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<h2>Comment</h2>

Transport infrastructure and electoral cycles, they go hand in hand like beer and burgers, wine and cheese and the Labor and Liberal parties.  Well maybe not the last pairing but infrastructure projects are inherently the play-things of political parties when it comes to election time and with the news reports today on the ALP's shift in stance on the East-West link, the merry-go-round looks set to continue.

<a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/labor-to-dump-eastwest-link-if-elected-even-if-contracts-are-signed-20140910-10f46z">According to a piece</a> by The Age's state political editor Josh Gordon and state political reporter Henrietta Cook, the ALP have received legal advice that if it forms Government after the State election in November, it will use a court case brought on by Moreland and Yarra councils to render the contract for the eastern section of the East-West link invalid.

The East-West Link and Melbourne Metro tunnel projects are a by-product of the Eddington report into East-West travel across Melbourne, with the previous Brumby government had prioritising the rail component higher than that of the freeway project.

With the change of Government, priorities were then suddenly turned around and what appears to be in response to the sustained backlash across the inner Melbourne community, we learnt at the last State Budget announcement the powers that be on Spring Street had altered the path and rebranded the rail component as the Melbourne Rail Link.

The cynic in me says the current Government are employing a scorched earth policy in the event they don't win the November election yet on the other hand it is completely understandable that the legitimate Government of the day wishes to lock in one of its headline projects before the care-taker period.

It's no secret I don't view commuter-based freeway projects with any high degree of favour simply because we already have an auto-centric city/economy and we have a great imbalance in our transport mix to start with.  If balance in our transport mix is the actual goal, then Governments need to discriminate in favour of public transport and non-motorised transport infrastructure options.

In saying that, proper independent studies into the economic and, more importantly, social return of grand transport projects need to be conducted and made public upon completion, not near the end of an electoral cycle.

And we as urbanists should prepare for and accept that building rail lines ad nauseam is not necessarily going to always be the best option for dragging us into true balance in the way we transport ourselves around the city.

Should this new ALP stance pay off and allow them to form Government post November 29th, one of the first commitments the ALP should make, other than carrying out their policy of stopping the East-West Link, is to do a data dump.

Releasing all pertinent information the Victorian Public Service has on the transport projects in the various departments and continually keeping the public informed with regularly updated and published infrastructure plans - not to mention the decision-making process taken along the way - will also be critical.

Not undertaking an open approach is only going to cast any new Government in the same dim light the current one is shrouded in; the transport infrastructure and electoral cycle merry-go-round is rusty, decrepit and in sore need of replacing.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.flickr.com/photos/hinkelstone/5166544084">flickr</a>, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Alastair Taylor

Transport infrastructure and electoral cycles: isn't it time to end the madness?

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The Herald Sun is <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/more-than-2800-apartments-to-be-built-at-fishermans-bend/story-fni0fit3-1227046941054">reporting</a> that Planning Minister Matthew Guy has approved more than 2800 apartments in the Fishermans Bend urban renewal precinct.

One of the projects which has been approved is <a href="http://www.mab.com.au/">MAB</a>'s 15-87 Gladstone Street - a three tower development designed by <a href="http://www.hayball.com.au/">Hayball</a> totaling 733 apartments to be delivered in stages.

Similarly 2-4 Buckhurst Street is a 371 unit <a href="http://www.jcba.com.au/">JCB</a>-designed development spread across two towers which measure 118.7 metres and 82.7 metres respectively and <a href="http://www.rothelowman.com.au/">ROTHELOWMAN's</a> 15-35 Thistlethwaite Street measures 131.5metres with 38 floors and includes 291 apartments.

Nearby Artisan Architects design at 199 Normanby Road comprises 262 apartments spread across a 40 level tower backing on to the 109 tram line has found favour.

In response to the announcement of the approvals, the City of Port Phillip has <a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/september-2014-media_5620.htm">put out a statement</a> calling on the accelerated delivery of a tram line over the Yarra river and more community facilities.

“The estimated $44 million in developer contributions flowing from these approvals should be used to bring forward the construction of the Collins Street tram extension, open space acquisition and community facilities in the Ferrars Street School Precinct,” Cr Stevens said.

The City of Port Phillip is also seeking to see the details of the approved permits from the Planning Minister in order to assess them against new height provisions announced by the Planning Minister in July.

“Council is disappointed we were not consulted or notified about these approvals despite previously raising concerns,” Cr Stevens said.

The council statement also goes on to say that "there was also confusion about whether a tower had been approved for land ear-marked by the Government for open space".
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Scores of Fishermans Bend apartments approved

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On Tuesday September 2nd the City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne Committee will vote on recommendations made by various departments to Council on whether to support a large development located at 224-252 La Trobe Street, to which Apartments.com.au has <a href="/news/the-answer-224-252-la-trobe-street-melbourne" target="_blank">previously reported on</a>. The relevant information for the reworked UEM Sunrise project is <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutCouncil/Meetings/Lists/CouncilMeetingAgendaItems/Attachments/11741/agenda%20item%206.4.pdf" target="_blank">available online</a> (PDF format).

According to City of Melbourne's report, during pre-application discussions concerns were raised with regards to tower setbacks from the podium to the front, rear and side of the site. Subsequently an amended plan was submitted in July and it is summarised as follows:

<ul>
<li>Height of the building remains the same at 268.5 metres (286 metres RL).</li>
	<li>The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_Khalifa">Burj Khalifa</a>-like tapered setbacks are gone giving the tower a more monolithic aesthetic.</li>
	<li>The tower is now set back on average 6-6.5 metres from its podium.</li>
	<li>Total apartments have been reduced from 1343 to 1208, broken down into 140 serviced apartments and 1068 dwellings.</li>
</ul>
City of Melbourne management have recommended the council support the amended 224-252 La Trobe Street planning application subject to various conditions (32 of them: <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutCouncil/Meetings/Lists/CouncilMeetingAgendaItems/Attachments/11741/agenda%20item%206.4.pdf">see page 28</a> of the report toward the end of the document).

The assessment within <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutCouncil/Meetings/Lists/CouncilMeetingAgendaItems/Attachments/11741/agenda%20item%206.4.pdf">the report</a> states:

<blockquote>
The visual impact of a 286m high tower on the city skyline is an important consideration in the assessment of this application.

Importantly it is noted that the building does not overshadow the library forecourt between the hours of 11am and 2pm on 22 September or 22 June.

Height in this location is not specifically an issue as there are a number of tall buildings within the Hoddle Grid, Southbank, Docklands and to the north of the Hoddle Grid. There is no specific height control that affects the site.
</blockquote>

It's out with the old...

<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/224-252_la_trobe_street_old.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Out with the old..."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1109" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/224-252_la_trobe_street_old.jpg?itok=mZ-e1om8" title="Out with the old..." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Out with the old...</figcaption></figure>... and in with the new.

<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/224-252_la_trobe_st_new.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="... and in with the new. Images © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="847" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/224-252_la_trobe_st_new.jpg?itok=drdwwqCm" title="... and in with the new. Images © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>... and in with the new. Images © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>The assessment further states:

<blockquote>
Tower setbacks to LaTrobe and Little LaTrobe have now been provided with 6m setbacks on both streets above podium level. We had recommended 10m setbacks but would accept 6m setbacks as a minimum, considering the curved/indented plan form.

Side setbacks have been increased to 6.5m and 7.5m minimum which are acceptable taking into account the curved/indented plan form of the tower and the orientation of apartment living spaces at the point of minimum side setback.
</blockquote>

The City of Melbourne management team also have expressed concern with the proposal to completely relocate Melbourne Central station entrances currently in existence on the northern side La Trobe Street to Little La Trobe Street.

The authors of the assessment go on to say:

<blockquote>
It is considered that the relocation would result in a poorer outcome for most users of the station who will be forced to walk longer distances underground.

Users of the La Trobe Street entry point wanting to head north to Little La Trobe Street have the opportunity to walk through the private lane along the western edge of the site and therefore do not have to use the Swanston / La Trobe intersection.

There has been no evidence submitted to the City of Melbourne to support the suggestion that the relocation would reduce congestion at that intersection.
</blockquote>

The commentary on the relocation of the station entry concludes by council management stating they recommend keeping a La Trobe Street entry and that furthermore the recommendation should not preclude an additional station access point being added to Little Lonsdale Street.
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Changes afoot for 224-252 La Trobe Street

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We're back for the final day of the <a href="/tag/prefabaus-conference-2014">PrefabAUS Conference 2014</a>.

Today's schedule sees presentations on next generation manufacturing, a case study on medium-density planning in South Korea, lessons from the automotive sector and rounding out the conference will be a panel discussion on growing off-site construction in Australia and New Zealand.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="800px" scrolling="auto" src="//v.24liveblog.com/live/?id=1266105" width="100%"></iframe>

Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.unitisedbuilding.com/" target="_blank">unitisedbuilding.com</a>
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PrefabAUS Conference - Day 2

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Today marks the first day of formal proceedings at the <a href="/tag/prefabaus-conference-2014">PrefabAUS Conference 2014</a>. Yesterday, myself and co-editor Mark Baljak along with 80 other delegates, were treated to a tour of four different sites around Melbourne and its periphery. They included the Hickory Group's factory, the Modscape display suite, Salesian College and the Library at the Dock.

The conference schedule is very busy and includes multiple speakers and different topics of discussion. From Project case studies including The Maloney Group's One9 development - <a href="/news/one9-hall-street-moonee-ponds-34-apartments-5-days" target="_blank">where a 10 level apartment building was assembled on site in five days</a> - to lessons from the automotive sector and a look at the economics of the off-site construction industry, the next two days are bound to be informative and thought-provoking.

From today (9am until 4pm) and <a href="/news/prefabaus-conference-day-2">tomorrow (9am until 3pm)</a>, we'll be covering the conference as it happens in the embedded live blog below.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="800px" scrolling="auto" src="//v.24liveblog.com/live/?id=1266020" width="100%"></iframe>
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PrefabAUS Conference - Day 1

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The following is a media release which accompanied the launch of the <a href="http://meta.org.au" target="_blank">META</a> <a href="http://prefabaus.org.au" target="_blank">PrefabAUS</a> Hub at the <a href="/tag/prefabaus-conference-2014">PrefabAUS Conference 2014</a>.

Australian building firms face lagging behind global competitors, with prefabricated housing an untapped market for local manufacturers, accordingly to META Managing Director Zoran Angelkovski.

META, a collaborative network of engaged manufacturing businesses and researchers, together with PrefabAUS, will determine how Australia can transform its construction industry to a smarter, leaner manufacturing mind-set through the launch of META’s PrefabAUS Hub.

“A primary objective of the Hub is to identify how our local construction industry can transform and compete against imported products in terms of quality, value, and speed,” Mr Angelkovski said.

“The Hub participants will grow prefabricated housing through development of new architectural design thinking, innovative techniques and processes and work towards advanced manufacturing within the field.”

Prefabricated housing is manufactured off-site in advance, usually in simple sections that can easily be shipped and transported. The Australian construction industry creates more than $150b contribution to GDP (10%) of which the prefabricated housing sector is just $4.6b (3%). The sector is expected to grow at more than 5% per annum compared to the overall industry at 2.3% through to 2023.

Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University and board member of Infrastructure Australia says the Australian construction industry is outdated in its design of new developments.

“The past 50 years of urban development in Australia has been based around building unsustainable car-dependent suburbs on the urban fringe. With Australia’s population growth expected to see a 60 per cent increase to 37.6 million people by 2050, the industry needs to look to more cost effective and well designed inner city developments at higher densities.

“Prefabricated housing is a next generation housing construction industry, a game changer in cost of housing, competitiveness, efficiency and productivity. Without leveraging this technology, we will see Australia going backwards as overseas firms meet the needs of our local market,” Professor Newman said.

Sarah Backhouse, CEO of prefabAUS, architect and Melbourne University researcher says there is strong potential for Australia to develop a new manufacturing base centred on 21st century construction innovation and quality.

“In Japan and across Europe, prefabricated housing is widely accepted as a quality alternative to traditional construction due to its speed of delivery, design options and energy efficient choices. This represents exciting opportunities for Australia to innovate as our prefabricated housing industry continues to grow and span not only individual houses but also medium and high density solutions while ensuring we remain globally competitive,” Ms Backhouse said.

Jan Gyrn, from leading Australian prefabrication developer Modscape, says there is huge potential for local manufacturers to adapt to this growth market while providing consumers with innovative designs and choice.

“Over the last decade, we have seen prefabricated housing transition from a temporary building idea to a sophisticated, design-led alternative to traditional construction.

“We have worked on exciting commercial and residential projects which are a far cry from the days of aesthetically boring prefab units and will challenge people’s conceptions of modular buildings.

Today we can leverage the latest technology and manufacturing methods to deliver projects such as Ponyfish Island Bar in Melbourne, which shows innovation and artistic style within a logistically complex location.

By using a modular base we can create almost any configuration of space at any size to suit individual styles, all the while delivering projects at less cost with minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment,” Mr Gyrn said.

Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.nbrsap.com.au/" target="_blank">NBRS + Partners</a>.
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META PrefabAus Hub launched

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The <a href="http://www.impa.org.au/" target="_blank">Inner Melbourne Planning Alliance</a> (IMPA) presented a public forum titled "City in Crisis?" earlier this evening.

A free event, it was held at the Deakin Edge theatre at Federation Square from 6pm until 7:30pm, consisting of a panel of speakers and a Q&amp;A session.

<h2>The questions of concern</h2>

<ol>
<li>What mechanisms will be in place to ensure the design quality and diversity of new residential developments and the associated public spaces that are critical to their success?</li>
	<li>To what extent will the proposed plans provide the amenities needed to service high density communities of the future, including schools and hospitals, public transport or jobs for a future smart economy?</li>
</ol>
<h2>The panelists</h2>

<dl>
<dt>Geoffrey London</dt>
	<dd>Victorian State Government architect</dd>
	<dt>Leanne Hodyl</dt>
	<dd>Melbourne City Council</dd>
	<dt>Robert Larocca</dt>
	<dd>RP Data</dd>
	<dt>Monique Sasson</dt>
	<dd>Independent Property Analyst</dd>
	<dt>Ashley Williams</dt>
	<dd>Evolve Development</dd>
</dl>
Speaker presentations and audience and panel Q&amp;A were moderated by Peter Mares.

<h2>As it happened</h2>

<iframe frameborder="0" height="800px" scrolling="auto" src="//v.24liveblog.com/live/?id=1265724" width="100%"></iframe>
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Public forum, City in Crisis?

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After the release of the draft Fishermans Bend vision in September 2013, on Monday (28/07/14) the Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, announced the approval of the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan (FBSFP).

This will be the primary development guide throughout the four different Fishermans Bend precincts, which will eventually double the size of central Melbourne. Regular readers of Apartments.com.au will be aware of the many different proposals that have already been lodged with the Minister's department (<a href="/developments" target="_blank">we have 14 of them on our Project Database</a>) and in a press release Matthew Guy said:

<blockquote>
Development of Fishermans Bend is a 40-year project but I have approved a limited number of permit applications that will allow some construction to start in the near future. Developers will be required to make financial contributions towards new infrastructure as part of their permit conditions.

Permit applications for land within the precinct would be assessed in the context of the Fishermans Bend SFP. The Metropolitan Planning Authority, which prepared the plan, will become the Responsible Authority for the precinct.
</blockquote>

From October 1 the Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA) will become the responsible authority for the receipt and determination of planning permits in the <a href="http://www.mpa.vic.gov.au/fishermansbendsfp" target="_blank">Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area</a>.

<blockquote>
Applicants are advised to liaise directly with the Central Cities unit of Planning Statutory Services in the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (DTPLI) about all current planning permit applications in Fishermans Bend.

Transitional arrangements ahead of 1 October 2014 will be agreed between prospective applicants, DTPLI and the MPA to determine the best course of action for forthcoming applications. The MPA will coordinate this transition.
</blockquote>

Click any of the images for a full-screen view.

<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/fish_bend_preferred_heights.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Preferred heights from the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan - image © MPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fish_bend_preferred_heights.jpg?itok=7iBySKtg" title="Preferred heights from the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan - image © MPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Preferred heights from the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan - image © MPA</figcaption></figure>The current concentration of planning applications is overwhelmingly centred in the Montague precinct and as shown above, Montague is the area with the most diverse range of preferred discretionary height limits. In amongst the various maps throughout the document suite, Montague is shaded with a "rail investigation area" which correlates with the current Government's recent announcement to route the Melbourne Rail Link through the precinct.

Much of the sustainable transport vision from the Fishermans Bend Draft has been carried over to the FBSFP with Plummer and Fennell Streets forming a high-frequency transit corridor however one key feature has not been carried over: the 'potential future station' in Wirraway (<a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Draft_Vision.pdf" target="_blank">page 39</a> of the draft). The FBSFB outlines a comprehensive network of trams and buses providing the main motorised sustainable transport services and the omission of the "Potential Future Station" in Wirraway originally seen in the draft vision raises questions on how much the PTV heavy rail plan has changed.

<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/fish_bend_sustainable_transport_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sustainable Transport from the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan - image © MPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fish_bend_sustainable_transport_1.jpg?itok=IqAF7fvJ" title="Sustainable Transport from the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan - image © MPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sustainable Transport from the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan - image © MPA</figcaption></figure>One aspect of the draft vision which may have been overlooked and now is quite prominent in the FBSFP (it is key element number 1) is the new street network envisioned for the Sandridge and Wirraway precincts. As the map below indicates, many existing streets and main roads through the entire renewal area will continue to function much as they do now (with a few exceptions such as the extra reservation for widened Plummer/Fennell Streets), however a new grid looks set to form on land that may currently have another use.

Land bankers beware?

<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/fish_bend_civic_new_streets1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New grid layout from the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan - image © MPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fish_bend_civic_new_streets1.jpg?itok=-mVuNBBJ" title="New grid layout from the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan - image © MPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New grid layout from the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan - image © MPA</figcaption></figure>Affordable housing does get a small mention in the land use considerations "affordable housing, including housing managed by Registered Housing Associations, will be strongly encouraged in Fishermans Bend to provide a diverse range of people with access to central city jobs, services and infrastructure. Flexible application of development contributions can be used to encourage affordable housing (see Design Guidance for further details)".

And the Design Guidance states under point 2.5 "Guideline 1: Most developments (over 20 dwellings) are expected to be designed to incorporate a mix of land uses and a diversity of residential typologies and dwelling sizes. Larger developments (over 200 dwellings) should consider including an affordable housing component".

Take from that what you will.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5uR2nZo9TyA" width="100%"></iframe>

Click to view the FBSFP document suite on the <a href="http://www.mpa.vic.gov.au/fishermansbendsfp" target="_blank">MPA's website</a>. Confused about precinct names? The Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure has a map on its <a href="http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/projects-and-programs/fishermans-bend-urban-renewal-project" target="_blank">website</a>.

The Planning Minister's media release in full:

<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7066666666666667" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_11661" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/235249292/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-haJXOICrfa6WFKNwl9Kn&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan released

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Did you know that the City of Melbourne makes up 37% of the Greater Melbourne economy, 27% of the Victorian economy and 6% of the national equivalent? What about the fact that there are 438,793 jobs in the City of Melbourne? Or that in 1990 the median unit price in the City of Melbourne was $148,000?

These are all statistics now extremely easy to access in one place with the release of the <a href="http://melbourne.geografia.com.au/" target="_blank">City of Melbourne Economic Profile on Geografia</a>.

As stated on their <a href="http://geografia.com.au/" target="_blank">about page</a>, Geografia were established in 2005 and is "a specialist social and economic planning, and spatial analysis consultancy" whose approach "combines rigorous statistical methods with on-the-ground research and consultation".

It's pleasing to see this kind of initiative being taken by the City of Melbourne to represent their economic profile in a simple, easy-to-use platform. No-one likes trawling through notoriously hard to find datasets on the ABS website and likewise the inclusion of private sector data - in this case Savills' commercial property prices - rounds the platform out nicely in providing users with a more-than-a-summary snapshot of the City of Melbourne.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/com_geografia.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Economic snapshot, image: Geografia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/com_geografia.jpg?itok=KkcBQVOD" title="Economic snapshot, image: Geografia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Economic snapshot, image: Geografia</figcaption></figure>What's more, the user-friendly platforms don't stop there. As we <a href="/news/urban-forest-visual" target="_blank">previously reported</a>, the City of Melbourne has built a front end to display its raw data from the municipality's <a href="http://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">Open Data Platform</a>.

Some favourites from the Melbourne Open Data platform:

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Transport/Pedestrian-Counts/b2ak-trbp" target="_blank">Pedestrian Counts</a> and <a href="https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Community/Pedestrian-Sensor-Locations-Map/ummz-yqx8" target="_blank">the location of sensors</a>
</li>
	<li><a href="https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Business/Total-Built-Floor-Space-By-Small-Area-2012-Chart/2gcw-gr8s" target="_blank">Total build floor space by small area (2012)</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Community/Public-Memorials-and-Sculptures-Map/9wc4-sxer" target="_blank">Public monuments and sculptures map</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Recreation/Melbourne-Bike-Share-Locations/kgfy-ymmq" target="_blank">Melbourne bike share locations</a></li>
</ul>
Happy data mining!
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City of Melbourne and open data

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During the month of June we welcomed the addition of three new Industry Hub members.

<h2>Communications Collective</h2>

<img alt="" class="image-article_half_width_290px" height="143" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_half_width_290px/public/pictures/article-images/CC_logo_1_small.png?itok=XxqGHr9h" width="290">

<blockquote>
Communications Collective is a leading public relations, corporate communications and event management agency, offering expert consultancy to the property industry. We deliver strategic, focused and creative campaigns that connect, inform, motivate and inspire.
Communications Collective has been working in the Australian property industry since establishment, providing a range of communications solutions.
</blockquote>

<h2>Capital Property Marketing</h2>

<img alt="" class="image-article_half_width_290px" height="140" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_half_width_290px/public/pictures/article-images/capital_marketing_logo_small.jpg?itok=vc6MxpFs" width="290">

<blockquote>
Capital Property Marketing was founded by Bryce Patterson, who brings over 20 years of real estate experience, during which he has been responsible for billions of dollars of property sales.
We specialise in residential project sales and marketing. We pride ourselves on an exemplary track record and our ability to bring a fresh perspective to the industry. We offer expertise in the management of all residential property sales and the implementation of successful marketing strategies to maximise sales results.
</blockquote>

<h2><a href="/developers/icd-property">ICD Property</a></h2>

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<blockquote>
ICD Property (Innovative Construction and Development Pty Ltd) is a Melbourne-based developer with a passion for creating world-leading residential property projects across highrise CBD projects and medium-sized suburban projects.
Our vision is simple – to foster growth and international recognition of the Australian property market.
</blockquote>

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Welcome to new Industry Hub members - June

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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Alastair Taylor

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