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Mere days have passed since the Andrews Government <a href="/news/registrations-of-interest-to-participate-in-the-melbourne-airport-rail-link-project-open">called for expressions of interest</a> from organisations wishing to participate in the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and on Sunday morning a consortium led by IFM Investors has gone one better unveiled a market-led proposal to do the link.

The consortium is led by IFM Investors which has a stake in the entities that hold the assets and operate both Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross station (both the airport and station appear on the list for the consortium in their own right).  Metro Trains Australia is also listed on AirRail Melbourne webpage - it is the operator of Melbourne's rail network, which is a brand-name for consortium headlined by Hong Kong-based MTR.

The AirRail Melbourne proposal, as the consortium has dubbed it, would include 27km of new dedicated tracks between Southern Cross, Sunshine and the Airport with two sections of tunnels - between West Melbourne and West Footscray, and the 'last mile' into the airport precinct and an underground airport station.

The proposal seeks to align itself with state government initiatives - utilising Sunshine as a hub for multiple interchange opportunities (Vlines from Ballarat, Geelong &amp; Bendigo as well as Metro tunnel services to the south-east) and the consortium says it is happy to stump up $5 billion of private money to add to the already publicly committed $10 billion.

20/10 are the key numbers to remember - a 20 minute journey with a peak frequency of 10 minutes.  A media release from the consortium said it envisions tickets to be integrated into the myki ticket system with a 'fair' price of less than $20.

Read more at <a href="https://www.airrailmelbourne.com.au/">airrailmelbourne.com.au</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/airrailmelb_fact.png" rel="gallery-all" title="AirRail Melbourne proposal overview - image: IFM Investors"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="628" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/airrailmelb_fact.png?itok=szXe5cwE" title="AirRail Melbourne proposal overview - image: IFM Investors" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>AirRail Melbourne proposal overview - image: IFM Investors</figcaption></figure><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uwe3Dzh0S8Y" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>Comment</h2>

Despite a lot of money being spent on visualisations for what looks to be the start of a reference design for stations, there are some other key concepts outlined in documents released on Sunday which point to a more fluid assessment process.

Chief among them is how this link might integrate with the Suburban Rail Loop - a key election proposal for the Andrews Government.  Maps published on Sunday depict the SRL connecting at Melbourne Airport but a question of what is trying to be achieved must be answered.

The Andrews Government has made it clear that should they be re-elected in November the SRL will kick-off the planning and business case process with a $300 million commitment in 2019 and to date, the state government has been referring to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link as the north-western section of the entire loop line.

Having a private section of the line might make things more complex - for instance should the private proposal from IFM Investors get up in some shape or form, has that locked in the rail technology for the rest of the Suburban Rail Loop line?

There are many moving parts, the most important of which is the state election, and IFM's claim that building the link could start 'within 2 years' might be true if the Airport Rail Link was to be built in isolation, however there's now a much grander rail vision for Melbourne than just the Airport Rail Link and the decisions made on this private proposal will have ramifications for the Suburban Rail Loop or any other proposal the opposition may come up with.
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Alastair Taylor

Consortium proposes market-led 'Super Train' for Melbourne Airport Rail Link

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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan have announced that registrations of interest to participate in the Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL) have opened.

Seeking to "help the government assess which organisations have the experience and capability to help bring the project to fruition, as well as gauging the interest of potential private sector investors and operators," the ROI period has opened before a finalised business case for the project has been completed.

Spring Street has previously confirmed it will contribute up to $5 billion to the project, matching the commitment from the Federal Government under the stewardship of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.  

Rail Projects Victoria lead the registration of interest campaign while the full business case continues to be developed after the State Government settled on the route - from the City to Airport via Sunshine - a month ago.

The Melbourne Airport Rail Link will form the north-western section of the Government's latest election promise, the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) and when the business case for the MARL is complete, we're likely to have a better picture of what the wider SRL will look like - if the Andrews Government is returned in November.

<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/marl-sunshine-map.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The route of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link. Image: bigbuild.vic.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/marl-sunshine-map.jpg?itok=rHskQrPt" title="The route of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link. Image: bigbuild.vic.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The route of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link. Image: <a href="https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/airport-rail-link">bigbuild.vic.gov.au</a></figcaption></figure>The Registration of Interest <a href="https://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/327969/MARL-ROI.pdf">form</a> seeks input from three specific industry sectors - designers, engineers, rail systems providers and manufacturers; financiers; and property developer - in order to develop an understanding of organisations that are interested in the MARL.  The registration form also makes a clear point that the "ROI process is not a pre-qualification for any formal procurement process."

In the property space, Rail Projects Victoria wants to hear from "master developers with experience in large-scale mixed-use precinct developments and developers with experience in integrated property development which may include a combination of retail, commercial or residential development, on or around transport infrastructure."

Despite an election to be held in November which will determine if the Suburban Rail Loop proceeds - as the MARL and the SRL have been linked by the Andrews Government - the outcomes of the MARL business case will no doubt set the tone for the SRL's business case which pending re-election would commence in 2019.

For more information, see <a href="https://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/rail-projects-victoria#utm_source=rpv&amp;utm_medium=redirect&amp;utm_content=railprojects&amp;utm_campaign=shorturl">Rail Projects Victoria</a>.
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Registrations of Interest to participate in the Melbourne Airport Rail Link project open

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<h2>Comment</h2>

A byproduct of the Andrews Government unveiling their election policy to take the Surban Rail Loop (SRL) concept to the next election is that it has raised many more questions than there are answers for.

After digesting the eye-popping numbers - around 50km of tunnels, a projected 400,000 passengers per day once the entire line is complete and up to $50 billion in costs - you can be forgiven for questioning how it may be built, let alone financed.

Fifty kilometres of tunnels is a very big number, regardless of whether the plan is to build it in phases. Conventional wisdom dictates much of the tunnel would be constructed using Tunnel Boring Machines and after the tunnel construction is complete, the TBMs are buried or dismantled and removed.

Two days after the SRL unveiling, another media release was shot out of the Department of Premier and Cabinet stating that Holmesglen Institute will host the new Victorian Tunnelling Centre. $16 million will pay for a replica tunnel "with a full-height entrance, three multi-purpose engineering workrooms and training facilities including tunnel shaft and concrete lining spray simulators, as well as virtual reality experiences," according to the <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/tunnelling-centre-to-train-thousands-of-local-workers/">media release</a>.

The media release also states that Herrenknecht, the manufacturer of the TBMs to be used on the Melbourne Metro Tunnel project, will set up a local office and "maintenance facility and begin investigations to recycle these massive pieces of machinery locally, for deployment on new projects in Victoria’s infrastructure pipeline."

All these pieces falling into place look to avert the possible labour and plant cost risk of building many big tunneled projects at one time.

<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/syd_metro_overview.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Overview of Sydney Metro - image: Planning NSW"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/syd_metro_overview.png?itok=9_iKCEWN" title="Overview of Sydney Metro - image: Planning NSW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Overview of Sydney Metro - image: <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Assess-and-Regulate/State-Significant-Projects/Sydney-Metro/Overview">Planning NSW</a></figcaption></figure>Likewise, let's look northwards to see what's been happening and what is happening in Sydney.

Next year the first phase of the Sydney metro will open between Chatswood and Tallawong in Sydney's outer north-west.  The first phase of the project has seen 15km of new tunnels, an elevated section and multiple new stations to serve the growth areas on the outskirts of Sydney.

Crucially, Sydney Metro is repurposing the 13km tunnels (and 5 stations) between Epping and Chatswood which only opened for service in 2009.

The second phase of the metro line will run from Chatswood through another set of new tunnels measuring 15.5km under Port Jackson through the city and out to Sydenham where the line will then repurpose existing track to Bankstown.

In all, the first Sydney Metro line will be 66km in length and 66% (43.5km) will be in tunnels. 43.5 kilometres of tunnel - 2 brand new, 1 not 10 years old as yet - is somewhat comparable to the Suburban Rail Loop concept and the Premier's comments that the line will be underground from Cheltenham to Broadmeadows/Airport.

When you look at what's happening north of the Murray, suddenly 50km of tunnels in Melbourne, which is on the same population trajectory as Sydney, doesn't seem to be as out there as one may have thought it was. Casual reminder: the rail tunnels in NSW don't stop with the first metro line, the Sydney Metro West project is set to potentially add another 20km to the underground repertoire. 

Of course, some might point to the many more stations the first Sydney metro line will have - and it's a valid point, but we need to remember the first phase of the project is like adding another radial line in Melbourne - metropolitan Sydney still has many 'gaps' in the middle and outer suburbs and the first phase of the metro project up north is plugging one of the two main gaps. 

The other is the northern beaches which now has its own BRT line.
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50 kilometres of tunnel for the Suburban Rail Loop is not as eye-popping as you might think

What's happening in the suburbs the Suburban Rail Loop might link?

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The Premier last night, through his facebook page, gave a media alert of sorts for a big announcement to happen at 7am this morning and sure enough it was right.

For so long orbital connections in Melbourne have been all about freeways - take the North East Link, it's the final piece of our primary rail network - and now the ALP Government is taking an orbital rail network to the November state election.

All rail lines, except Alamein &amp; Sandringham, will have a connection to the new underground line and all middle and National Employment and Innovation Clusters will be linked.  The only clusters not directly serviced by this line would be Parkville, Fishermans Bend and Dandenong South.

The Government asserts 400,000 passengers will use the line every day and over 20,000 jobs will be created during what one can only presume will be a very long construction phase.

And the pricetag? A cool $50 billion.

<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDanielAndrewsMP%2Fvideos%2F268286560488175%2F&amp;show_text=1&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe>

At a press conference held subsequently after we first published the Premier and Public Transport Minister outlined other project parameters:

<ul>
<li>The project will be built in phases with the first to be the Cheltenham to Box Hill section.  The Premier also mentioned that the North West section (between the Airport and Sunshine) is already underway in the form of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.</li>
	<li>The Premier said the Cheltenham to Melbourne Airport section will be entirely underground, that's over a whopping 50 kilometres.</li>
	<li>If the Andrews Government has been re-elected, the detailed planning and geotech work will begin early next year as part of the $300 million to be allocated toward planning.</li>
	<li>The Premier also said the project, championed by Jacinta Allan, has seen internal department work on the concept for over 12 months.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment &amp; analysis</h2>

Given the volume of money to be set aside for planning - $300 million - the project appears to have progressed far beyond just a concept internally.  That is the kind of money you'd expect to be spent for a major project such as this to progress to construction.

Other media are reporting 12 stations as stated in video published by the Premier at 7am this morning however any Melburnian will know there are huge areas - especially in the west - that if 12 stations was the total would go unserved.  One suspects more stations will be announced should the government be re-elected and the planning work kicks off in earnest (that's what business cases are for).

Likewise, there's a big question on the type of trains to be used.  At 400,000 passengers per day once complete as the government has claimed - which would make it the most heavily patronised rail lines in the city if not the country - the trains will presumably be 'heavy' but will the project be built to the same rail specifications as the rest of the network or will this be a chance to do what the NSW government has done and introduce a new operationally independent rail service utilising driverless trains?

$50 billion is eye-watering and paying for it will be interesting - less so if construction of the entire line is phase and scheduled to be complete over a longer period of time - however we need only look at the work Infrastructure Victoria is and has been doing on value capture.

The<a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/monash-employment-cluster/"> Monash NEIC</a>, Deakin University in Burwood, Box Hill, <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/la-trobe-employment-cluster/">La Trobe NEIC</a>, Melbourne Airport, <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/sunshine-employment-cluster/">Sunshine NEIC</a> and <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/east-werribee-employment-precinct/">Werribee NEIC</a> are all in the path of this new rail line and as we've reported on time and time again on Apartments.com.au are all centres that are already seeing significant residential or commercial development.  Throw in other established job precincts at Heatherton between Cheltenham and Clayton, Glen Waverley itself, Broadmeadows and it's not hard to see how the line could get people out of cars and on to PT.
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Victorian Government unveils Suburban Rail Loop election proposal

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The ALP Andrews Government has rolled out another November election commitment, pledging to duplicate the Cranbourne line and committed to start the planning process which will see the line extended to Clyde.

The Coalition opposition <a href="/news/victorian-opposition-commits-to-extending-cranbourne-line-if-elected-in-november">unveiled plans</a> to extend the Cranbourne line a few weeks ago, however in their election commitment duplication of the Cranbourne line was to come after an extension.

The ALP's commitment also comes with a service frequency pledge - a train every 10 minutes - as well as a package of works at the major junctions along the further up the line at Dandenong and Caulfield.

<blockquote>
Tracks will also be upgraded around Caulfield station, where the Frankston line splits off from the Cranbourne-Pakenham line, and around Dandenong station where the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines separate.

This will help move trains more quickly through these stations, cutting delays and getting people home sooner.
<cite>Premier's media release</cite>
</blockquote>

The price tag outlined for the duplication and Dandenong/Caulfield improvement works is $750 million according to the Andrews Government, and adds to the billions of rail investments already committed in the area.

Fourteen of the fifty level crossing removal projects are on the Pakenham/Cranbourne lines. Nine are complete with two on the Cranbourne branch underway and a further three at planning on the Pakenham branch; on Saturday Hughesdale re-opened to passengers.

A massive new train maintenance and storage depot for the High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMTs) is under construction in Pakenham East, the power systems are in a state of upgrade to cater for the new trains and a new signalling system will be deployed between Dandenong and Sunshine once the Pakenham/Cranbourne lines join the Sunbury line through the Melbourne Metro Tunnel.

In terms of yesterday's announcement, $7 million has been committed to the planning to extend the Cranbourne line to Clyde. The Andrews Government, in contrast to the opposition, insists duplication of the track between Dandenong and Cranbourne must occur first before an extension project can occur.

<h2>Analysis &amp; Comment</h2>

The multiple billions that have been or will be invested into this rail corridor highlight how much underinvestment in rail there has been over the decades.

The power and signaling upgrades represent a multi-generational leap in technology available for rail services in the area (it also highlights how daunting the task will be to upgrade other lines in future) and will no doubt serve the city for many decades.

One thing we have not seen an explicit commitment to is finally putting the entire line on concrete sleepers - there are small sections of old wooden sleepers, particularly through stations that haven't been upgraded as part of the level crossing removal project.

The investment in Caulfield is welcome as well because at the moment trains are forced to slow down to cross over the pedestrian subway which forms the main access to the station and the junction with Frankston line involves sharp movements which make for a less-than-par passenger experience.

What else would we like to see happen? Everything announced, under construction or committed to has ticked all the boxes except for a project to improve speeds between Caulfield and the Metro tunnel portal. 

Pakenham/Cranbourne/Gippsland trains are forced to slow when entering and exiting Hawksburn and Armadale station areas on their express runs. Given all trains on Pakenham/Cranbourne/Gippsland do not stop at any of the intermediate stations, improving track geometry by shaving back station platforms will increase speeds and thus overall passenger carrying capacity on the track pair.  
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South-east Melbourne's railway upgrades continue with Cranbourne duplication election announcement

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The Victorian Greens have announced that as part of their 2018 election pitch, $100 million would be allocated to begin the planning for the Melbourne Metro 2 project, which seeks to build a rail tunnel from Clifton Hill to Newport via Fishermans Bend, and link the Mernda and Werribee train lines.

In policy documents published on the Greens' <a href="https://greens.org.au/sites/default/files/2018-08/Greens%20MM2%20Initiative.pdf">website</a>, the party describes Melbourne Metro 2 as "a sustainable alternative to mega road projects like the East-West link, the West Gate Tunnel, and the North East Link by providing residents in Melbourne’s North, West and Fishermans Bend with reliable high capacity metro rail service."

The Greens cite preliminary costs devised by AECOM and PWC for Infrastructure Victoria's 30 year infrastructure strategy  - $15 billion to $23 billion 'over 10 years' - and for the most part, a map drawn up by the party depicts the same number of stations as the project that was modelled for Infrastructure Victoria.

The promised $100 million would be used to pay for a business case, detailed costings, and a cost-benefit analysis to "define the best alignment and technical requirements for the implementation of the project."

Greens MP for Prahran and Transport spokesperson, Sam Hibbins, said "Melbourne Metro 2 is The Greens alternative to the old parties’ obsession with toll roads, and is essential to reduce congestion and protect Melbourne’s liveability with a growing population."  He added "No party can have any credibility on public transport unless they commit to planning for Melbourne Metro 2 now."

The Greens policy pledge also includes creating a new branch line from the Mernda line to Wollert, and extending metro services from Werribee to Wyndham Vale.

<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/metro_2_map_final_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Greens' vision for Melbourne Metro 2 - image: The Greens Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="451" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/metro_2_map_final_1.png?itok=rhPhyLxg" title="The Greens' vision for Melbourne Metro 2 - image: The Greens Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Greens' vision for Melbourne Metro 2 - image: <a href="https://greens.org.au/vic/news/greens-commit-melbourne-metro-2">The Greens Victoria</a></figcaption></figure>In Fishermans Bend, the party's map remains neutral on station placement simply referring to Fishermans Bend station 1 and 2.  Like in the Fishermans Bend <a href="http://www.fishermansbend.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/87071/Draft-Fishermans-Bend-Framework-LR.pdf">draft framework plan</a> where it appears the Greens' policy platform is drawing inspiration, there have been two alternative routes (and therefore two sets of station placements within the renewal area) proposed.

Both alignments include a station located within the Sandridge Precinct, with the choice then between a station within the Employment Precinct or the Wirraway precinct.

The new branch line to Wollert would start at Lalor according to the Greens policy and include 4 new stations to service the new suburban areas stuck halfway between the new Mernda extension and the Craigieburn line.

The party cites a 117% population growth figure by 2031 in regards to the Wyndham Vale extension where, at Black Forest Road, a new station would be built to facilitate interchange between Geelong regional services and Metro to better service the East Werribee National Employment and Innovation Cluster.

Both the Wollert and Wyndham Vale extensions would be studied as part of the Melbourne Metro 2 planning process.
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Greens add Melbourne Metro 2 to their 2018 election platform

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The City of Melbourne's Urban Forest Fund and initiative which aims to increase greenery throughout the municipality is set to open up for the second round of funding toward the end of August.

First round funding drew high levels of interest from developers and building managers according to the City of Melbourne and in the second round, successful applicants will have their project's cost matched dollar for dollar.

Grant funding is available from $25,000 to $500,000 which means the minimum value of a project that will be eligible is $50,000.

The Urban Forest Fund currently has $1.2 million in seed funding and the City of Melbourne is seeking contributions from other organisations and individuals who wish to see a greener city.

<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/01-greening-howlett.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Greening Howlett Street - a first round funding project. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/01-greening-howlett.jpg?itok=SKJtORZ8" title="Greening Howlett Street - a first round funding project. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Greening Howlett Street - a first round funding project. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>One of the successful applicants from the first round of funding in 2017 was the <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/parks-open-spaces/urban-forest-fund/Pages/greening-howlett-street.aspx">Greening Howlett Street</a> project.

<blockquote>
The Howlett Street complex consists of 45 apartments. It has an outdoor common area running through the centre of the property, providing a publicly accessible connection from Smithfield Road to Howlett Street.

As it currently stands, the area has very little greenery and frequently encounters flooding issues. Due to the lack of attractive communal spaces, residents don’t often interact with their neighbours or use their outdoor space. 

Inspired by the opportunity to create a more inviting common area, the residents came together to improve their living environment. The residents, coming from a diverse background of owners and renters, families and singles and different generations, have pooled their resources together to design a project that not only enhances greening outcomes, but also creates rich cohesive spaces for tenants and for the neighbourhood as a whole. 

"We had just started a community garden club which was really popular, and this grant seemed like the perfect opportunity to expand on the community benefits that we were seeing from that project. We wanted to bring our community together and create an attractive and unique space that we could all benefit from."

- Milla Mihailova, Howlett Street Resident 
</blockquote>

A landscape architect was employed to create a green infrastructure design plan and the project will see 1653 new plants and 122 square metres of new green vegetation.

Information sessions on round two funding will be held on 13 August, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm and 6 September, 5:00pm – 6:00pm at Council House 2 (240 Little Collins Street) and applications open on August 27th and close on October 22nd.

For more information see <a href="http://melbourne.vic.gov.au/urbanforestfund">melbourne.vic.gov.au</a>.
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City of Melbourne's Urban Forest Fund will open up to second phase grants on Aug 27th

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It's the last month of winter but that hasn't stopped Apartments.com.au <a href="/news">forum</a> members from contributing their photos to the forum.

There are some notable completions this month, especially up in Brunswick where the intersection of Brunswick Road and Lygon Street has been completely transformed.

In the CBD, Collins House - notable due to its tiny footprint yet respectable height of just under 200 metres - is progressing well above the neighbouring buildings.

As always, don't forget to click on the project names to view more construction images on the forum.

<a href="/news">Capitol Grand, South Yarra</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/p7310672.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Capitol Grand - image originally posted by Urban.com.au 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/p7310672.jpg?itok=grlnyvAi" title="Capitol Grand - image originally posted by Urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Capitol Grand - image originally posted by Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure><a href="/news">Queens Place</a> joining the 'that's a big pit' club.

<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/p7310666.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queens Place - image originally posted by Urban.com.au 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/p7310666.jpg?itok=JGVKy8yQ" title="Queens Place - image originally posted by Urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queens Place - image originally posted by Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure><a href="/news">Rima and 8 Lygon Street</a> in Brunswick now 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/img_3756.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rima &amp; 8 Lygon 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_3756.jpg?itok=1kT1FUoo" title="Rima &amp; 8 Lygon Street - image originally posted by Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rima &amp; 8 Lygon Street - image originally posted by Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure><a href="/news">Aurora Melbourne Central</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_3542.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_3542.jpg?itok=ziwLApYt" 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="/news">380 Melbourne</a> excavation and early works are continuing.

<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/p7310660.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="380 Melbourne - image originally posted by Urban.com.au 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/p7310660.jpg?itok=1qYiaq2V" title="380 Melbourne - image originally posted by Urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>380 Melbourne - image originally posted by Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure>The paper-thin and 195 metre tall <a href="/news">Collins House</a> at 466 Collins Street is progressing well above the neighbouring buildings.

<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/p7270646.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins House - image originally posted by Urban.com.au 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/p7270646.jpg?itok=RGPv2-yu" title="Collins House - image originally posted by Urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins House - image originally posted by Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure><a href="/news">Supply Co</a> in Richmond seeing its finishing touches applied.

<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_3960.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Supply Co - 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_3960.jpg?itok=rszxwXqt" title="Supply Co - image originally posted by Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Supply Co - image originally posted by Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure>Cranes aplenty at <a href="/news">Melbourne Quarter</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/p7270637.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter - image originally posted by Urban.com.au 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/p7270637.jpg?itok=wH5RmJ2k" title="Melbourne Quarter - image originally posted by Urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter - image originally posted by Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure>Construction is now widespread at <a href="/news">Melbourne Village</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/p7040429.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Village - image originally posted by Urban.com.au 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/p7040429.jpg?itok=YAMxb9JP" title="Melbourne Village - image originally posted by Urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Village - image originally posted by Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure> 

<a href="/news">Conservatory</a>'s crown is speeding toward completion.

<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/p7210575.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Conservatory - image originally posted by Urban.com.au 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/p7210575.jpg?itok=FH_RCBv0" title="Conservatory - image originally posted by Urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Conservatory - image originally posted by Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure><a href="/news">Waterfront Footscray </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/image52_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Waterfront Footscray - image originally posted by Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image52_7.jpg?itok=XwY-m09Q" title="Waterfront Footscray - image originally posted by Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Waterfront Footscray - image originally posted by Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure>Lead image credit: redden.
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A snapshot of Melbourne's construction - August 2018

<html><body>
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the second phase of upgrades to the Hurstbridge Line that promises to increase peak hour services through Melbourne's north-east, should the Andrews Government be re-elected.

The $530 million project will see Greensborough station (pictured above) rebuilt as well as implement track duplications between Greensborough and Montmorency stations and between Diamond Creek and Wattle Glen stations.

Spring Street says it will allow trains to run every 6-7 minutes from Greensborough, every 10 minutes from Eltham and Montmorency and every 20 minutes from the end of the line stations at Hurstbridge, Diamond Creek and Wattle Glen.

The project also includes improvements to the Clifton Hill junction to cater for an extra five-morning peak services to be run on the Mernda line.

The omission of track duplication between Montmorency and Eltham appears to be related to the Eltham Trestle Bridge which has local heritage protection and a re-elected Andrews Government would seek to 'protect this important piece of Melbourne's history with planning work to be carried out for a long-term solution as part of the project'.

<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/grange_road_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Grange Road in Alphington had its level crossing removed as part of phase one - image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/grange_road_1.jpg?itok=p4cYmy73" title="Grange Road in Alphington had its level crossing removed as part of phase one - image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Grange Road in Alphington had its level crossing removed as part of phase one - image: LXRA</figcaption></figure>The first phase of Hurstbridge upgrades included removing the Grange Road level crossing in Alphington, removing the Lower Plenty Road level crossing in Rosanna and duplicating the track (which included a new tunnel) between Rosanna and Heidelberg stations.

Under previous governments, the Hurstbridge line has seen other upgrades including duplicating the bridge from the Clifton Hill junction across the Merri Creek into Westgarth.

Clifton Hill's junction is not grade separated at present - South Morang/Mernda trains headed to the city not only conflict with Hurstbridge line trains heading to the city, but they also conflict with Hurstbridge line trains heading out of the city.

The Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan also announced upgrades to Donnybrook and Wallan stations which will see the V/Line service area stations have their platforms extended, car parks expanded, access roads altered and pedestrian access will also be improved.  Wallan will see an extension of its waiting room, new bathrooms, more bus bays and more bike facilities.

The Donnybrook and Wallan upgrades are costed at $24 million and funded through the joint state and federal government $1.57 billion Regional Rail Revival Program.  

Regional Rail Revival will see a multitude of upgrades to all the various lines, some of which - specifically on the Ballarat line - are precursor projects to wider electrification and metro expansion projects to Melton for instance.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greensborough_railway_station">Wikipedia</a>.
</body></html>

Greensborough station to be rebuilt in Hurstbridge Line second phase upgrade

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Joel Robinson

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

Alastair Taylor

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