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The Victorian Greens have unveiled a 10-year plan to purchase 300 high-capacity trams costing $4.1 billion over the decade and furthermore announced $2.3 billion worth of tram route upgrades, as part of the 2018 state election campaign.

By prioritising the busiest tram routes, the Greens aim to rebuild stops with low-platforms similar to other parts of the network, noting the Disability Discrimination Act of 1992 requires 90% of the network to be accessible by 2017.  As of today, only 25% of the network has accessible tram stops.

Routes 109, 86, 58, 19, 11, 6 and 1 are the highest priority tram routes for upgrades.  These routes also travel through electorates where there are sitting Greens members or attracted a strong vote in the previous election.

<blockquote>
Melburnians love our trams, but right now too many of them are overcrowded, slow and un-accessible. We need investment right now to transform the network.

The busiest and most overcrowded routes will be upgraded first, with level access stops along the entire route, better separation from traffic and traffic light priority. It means better access, more reliability and a better experience for passengers.

The Greens' investment in new high capacity trams will also be on the track sooner by supercharging the manufacturing process right here in Melbourne.
<cite>Sam Hibbins, Greens spokesperson for Transport</cite>
</blockquote>

Route 109 from Box Hill to Port Melbourne has some accessible tram stops however like many other routes, they are inconsistent and predominantly exist only at high patronage stops outside the central city - such as Victoria Gardens in Richmond and at the eastern terminus in Box Hill.

Route 86 which along with the Mernda tram line, is the backbone of north-south public transport through Thornbury, Northcote and Clifton Hill, as well as the main route through Smith Street in Fitzroy, appears second on the list of priorities for investment.

One part of the pledge by the Greens is to manufacture 30 trams per annum in Victoria over 10 years, which accounts for the bulk of the money.  Bombardier are manufacturing E-Class trams in Dandenong however, the Green's policy pledge does not mention a specific manufacturer.

The Greens' statement cites an ABC report that outlines how Melbourne's trams are some of the slowest in the world.  The ABC <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-19/melbourne-trams-among-slowest-in-the-world/8541228">report</a> which in turn cites Yarra Trams' figures claims the average speed of a tram in Melbourne is 16kph outside of the inner city, and 11kph in the CBD.

Route 96 is an existing project that the Green's pledge cites as an example of how tram routes would be upgraded.  Entire routes would have level access/accessible tram stops, higher priority for trams at traffic lights and 'better separation of trams from general traffic' are <a href="https://greens.org.au/sites/default/files/2018-10/Transforming%20Melbourne%27s%20Trams.pdf">mentioned</a>. 

It is unclear whether route &amp; infrastructure upgrades will result in the removal of some or all on-street car parking on narrow roads.
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Alastair Taylor

Victorian Greens unveil $6.4 billion tram network policy

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Terry Rawnsley, principal &amp; partner at SGS Economics &amp; Planning, has completed an analysis that looks at the number of people living, working or undertaking tertiary education near the stations identified in the Andrews Government's proposed Suburban Rail Loop.

The report highlights how significant land-use planning work will be required - particularly along the route's northern flank - and on top of looking at the current state of play, SGS's report also flags certain geographical constraints the route of the Suburban Rail Loop may run into.

The title and question posed in the SGS report -  Will the $50 billion Suburban Rail Loop shape the Melbourne we want? - explains how 'city-shaping' projects can be justified and contrasts two viewpoints: the city we want versus the traditional predict and provide approach to transport planning.

<blockquote>
Major transport projects, like the Suburban Rail Loop, have the potential to reshape the pattern of city development and substantially shift the way businesses and households make choices about location.

What makes a city-shaping project? Generally speaking, a project needs to redefine land markets, housing markets and labour markets to be considered a city shaper. Over the past 25 years, city-shaping projects have played a crucial role in Melbourne’s transformation into a leading knowledge-intensive economy.

City-shaping projects are a powerful and, perhaps, the pre-eminent policy lever for determining city structure. Land use regulation through planning schemes and the like are more likely to play a supplementary role in managing urban development. Which means that city-shaping projects should be considered within the context of a preferred urban structure, that is, ‘creating the sort of city we want’ as opposed to following the more conventional ‘predict and provide’ philosophy where transport investment merely responds to demonstrated demand.
</blockquote>

Using a 2km buffer around each of the stations identified, SGS calculated that if the Suburban Rail Loop were in operation today, 270,600 jobs, 416,100 residents, 212,300 workers and 112,600 higher education students live/work/study in those catchments.

They're meaty set of numbers and the report breaks the SRL line in to three segments - South-East (<a href="/new-apartments/cheltenham-vic-3192">Cheltenham</a> to <a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a>), North-East (Box Hill to the Airport), Western (Airport to <a href="/developments/werribee-vic-3030">Werribee</a>) - and through the analysis, SGS identified the South-East section as having over three quarters of the high-ed enrolments and half of all the jobs, population and workers for the entire 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/sgs_srl_analysis_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Breakdown of population, jobs, workers and enrolled students around the Suburban Rail Loop - image: SGS Economics &amp; Planning"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="235" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sgs_srl_analysis_1.jpg?itok=COSnJ3So" title="Breakdown of population, jobs, workers and enrolled students around the Suburban Rail Loop - image: SGS Economics &amp; Planning" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Breakdown of population, jobs, workers and enrolled students around the Suburban Rail Loop - image: SGS Economics &amp; Planning</figcaption></figure>In the North-Eastern section between Box Hill and the Airport, the report highlights possible geographical challenges for the route, specifically between Box Hill and <a href="/new-apartments/doncaster-vic-3108">Doncaster</a> as well as crossing the Yarra River between Doncaster and <a href="/new-apartments/heidelberg-vic-3084">Heidelberg</a>.

At street level, Box Hill station sits approximately 95m above sea level, Doncaster at 110m (the corner of Doncaster and Manningham Roads) but between the two points, the Eastern Freeway in the Koonung Creek Valley rests at 54m.  This suggests the station at Doncaster, if the entire route will be underground, will be very deep, unless a rail system that can handle 3-4% grades is ultimately chosen &amp; implemented to run the services.

SGS's report notes that the North-Eastern section has half the jobs and higher-education enrolments compared to the South-East section and singles out <a href="/new-townhouses/reservoir-vic-3073">Reservoir</a> and <a href="/developments/fawkner-vic-3060">Fawkner</a> as areas that require catalyst projects to maximise the land-use benefits around those two identified station interchanges.

The report also raises the question of whether the Monash NEIC on the South-East section should include two stations - one at the University campus and another near Ferntree Gully Road - in order to better serve the area.

A comparison is drawn between the South-East section of the Suburban Rail Loop and Sydney's Epping-Chatswood line which opened in 2009 and with stations at <a href="/new-apartments/epping-vic-3076">Epping</a>, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde and <a href="/new-apartments/chatswood-nsw-2067">Chatswood</a>.  This tunnel is to be converted from mainline trains to the exclusive use of the first phase of Sydney Metro.

The reference to the Epping-Chatswood line is poignant as the report notes the patronage for the soon-to-be-converted line was running at 250% above the predicted patronage and it has similar characteristics to the South-East section of the Suburban Rail Loop - connecting universities (Macquarie versus Monash &amp; Deakin), major job nodes (Chatswood, North Ryde and Macquarie Park versus Monash NEIC, <a href="/new-apartments/clayton-vic-3168">Clayton</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/cheltenham-vic-3192">Cheltenham</a> and Box Hill) and emerging high-density residential precincts (Chatswood, Epping versus Box Hill &amp; <a href="/new-apartments/glen-waverley-vic-3150">Glen Waverley</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/sgs_srl_analysis_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Entries/Exits at Epping-Chatswood line stations - image SGS Economics &amp; Planning"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="464" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sgs_srl_analysis_2.jpg?itok=JeqSB9Av" title="Entries/Exits at Epping-Chatswood line stations - image SGS Economics &amp; Planning" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Entries/Exits at Epping-Chatswood line stations - image SGS Economics &amp; Planning</figcaption></figure>For more information on the Suburban Rail Loop see the updated Strategic Assessment documents on <a href="https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/328901/Suburban-Rail-Loop-Strategic-Assessment-.pdf">bigbuild.vic.gov.au</a>

To read the SGS report, click <a href="https://www.sgsep.com.au/news/latest-news/will-50b-suburban-rail-loop-shape-melbourne-we-want">here</a>.
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SGS Economics asks: will the Suburban Rail Loop shape the Melbourne we want?

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I'm back from annual leave, and this week I sit down with Laurence to talk shop about all the Victorian Government's transport projects that were making headlines across August and September.  

This includes the Suburban Rail Loop, the AirRail Melbourne market-led proposal and of course, Melbourne Metro 2.

Please note, the podcast was recorded on the 20th of September.  As always subscribe to our weekly podcast through your favourite podcast app.

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/505799940&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=true&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>

 
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Weekly Podcast: Episode 33 - Suburban Rail Loop and AirRail Melbourne

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One of the more complex level crossing removal sites is set to get underway with the State Government announcing the Mernda railway line and new Reservoir station will be elevated above the intersection of High Street, Broadway, Spring Street, Cheddar Road and Edwardes Street.

Reference drawings published on the Level Crossing Removal Authority's website depict elevated platforms that sit further north compared to the existing at-grade platforms.

One such render also emphasises the new pedestrian links that will be created by elevating the station, connecting Edwardes Street and Broadway through two pedestrian crossings and the station forecourt underneath the new platforms.

According to the State Government, 'on average, 36,000 vehicles travel through the Reservoir level crossing each day with the boom gates down for 24 minutes during the morning peak. In the past decade there were three recorded collisions and one fatality plus 26 near miss incidents at this site.'

Work has begun with site establishment, geotechnical work and the relocation of services kicking off in earnest.  The level crossing removal is expected to be complete by 2020.

<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/reservoir3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Reference design for the new Reservoir station. Image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/reservoir3.jpg?itok=GSPlnKvP" title="Reference design for the new Reservoir station. Image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reference design for the new Reservoir station. Image: LXRA</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Reservoir is one of the locations mooted to include an interchange with the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) - the election proposal by the Andrews Government to build an underground rail line from Cheltenham to the Airport and a mixture of surface and underground track between Melbourne Airport and Werribee.

Should the Andrews Government be re-elected, they have promised to invest in a business case for the SRL which will likely include a reference design for each of the proposed stations.

It's a safe bet the reference design for Reservoir will likely take further connections to an underground set of platforms into account - despite transferring passengers having to traverse at least 4 'levels' to move between platforms (Mernda Line platforms, surface/station entrance level, underground mezzanine, SRL platforms).  

Reservoir and Heidelberg stations would be the two interchange stations likely to see the most transferring passengers headed to the SRL's mooted station at La Trobe University and it will be interesting to see if there are any changes to the design of Reservoir should the Andrews Government be re-elected and pursue the SRL project.
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Reservoir's level crossing removal set to get underway

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The Planning Minister has approved an amendment to the Flinders Bank development to be located on the site of the former Convention Centre, which will pave the way for a St Regis Hotel and apartments to be built on site.

<a href="/news/century-group-lands-australias-first-st-regis-at-flinders-bank">In August Urban.com.au revealed that St Regis</a> had been signed on as the hotel brand and operator for the three tower development. The recent planning approval by the Planning Minister involved reducing the total number of private apartments down to 700. The original permit for the site allowed for 1060 dwellings.

A condition of the approval involved Century Group Aus committing to providing 20 units of affordable housing that will be rentals and priced 50% below the market rate.

Under an agreement with the developer the affordable housing units will be provided 'for the life of the building'. <a href="https://www.afr.com/real-estate/affordable-housing-helps-get-green-light-for-800m-project-20180921-h15p3r">According to the AFR</a>, it is expected the units would be"sold down to private investors for a lower capital value".

This is the first instance where amendments to the Planning and Environment Act undertaken earlier in 2018, have allowed developers and councils to enter into agreements to provide affordable housing within new developments.

The approved amendment to the Flinders Bank development application will also see a public plaza created as well as new pedestrian crossings on Sidderley Street.

Early stages of the development are currently accepting registrations with Colliers running point over the development.

<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/the-st-melb_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St Regis at Flinders Bank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="493" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-st-melb_0.jpg?itok=63YLoXck" title="St Regis at Flinders Bank" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St Regis at Flinders Bank</figcaption></figure>As we revealed back in August, St Regis is one of the latest high-end hotel brands that have been secured in Melbourne. The St Regis brand, after the acquisition of the Starwood group, is now owned by Marriott International.

The mammoth Marriott International group includes other hotel brands like JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, W, Westin, Sheraton, Le Meridien and Aloft.

Ritz-Carlton is set to open at <a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">West Side Place</a> on the former site of The Age on Spencer Street. W has signed on for <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch</a> ('The Pantscraper'), Aloft is signed on to <a href="/new-apartments/402-416-chapel-street-south-yarra">402 Chapel Street</a> in South Yarra.

The Westin is located behind city square, next to the site of the Town Hall Station site, Sheraton is now located in a new building in Little Collins Street and Le Meridien used to be the brand name for the InterContinental next to Rialto.
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Flinders Bank planning amendment to include 20 affordable housing units

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The City of Monash wants to give Oakleigh Station and its immediate surrounds an upgrade through its Oakleigh Activity Centre Transport Interchange proposal. The council is now seeking public comment on the proposal.

The stated themes of the proposal are to enhance Oakleigh’s village character by making pedestrian infrastructure improvements in and around the station, and to encourage ‘higher value use’ of the land around the station.

One aspect of the proposal is to draw pedestrians to use the spaces to both the north and the south of the station. A large car park dominates the southern side at present which as part of the proposal for the station precinct, the City of Monash report shows could be redeveloped into an 8 level building.

Other pockets of land to the north of the station, the side of the station which sees the greatest amount of pedestrian activity, would also be developed albeit at a smaller scale, according to the report.

The report is compiled by Global South with participants BKK Architects, project management and quantity surveyor outfit Rider Levett Bucknall and advisory firm Charter Keck Cramer listed in the introductory section.

Oakleigh Station has seen rail infrastructure changes as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project between Caulfield and Dandenong – the southern-most face of the island platform which use to carry all city-bound trains – will no longer be used with city-bound trains shifting to the northern face of the island and Dandenong-bound trains are using the third separate platform.

<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/oakleigh_preinct2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Overview of the proposal for the Oakleigh Public Transport Interchange. Image: Global South/City of Monash"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/oakleigh_preinct2.png?itok=CInuZL1l" title="Overview of the proposal for the Oakleigh Public Transport Interchange. Image: Global South/City of Monash" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Overview of the proposal for the Oakleigh Public Transport Interchange. Image: Global South/City of Monash</figcaption></figure>The report notes the Level Crossing Removal Authority will be implementing other changes at Oakleigh Station including upgrading the pedestrian underpass including adding lifts, new stairs and upgraded ramps; new station canopies above underpass access ramps; and a new entrance from Haughton Road (the southern station entrance).

The key changes north of the station include creating a new forecourt infront of the station which will "match the pavement of Eaton Mall, and will extend across into Portman Street and the intersection with Station Street, creating continuous, seamless and direct pedestrian movements routes to/from the station”.

No major changes to how buses interact with the precinct are proposed, except buses will no longer be using the existing roundabout.

Surface car park consolidation – in order to better re-use the land for other uses - is another theme of the proposal and the Global South report mentions that the development on the southern car park could be integrated to include public car parking with other live/work uses located above the public car park.  The southern side is part-owned by Council and VicTrack.

Estimates provided by Rider Levett Bucknall and published in one of the appendices of the report put the total cost of the proposal at $14.1 million.  

To view the report and to have your say, see <a href="https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Council/Have-Your-Say/Oakleigh-Public-Transport-Precinct-Proposal">monash.vic.gov.au</a>
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Oakleigh's station precinct plans open for public consultation

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Well and truly into Spring, we've hit peak spring-like weather in Melbourne.  Warm one day, cold for the next three!

I've been on leave for a month so I've added a few of the images posted from August in this month's snapshot.

As always, click the link in the line of text above each image to view more from the project's corresponding forum thread.

The student accommodation project at <a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">1 Flemington Road</a> is turning into a <a href="/news">forum </a><a href="/news">favourite</a> now that it's facade is all but complete.

<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/northmelb1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1 Flemington Road. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="871" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/northmelb1.jpg?itok=lwgmIqeH" title="1 Flemington Road. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Flemington Road. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch</a> at <a href="/news">447 Collins Street</a> is making its mark with the glazing now appearing on the commercial component of the tower(s).

<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/447.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Arch. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/447.jpg?itok=n-etvV6z" title="Collins Arch. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Arch. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/melbourne-village-377-spencer-street-west-melbourne">Melbourne Village</a> in West 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/melb_village.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Village. Image originally posted by UM user redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melb_village.jpg?itok=ugi4-4as" title="Melbourne Village. Image originally posted by UM user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Village. Image originally posted by UM user redden</figcaption></figure><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">80 Collins Street</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/72-82_collins_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="72-82 Collins Street. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="908" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/72-82_collins_0.jpg?itok=LOFtyYcg" title="72-82 Collins Street. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>72-82 Collins Street. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure> 

<a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> is continuing to make an impression among its tall peers.

<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/img_6857.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6857.jpg?itok=qwQnnK43" title="Aurora Melbourne Central. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/elm-stone-387-docklands-drive-docklands">Elm &amp; Stone</a> - Quest Docklands.

<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/img_6631.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elm &amp; Stone. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6631.jpg?itok=kzKjrtuq" title="Elm &amp; Stone. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elm &amp; Stone. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure>​​​​The enormous <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">Melbourne Square</a> site.

<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/p8270829.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square. Image originally posted by UM user redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p8270829.jpg?itok=b4t343ng" title="Melbourne Square. Image originally posted by UM user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square. Image originally posted by UM user redden</figcaption></figure>Not long now for <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">42-50 La Trobe Street</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/img_6829.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="42-50 La Trobe Street. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6829.jpg?itok=WuFU6b1G" title="42-50 La Trobe Street. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>42-50 La Trobe Street. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak​​</figcaption></figure><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">271 Spring Street.</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/img_6804.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="271 Spring Street. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6804.jpg?itok=BZTNSlf4" title="271 Spring Street. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>271 Spring Street. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak </figcaption></figure><a href="/new-apartments/sky-one-box-hill-545-563-station-street-box-hill">Sky One, Box Hill.</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/img_6258.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sky One Box Hill. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6258.jpg?itok=HsLsJ7d9" title="Sky One Box Hill. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sky One Box Hill. Image originally posted by Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure>​​​​​​
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A snapshot of Melbourne's construction - September 2018

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When governments are willing to commit upwards of $10 billion and the private sector is willing to tip in a further $5 billion, it's safe to say Melbourne Airport's long-awaited airport link will happen.

What shape or form the link will take is another question altogether.

Securing the best corridor for the track, placing an appropriate amount of stations along the line and figuring out an optimal frequency of service are all important tasks, however another is setting the correct fare level and ensuring there's enough connectivity to make the link a success from day one.

Many people would be familiar with how fares are set for Sydney and Brisbane's airport trains - Sydney has an airport access fee ($14.30 on top of the distance-based fare) and Brisbane adds a surcharge on top of its zone-based fare system - but there are also relevant &amp; recent international examples of new airport rail links.

In 2015 Toronto was scratched off the <a href="https://www.ptua.org.au/2015/10/29/busiest-airports-rail/">list the PTUA maintains</a> of large airports without a rail link when it opened the Union-Pearson Express; a four station service between Union Station in central Toronto, two suburban stations which connect with various other public transport services and the final station at Toronto's Pearson International airport.

It's a dedicated airport service running on a frequency of four trains an hour - every 15 minutes - and the journey takes 25 minutes.  As I've <a href="/news/is-torontos-airport-rail-link-a-model-for-melbourne">written before</a>, the similarities between Melbourne &amp; Tullamarine and Toronto &amp; Pearson are uncanny. The service is operated by the Ontario provincial level agency Metrolinx which is similar to PTV.

When it began operating, one-way fares were set to an eye-wateringly high $27.50CAD if you paid with cash or if you used the local smart card, called Presto, the fare was $19.00CAD. The Australian and Canadian dollars for the past decade have ebbed and flowed around parity, the current exchange rate is $1AUD = $0.94CAD.

Local and <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/union-pearson-express-ridership-slumps-to-all-time-low/article28634074/">national Canadian press</a> back in early 2016 reported on the patronage slump after the Pan-American games were held in Toronto (2015) citing fare levels as culprit.  A year after substandard patronage performance, fares were slashed by over 50% to $12.00 CAD if paying by cash or $9.,00CAD if using the local smart card.

Not surprisingly patronage trebled after the fare cuts and more people started using the service between the two intermediate suburban stations and Union in central Toronto.  

The AirRail Melbourne proposal unveiled last weekend came with a projected fare that is likely to be 'under $20'.  The current skybus fare is $18.  Compare with a myki money zone 1 &amp; 2, 2 hour fare: $4.30 (or a daily $8.60).

It's not inconceivable that the overwhelming majority of people who will use the Melbourne Airport Rail Link will use another public transport service to get to an Airport Link station and therefore will either be paying the 2 hour or daily myki fare as well as the fare to the airport - just like how passengers need to pay the myki and skybus fares separately now.

A $20 airport link fare plus $4.30-$8.60 is putting the total cost of getting to the airport via public transport into the mid 20s, almost $30 category, similar to the fares that Toronto started with (for balance, Toronto's TTC subways, trams and buses operate on pay-per journey basis, it costs $3.00CAD for each journey).

Aside from fares, there are other lessons to learn from the Toronto experience, as outlined in <a href="http://humantransit.org/2016/03/keys-to-great-airport-transit">this article</a> by Jarrett Walker.  Although the Melbourne Airport Rail Link will likely tick Jarrett's a few boxes on that articles list - namely ensuring the rail line serves more than one destination.

However should the Melbourne Airport Rail Link as we understand it to run from the city to Sunshine and the airport also extend to Broadmeadows to maximise connections from day one?

"Combine air travelers and airport employees on the same train/bus" is one of Jarrett's key points - Sunshine ensures employees living immediately west of the airport will have an easy connection, adding Broadmeadows will ensure airport employees living anywhere between Moonee Ponds and Craigieburn have an easy connection. 

The Suburban Rail Loop would extend that connectivity to both employee and passenger alike to the rest of northern and north-eastern Melbourne.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://railgallery.wongm.com/metro-trains-melbourne-northern-group/E108_4197.jpg">Marcus Wong</a>.
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Is $20 a reasonable fare for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link?

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<h2>Comment</h2>

If the voting public are to take the Andrews Government's <a href="/news/victorian-government-unveils-suburban-rail-loop-election-proposal">Suburban Rail Loop</a> proposal on face value, over time, Melbourne will have a train line from Cheltenham to Werribee via the north-east and Melbourne Airport.

But will it be a 'single' train line - for example, the same service, no matter which part of the new rail line you are traveling on? 

Business case development currently underway for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL) and - should the Andrews Government be re-elected - the Suburban Rail Loop, will determine that outcome however, there may be some benefit to developing what in effect would be two separate rail lines to form the one greater loop line.

In recent days we saw a private proposal dubbed 'AirRail Melbourne' which is concerned with building a new railway from Southern Cross to the Airport via Sunshine and as I mentioned in my <a href="/news/ifms-airrail-melbourne-proposal-helps-other-projects-to-get-financed">commentary</a>, that specific railway is unlikely to cost $15 billion in total and the private investment - to the tune of $5 billion - would give governments the choice to reallocate funds to expanding other rail corridors and introducing new metro and regional services.

AirRail Melbourne, the proposal which will seek to use the market-led infrastructure process set up by the Victorian Treasury, positions itself to take a bet each way on how other projects might work with it. 

For instance, extrapolating the AirRail Melbourne proposal we might foresee a new dedicated line built Southern Cross - Sunshine - Airport and a new track pair from Sunshine - Deer Park - Wyndham Vale to the Geelong/Werribee line junction. Likewise, governments will have a choice to position the MARL/AirRail Melbourne line as a future path for Bendigo and Seymour-Shepparton services just like how the Rail Futures Institute has advocated for in the past.

Governments might even choose to extend the track eastward to form the wider Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) too.

<h2>But should they?</h2>

When the SRL was unveiled by the Premier, the eastern and northern sections on the map looked somewhat obvious - by simply looking at the map we can see its purpose is to move people around the middle suburbs between the existing radial network of metropolitan and regional services.

The western section looked undercooked, but one suspects that's because of the already announced business case development work occuring for the MARL and look at the situation now - the State Government called for expressions of interest to participate last week and already a well-rounded proposal has had its 15 minutes in the sun.

The passenger movement task to and around the west is different to the northern and eastern sections of the SRL - the west has far more complexity: High-speed rail to Geelong, city to airport services, should MARL be used in future for Bendigo and Seymour-Shepparton?

And so it follows, might - or should - the Suburban Rail Loop as Melbourne's orbital rail line, be two different systems given the two broad passenger movement tasks in different regions of the metropolitan area?

If we assume the western side of the city will proceed with the MARL or something like the AirRail Melbourne proposal which includes rail corridor expansion to the west, the SRL from the Airport to Cheltenham could be a separate rail system akin to what the Sydney Metro is to the wider rail network in Metroplitan Sydney (and regional NSW).

<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/projects-stations-bukitbintang-02-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bukit Bintang station on Kuala Lumpur's newest MRT line SBK9 - image: my-mrt.my"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/projects-stations-bukitbintang-02-1.jpg?itok=zAOmBLiD" title="Bukit Bintang station on Kuala Lumpur's newest MRT line SBK9 - image: my-mrt.my" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bukit Bintang station on Kuala Lumpur's newest MRT line SBK9 - image: <a href="http://mymrt-underground.com.my/projects/sungai-buloh-kajang-sbk-line/">my-mrt.my</a></figcaption></figure>I was recently in Kuala Lumpur, where last year they opened the second and final phase of that city's latest MRT line.  It's a turn-key system, with portions of underground and elevated track broadly connecting through the centre of KL and out to the east and west of the Klang Valley.

We know the Andrews Government has cornered themselves into an underground rail line from Cheltenham to Broadmeadows and some of the most expensive components of underground railway construction are the stations.  The bigger the station, the higher the cost as the rule of thumb goes.

On the Metro Tunnel project, the five stations are enormous - in platform length in particular - to cater for lengthened trains. Upwards of 220 metres.

On KL's Line SBK Line 9 (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sungai_Buloh%E2%80%93Kajang_MRT_line">Sungai Buloh-Kajang 9</a>), trains are just as wide and each four-car train has a similar capacity as our standard metro trains in Melbourne (3-3.1m &amp; 1,200 passengers per train) but with only four cars, the trains are shorter and therefore platform length requirements are shorter as well. The trains are 90 metres in length.

The enormous capacity of the comparatively short trains is achieved with longitudinal seating and wide, open gangways between carriages. The trains are also driverless, centrally controlled with platform screen doors at all stations.

The Andrews Government claims the SRL will enable trips from Cheltenham to the Airport in 45 minutes, and it's likely that the majority of trips on the line (should it be built) will be much shorter and minimal seating in longitudinal configuration - in order to create scalability over time - would likely be acceptable to most people given the line's purpose is to rapidly move people between lines and to the newly served employment, shopping and education precincts.

Food for thought.

Lead image credit: Bukit Bintang station, <a href="http://mymrt-underground.com.my/projects/sungai-buloh-kajang-sbk-line/">my-mrt.my</a>
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Might the Suburban Rail Loop be two separate rail systems?

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It might have appeared to slip under the radar, but the IFM Investors-led consortium's<a href="/news/consortium-proposes-market-led-super-train-for-melbourne-airport-rail-link"> AirRail Melbourne proposal</a> has already had a long life, with work commencing over a year ago.

IFM Investors was set up by industry super funds to manage their investments.  It has stakes in Asia Pacific Airports which owns the lease and operates Melbourne Airport, and IFM also own the 30-year concession for Southern Cross Station.

The consortium behind the AirRail Melbourne proposal unveiled on the weekend, also includes Metro Trains Melbourne who in turn is majority-owned by Hong Kong's MTR corporation with John Holland and UGL Rail rounding out the minority shareholders.

The consortium brings substantial rail and aviation experience in addition to institutional finance to the table, with a spokesperson confirming the proposal had not appeared out of thin air, having undertaken a year's worth of work before the unveiling.

Speaking to Apartments.com.au, a spokesperson confirmed that IFM Investors expects to use the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance's <a href="https://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/infrastructure-investment/market-led-proposals">market-led proposal process</a> which should it progress toward the end of Stage 2, we're likely to see far greater detail released into the public domain.

The proposal is rail technology agnostic at this stage and the corridor and references to other government or election initiatives are deliberately open, owing to the many moving parts, chief of which is the state election in a few months time and the Melbourne Airport Rail Link business case which is currently underway.

It was only last week that the state government called for expressions of interest to participate in the Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL) and it will be interesting to see if any other well-rounded proposals such as AirRail Melbourne come to light.  

<h2>Comment</h2>

One can't help but focus on the main organisation which is leading the consortium - they're in the investment and superannuation business. 

Committing a further $5 billion on top of the Federal and State Government's $10 billion is likewise interesting because it's like the Southern Cross, Sunshine and Airport stations, tunnels and tracks and rolling stock will not cost $15 billion. This throws up the opportunity for the joint commitment of $10 billion to be reallocated between the Airport Rail Link and projects like quadruplications in the west.

Remember, as part of the initial Melbourne Airport Rail Link announcement by the State Government in July, part of the business case was to investigate how to get 'high speed rail' to Geelong.  What high-speed actually means is anyone's guess, but the AirRail Melbourne documents published to date hint at it: it's about further separating metro and V/Line services in the west.

The groundwork for Melton electrification is currently underway with track duplication from Deer Park to Melton, and the Regional Rail Link unable to handle both Geelong and outer Melbourne suburban passenger commutes for much longer.

The Regional Rail Link was built for $3.65 billion; quadruplicating Sunshine-Deer Park-West Werribee won't cost as much - but rebuilding Sunshine station along with its rail junction won't be cheap. 

If it costs $15 billion to get the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, with its dedicated tracks between Sunshine and the city boosting rail capacity even further, as well as adding even more track (and services) to the outer west, we're looking at widespread benefits.

We'll have to wait for the outcome of the state election and the release of the business case, but the AirRail Melbourne proposal (or a competing proposal if the market-led process eventually turns into a tender) has appeared at a good time.
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IFM's AirRail Melbourne proposal helps other projects to get financed

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

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

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

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

Alastair Taylor

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