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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

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

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

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

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

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

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

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

Alastair Taylor

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