Central Dandenong over a 15-20 year timeframe.

<a href="http://www.development.vic.gov.au/projects/revitalising-central-dandenong">Development Victoria</a> partners with City of Greater Dandenong, other state government agencies and the private sector to move the area's vision forward.

Approximately one-half of development sites have been built-out or have proposals or construction underway as illustrated by this Development Victoria diagram.

<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/rcd_site_status.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Revitalising Central Dandenong site status - Development Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="767" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rcd_site_status.jpg?itok=pHdV4m2V" title="Revitalising Central Dandenong site status - Development Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Revitalising Central Dandenong site status - <a href="http://www.development.vic.gov.au/projects/revitalising-central-dandenong/vision-and-master-plan">Development Victoria</a></figcaption></figure>To date the majority of sites along Walker Street have been built on with City of Greater Dandenong, the state government through its Government Services Office (GSO) and the ATO all housed in new office accommodation.  

A new Quest hotel-accommodation building has recently been completed and the Salvation Army is set to move into a new building further west along Walker/George Street.

According to publicly accessible information, no proposals have been lodged for the Little India precinct thus far.

<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/rcd_aerial.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Revitalising Central Dandenong context - Development Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rcd_aerial.jpg?itok=pUK1cxTG" title="Revitalising Central Dandenong context - Development Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Revitalising Central Dandenong context - <a href="http://www.development.vic.gov.au/projects/revitalising-central-dandenong/vision-and-master-plan">Development Victoria</a></figcaption></figure>
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Central Dandenong's lot 10 - new 14 level residential proposal 

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<h2>Comment</h2>

Once again, the number of floors in a building is the <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/business/property/exploitative-parkville-residents-oppose-22level-tower-at-former-games-village-20170917-gyj8di?platform=hootsuite">apparent focus of community anger</a>, this time in relation to the final stages of development in the former Commonwealth Games village.  

Where I'd argue mitigating the risks of excessive noise or polluted ventilation from the adjacent Tullamarine Freeway corridor is a far higher priority for planners; for some it's all about the height in the new plans for that corner of Parkville.

Dominated by look-a-like <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-parkville-123769814">$1million+ houses</a> with large footprints that held multiple athletes per room during the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the extreme western end of the site has over the years seen progressive development of higher-density buildings wedged between the Tullamarine Freeway and Cade Way.

The final stages of the development, reportedly, would see even higher-density development toward the southern end of the site - closest to the public transport services on Mount Alexander Road and the Upfield rail line at Flemington Bridge.

The Age has quoted a representative of the Friends of Royal Park as saying "Royal Park is the most valuable, biggest and oldest park in the state... you could never do a development like this around the Shrine. It's excessive and exploitative."

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!4v1505697765183!6m8!1m7!1sCAoSLEFGMVFpcFBINWRDbS1IZFYtQXV3TkI5NlRpU3g0V0lKQi1lSVp0cXQ2N0gy!2m2!1d-37.830619!2d144.973446!3f55.54771018888185!4f3.8763826496336407!5f0.7820865974627469" style="border:0" width="100%"></iframe>

It's an interesting claim to make given St. Kilda Road's skyline and its relationship to the Shrine has seen planning battles (and subsequent changes) in the past yet one constant is that it hasn't halted buildings in the 20-30 level range within the Shrine's vicinity.

Similarly, it may be one of the largest parks in Melbourne, however Royal Park is littered with private uses: Royal Children's Hospital, The Parkville Youth Justice Centre, CSL, Royal Melbourne Hospital and the not-open-24/7 Royal Melbourne Zoo.

And what is the fundamental issue of having taller buildings right next to abundant green space, especially when the development will only consume land that had already been set aside for development?  

Overshadowing greenspace, of course, is a legitimate concern however it's not as if this upscaled development is situated on Park Street, the Upfield rail line or Poplar Road - where overshadowing during the day and afternoon would affect greater amounts of parkland.

If anything, with taller buildings now being proposed, Spring Street should be insisting on a number of the dwellings in the greater amount of floors be set aside for affordable housing - both in the social and market-affordable areas. 

It will be a great day when the community focuses less on the height of new buildings and more on who is able to access the housing units contained within them.
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Is 22 levels really too tall for Parkville?

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Since <a href="/news/the-state-of-construction-in-melbourne-mid-april-2017">April</a>, many of the construction sites featured below have seen significant progress on their respective sites, most notably the Australia 108 and Swanston Central sites.  Others such as Capitol Grand in South Yarra are still enormous pits in the ground.

Keep an eye on the key inner and middle ring sites, as many projects are about to make their presence felt in their respective suburbs - the very large market's site in Moonee Ponds (pictured above) key among them.

Here's a selection of some of the latest construction images posted on the forum - click the link under each image to see more of each project.

<h2><a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina, Footscray</a></h2>

<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/riverina_footscray.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 10/09/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/riverina_footscray.jpg?itok=1zHlCc_7" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 10/09/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 10/09/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="https://urban.melbourne/forum/footscray-maribyrnong-3011-3032-projects?page=9#comment-30621">Footscray forum thread</a>.

<h2>Australia 108, Southbank</h2>

<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/aus_108_redden.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by redden, originally posted 09/09/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aus_108_redden.jpg?itok=JdJlHgbF" title="Image by redden, originally posted 09/09/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by redden, originally posted 09/09/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news6">Australia 108 forum thread</a>.

<h2>Capitol Grand, South Yarra</h2>

<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/capitol_grand.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by redden, originally posted 09/09/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/capitol_grand.jpg?itok=uCszW194" title="Image by redden, originally posted 09/09/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by redden, originally posted 09/09/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news7">Capitol</a><a href="/news7"> Grand forum thread</a>.

<h2>Swanston Central, Carlton</h2>

<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/swanston_square.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by redden, originally posted 05/09/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/swanston_square.jpg?itok=jcXkwORr" title="Image by redden, originally posted 05/09/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by redden, originally posted 05/09/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Swanston Central forum thread</a>.

<h2>Sky One, Box Hill</h2>

<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/sky_one_bh.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 13/08/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="733" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sky_one_bh.jpg?itok=ZxbnNN-q" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 13/08/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 13/08/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Sky One forum thread</a>.

<h2>Arden Gardens, North Melbourne</h2>

<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/arden_gardens.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 31/08/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="614" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arden_gardens.jpg?itok=uyJjfpbf" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 31/08/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 31/08/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news0">North Melbourne projects forum thread</a>.

<h2>Aurora Melbourne Central, CBD</h2>

<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/aurora_mc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 31/08/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aurora_mc.jpg?itok=wi1Ir_11" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 31/08/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 31/08/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news9">Aurora Melbourne Central forum thread</a>.

<h2>Vanguard, Malvern East</h2>

<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/vanguard.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 04/09/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="415" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vanguard.jpg?itok=VLAhQzl7" title="Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 04/09/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by Mark Baljak, originally posted 04/09/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images in the <a href="/news">Greater Melbourne projects forum thread</a>.

<h2>Opèra, St Kilda Road</h2>

<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/opera.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image by redden, originally posted 29/08/2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/opera.jpg?itok=w7mSzGRO" title="Image by redden, originally posted 29/08/2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image by redden, originally posted 29/08/2017</figcaption></figure>See more images on the <a href="/news">Residential - news &amp; discussion forum thread</a>.

 

Lead image: <a href="/news">Mason Square, Moonee Ponds</a>.
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The state of construction in Melbourne - mid September 2017

<html><body>
The State Library of Victoria has secured final philanthropic funding from the Hasen Little Foundation that will allow the library's Vision 2020 transformation to kick off in earnest.

As previously reported on <a href="/news/the-state-library-of-victorias-2020-vision">Urban.com.au</a>, the SLV's Vision 2020 includes opening up 40% more space for public use throughout the complex which has had a long history of additions over the years.  

The $88 million transformation is majority funded by the State Government to the tune of $60 million with the remainder coming from philanthropic sources - the Hansen Little Foundation's contribution completes the library's fundraising target of $27.7 million.

<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/hansen-hall-750x422.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render of the new Hansen Hall - image: SLV"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hansen-hall-750x422.jpg?itok=v_7IXH-T" title="Render of the new Hansen Hall - image: SLV" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render of the new Hansen Hall - image: SLV</figcaption></figure>According to the <a href="https://vision2020.slv.vic.gov.au/news/hansen-little-foundation-gives-3-5-million-gift-of-connection">SLV</a>

<blockquote>
Hansen Hall will be a new focal point for Library visitors, combing heritage architecture with a contemporary look and feel.  It will represent the features of a 21st-century library in a lively and dynamic area where visitors can meet, connect and collaborate.

Jane Hansen said that a passion for education connects the Hansen Little Foundation and State Library Victoria.

“The beautiful environment of the refurbished Hansen Hall will provide a light-filled free space where people can work and enjoy a coffee while still able to access the Library’s extensive facilities and expert staff.  By working together, we can help more people achieve their learning goals in an inspiring and welcoming environment.
</blockquote>

The Hansen Little Foundation's gift will also fund the Library's new Conversation Quarter which is set to include facilities that will enable two-way digital broadcast technology to "take Library events and programs to schools and homes around Australia and bring the world's best events and experiences to Melbourne"

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RENEUw2T0R4" width="100%"></iframe>

The Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, welcomed the latest donation.

<blockquote>
The Hansen Little Foundation’s generosity means that more people than ever have access to learning, education and quality programming, allowing young minds to reach their potential, wherever they may be.

This donation means the State Library has achieved its fundraising goal of $27.7 million and is a great example of how collaborative approaches can provide a successful and a sustainable way to generate funding for new and innovative projects.
</blockquote>

The following video profiles changes that will occur as part of the SLV's Vision 2020 transformation.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDanielAndrewsMP%2Fvideos%2F1516460138418517%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>

The Hansen Hall and Conversation Quarter are set to open in 2019.
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State Library of Victoria's Vision 2020 kicks off after securing philanthropic support

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Minister for Planning Richard Wynne has released the <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/80994/Apartment-Design-Guidelines-for-Victoria_August-2017.pdf">Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria</a>, an <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0033/80997/Buyers-and-Renters-Guide.pdf">Apartment Buyers and Renters Guide</a> as well as a new non-statutory <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0035/80999/Design-Advisory-Service-Description.pdf">Design Advisory Service</a> for the property community.

<blockquote>
The Labor Government has already introduced new standards that ensure new apartments are built with light, storage, ventilation and enough room to fit beds and furniture.

These new guidelines will help developers meet their obligations and help local councils get their approvals right.

The Labor Government has listened to the industry and the community, running a series of workshops earlier this year to inform the Guidelines. Councils, planners, developers and consumers have all had their say.

The bar has been raised and the industry is responding. There has already been a vast reduction of apartments with saddleback bedrooms, increases to floor area, and a greater mix of dwellings all over Melbourne.

The Labor Government is planning a Design Advisory Service to offer specialist advice to developers.

The voluntary process will be aimed at larger-scale apartment developments and will include advice from experienced apartment design specialists such as architects, building designers, urban designers and planners.
<cite>Minister for Planning <a href="http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/creating-better-apartments-and-public-space-in-victoria/">Media Release</a></cite>
</blockquote>

The Apartment Buyers and Renters guide provides guidance to future buyers or renters of apartments and is broken down in two parts.  Part 1 includes all relevant links to resources at Consumer Affairs Victoria and Part 2 deals with practicalities in apartments, and what buyers and renters alike should look out for when looking to buy or rent an apartment.  

Part 2 of the Apartment Buyers and Renters guide asks a series of questions to prompt future buyers or renters might want to answer across a range of topics, from windows and natural light, thermal comfort and natural ventilation, functional layout to storage, local amenity, and energy efficiency.

All guides and related information on the Design Advisory Service can be accessed on <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-reform/better-apartments">planning.vic.gov.au</a>
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Spring Street releases Apartment Design, Urban Design Guidelines and Apartment Buyers guides

<html><body>
Over the weekend, the Premier announced a naming competition for the five 'new' stations that are to be built on the route of the Metro Tunnel project. The Melbourne Metro Rail Authority has reported, via its twitter account, they've received 10,000 suggestions as of Tuesday.

In what looks like an effort to avoid a situation akin to the 'Boaty McBoatface' that occurred in the UK, name suggestions will be shortlisted before being decided upon by a panel chaired by the MMRA's chief executive.

There's been a lively discussion through social media channels about new station names, from the absurd &amp; hilarious to the thoughtful &amp; evocative; from the conservative to the progressive.

I think there's room for both a conservative and progressive view and it's mainly based on geography.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
We've had more than 10,000 submissions to our station naming competition so far! 
Make your suggestion here: <a href="https://t.co/WDqL11YGH2">https://t.co/WDqL11YGH2</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y2PtQCcGlC">pic.twitter.com/Y2PtQCcGlC</a>
— Metro Tunnel (@metrotunnelvic) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/metrotunnelvic/status/902339269309501440">August 29, 2017</a>
</blockquote>

<h2>Conservative</h2>

For me, the stations currently referred to in all public domain documentation as 'CBD North' and 'CBD South' are clear cut -  let's not complicate the new maps nor confuse existing train users and just call them what they are.

CBD North - Melbourne Central.

CBD South - Flinders Street.

Everyone in Melbourne has heard of or knows where Melbourne Central and Flinders Street are located, as they've been a fixture of Melbourne's rail network for multiple generations.

At these two sites, the existing stations are expanding - Melbourne Central's platforms 5 and 6 and Flinders Street Station's platform 14 and 15.

<h2>Progressive</h2>

Beyond the two stations mentioned above, there's far more freedom because all three remaining stations are of course brand new.  Absolutely they're in places which have readily identifiable names - Parkville in particular.

However Arden is named after a street, yet will see a completely new TOD suburb spring up around it - is that name, of the existing area, relevant to what it will be in the future?  Why wouldn't you give this new area a completely new name - just like a new suburb on the fringe?

I don't think it's a coincidence the state government launched this competition in the middle of the broader history and public statue debate; a debate that is polarising and at the extreme ends on both sides there's a lot of loopy ideas and bluster.  

With that said, however, there's nothing wrong with debating the kind of city we want, and naming places is one part of that.

There's a <a href="https://www.change.org/p/vote-to-name-the-5-new-melbourne-cbd-stations-after-the-aboriginal-nation-of-kulin">petition on change.org</a> which has attracted 8,500 signatures at time of writing, stating that all five stations should be named after the Kulin Nation. While there are five new stations and five nations which make up the Kulin alliance, for the reasons stated above, it's going to be problematic.

Rather, naming the station currently referred to as Parkville as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulin">Kulin</a> might be a good compromise.

<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/kulin_map.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The original tribes that make up the Kulin nation - map: wikipedia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="574" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kulin_map.png?itok=No79-6x8" title="The original tribes that make up the Kulin nation - map: wikipedia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The original tribes that make up the Kulin nation - map: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulin">wikipedia</a></figcaption></figure>The station now known as Parkville will one day, if the heavy rail network development plan released in 2012 comes to fruition, have a second underground rail line run through a second set of platforms underneath those that are not far off getting built.  

And those two rail lines will traverse three of the five original tribal lands and connect with each other at Kulin station (currently known as Parkville).

Many of Melbourne's suburbs (and therefore stations) are named after blokes with some exceptions - especially if royalty is involved (such as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunswick,_Victoria#/media/File:Plaque_at_site_of_Thomas_Wilkinson%27s_house,_Brunswick.jpg">Duchess of Brunswick</a>) - and it's this fact that makes me think the argument for refraining from naming stations (and suburbs) after people is weak.

Henrietta <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henrietta_Dugdale">Dugdale</a> springs to mind as a candidate for renaming the station currently referred to as Arden.  An activist and founder of the Victoria Women's Suffrage Society in 1884, the first such society in Australia, she lived to see women get the vote in Federal Parliament in 1902 and in Victoria in 1908.

Have you provided suggestions through the <a href="http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/stations/suggest-a-station-name">Metro Tunnel website</a>?  Share them with us in the comment field below!

Over to you.
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Thoughts on new metro station names

<html><body>
The Caulfield to Dandenong level crossing removal project's Community Open Space Expert Panel (COSEP) has delivered its report to the Public Transport Minister, Jacinta Allan, outlining its recommendations for the spaces that will be created as part of the grade separation project.

The COSEP was charged with the duty of reviewing and providing advice on general landscape design and planning, proposal community spaces, the interface between community spaces and the shared use pathway to be built under the elevated track, car parking, public space in the station precincts and maintenance.

The panel, chaired by chief executive of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, has 9 key recommendations which range from using vegetation and trees which forms a strong identity through the linear park to a crime prevention and safety strategy that is seamlessly integrated into the overall design of the linear park.

<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/image17_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A focus on the user experience is key. Image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_13.jpg?itok=2KtEJsHw" title="A focus on the user experience is key. Image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A focus on the user experience is key. Image: LXRA</figcaption></figure>In the report's cover letter to Jacinta Allan, Professor Tim Entwisle provides an insight into the passion locals displayed across the various consultation sessions.

<blockquote>
As you would expect, trees and vegetation drew a passionate response.

There was much support for using River Red Gums as a motif along the length of the linear park – not to the exclusion of other plants, as it was accepted there are some places where native vegetation would not be appropriate.

We were advised by the project team that opportunities for the re-planting of River Red Gums were limited due to operational and safety constraints within the rail corridor.

Subsequently COSEP explored alternatives such as other local trees species providing some of the same functions and aesthetics. Linking the plantings and landscape to neighbouring parks was strongly supported, as was the establishment of connections with existing street trees.

Where possible the group wanted plantings to be diverse and of mixed age, to assist with plant health and the impacts of climate change. It was felt the landscape design could be bold in places and should not be subservient to the other elements of the project.
<cite>Professor Tim Entwisle, Chair COSEP</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cd9_heatherton_activated_spaces_a3_v02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Heatherton Road level crossing and new community spaces - Image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cd9_heatherton_activated_spaces_a3_v02.jpg?itok=MFoRhxHm" title="Heatherton Road level crossing and new community spaces - Image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Heatherton Road level crossing and new community spaces - Image: <a href="http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/crossings/heatherton-road-noble-park">LXRA</a></figcaption></figure>One recommendation that is sure to wet the appetite of any urbanist is to design the station precincts so as they can be used as venues to host community festivals/events to bring together the local community and traders - not simply used for car parking.

<blockquote>
To give a flavour of the discussions, in an early meeting we discussed the linear park and the alignment of the shared user path, plus some general issues around connectivity.

COSEP raised important matters around safety, heritage and local history, much of which has been incorporated into the design. Meeting later, we considered car parking, accepting that there were complex trade-offs to be made to meet the needs of varied stakeholders.  

A key message from COSEP was to not view car parking areas as ‘single use’ – that is, look for ways to partition them in time and space so that the community can gain additional value from them. 
<cite>Professor Tim Entwisle, Chair COSEP </cite>
</blockquote>

To view the report, see the Level Crossing Removal Authority's <a href="http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media-library/publications/caulfield-to-dandenong-publications/strategies-and-reports/community-open-space-expert-panel-report-august-2017">website</a>.
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Dandenong corridor Community Open Space Expert Panel report submitted to government

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Alastair Taylor

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