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;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

AirRail Melbourne

<html><body>
In case you missed it: when Melbourne Airport held its stakeholder event for 2018 earlier in October, not only did it outline its future vision for its terminals, but it also provided a lot more context to the <a href="/news/consortium-proposes-market-led-super-train-for-melbourne-airport-rail-link">AirRail Melbourne proposal</a>.

37 million passengers passed through the airport's terminals in the most recent financial year and the airport expects that to top 70 million by 2038.  Expanded runways, on-site renewable energy generation, Terminal 3 (Virgin Australia) as well as Terminal 2 (International) upgrades add to new ground transport upgrades that will all occur at the airport over the next decade.

Not only do we have a clearer picture of the terminal changes that will occur over time (see video below) but we also now have a far clearer vision of where a station might be located.

Remember when a consortium led by the Melbourne Airport operator unveiled it's proposal for <a href="https://www.airrailmelbourne.com.au/">AirRail Melbourne</a> and posted a render of the airport station interior?

<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/airrail_melbourne_airport_station.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="AirRail Melbourne Airport Station render. Image: Melbourne Airport"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/airrail_melbourne_airport_station.jpg?itok=Lv8f4FDd" title="AirRail Melbourne Airport Station render. Image: Melbourne Airport" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>AirRail Melbourne Airport Station render. Image: Melbourne Airport</figcaption></figure>This is where it is located, according to the AirRail Melbourne proposal, unveiled as part of the Airport's own expansion plans.

<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/mel_air_station_vision1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render of T2 and station located in forecourt. Image: Melbourne Airport"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mel_air_station_vision1.jpg?itok=CHb1U9vt" title="Render of T2 and station located in forecourt. Image: Melbourne Airport" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render of T2 and station located in the forecourt. Image: Melbourne Airport</figcaption></figure>Of course, the AirRail Melbourne proposal is just that - a proposal - and with a state election underway whose result will have a major impact on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, what the airport operator's have produced might not be the actual outcome.

Regardless, the money invested in the early design that's clearly been undertaken gives a clear indication on the thinking involved with future ground transport options at the airport.

Note that in the render above, other than the station located outside Terminals 3 &amp; 4, the other major change is the departure and arrival car lanes for private vehicles will divert away from the existing forecourt and it appears the existing departure ramps and car lanes will be given over to pedestrians.

See the video below for a wrap up of the future plans for Melbourne Airport.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uG3yQGSODHU" width="100%"></iframe>
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Alastair Taylor

AirRail Melbourne - Airport Station location revealed in stakeholder presentation

<html><body>
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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Earlier this year, <a href="/news/all-roads-lead-to-southern-cross-station">I penned a piece</a> highlighting the convergence of a number of key rail infrastructure projects at Southern Cross Station, and how there was a critical need to master plan not just the station but the greater precinct to accommodate a potential Airport Link Interchange and a new station box for Melbourne Metro 2.0 under Wurundjeri Way.

The puzzle pieces have begun to fall into place with the<a href="/news/consortium-proposes-market-led-super-train-for-melbourne-airport-rail-link"> recent announcement of the market-led AirRail Melbourne</a> proposal with IFM Investors leading a consortium including design and engineering expertise from Aurecon, Cox Architecture and Grimshaw.

<blockquote>
Cox Architecture are delighted to work with Aurecon as part of the AirRail Melbourne consortium headed-up by IFM Investors. This market-led proposal envisages a new Airport Rail link for Melbourne that simultaneously provides substantial network capacity for Australia’s fastest growing city.  The Cox design for the Southern Cross Station interchange links directly into the fabric of Melbourne while providing a stunning new urban addition to the city.

The proposal will be considered by government over the coming months and the consortium has collectively proposed a compelling and integrated city solution that could have wide-ranging benefits far beyond expediting the air-rail-air commute.

- Cox Architecture
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/airport_station.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The concept for the Airport Station. Image: AirRail Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/airport_station.jpg?itok=aY3_tnzp" title="The concept for the Airport Station. Image: AirRail Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The concept for the Airport Station. Image: AirRail Melbourne</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We’ve been working with AirRail Melbourne to develop the Airport Station concept design. Offering a distinguished sense of place, our design for the integrated underground station supports Melbourne Airport’s vision for a seamless passenger experience with world-class linkages between the airport, city and regional Victoria. 

Comprising IFM Investors, Melbourne Airport, Metro Trains Australia and SOUTHERN CROSS STATION PTY LTD, AirRail Melbourne’s plan for the city’s long-awaited airport rail link promises the fastest travel times, a premium around-the-clock service and enhanced access for regional Victorians.

- Grimshaw
</blockquote>

Although the <a href="/news/victorian-government-unveils-suburban-rail-loop-election-proposal">Suburban Rail Loop</a> has up until recently occupied much of the spotlight in terms of the Andrews Government's Public Transport strategy, should it be re-elected, Premier Daniel Andrews made it clear there will be further announcements regarding infrastructure investment in the lead up to the election.

It is the opinion of this Editor that any announcement regarding Melbourne Metro 2.0 will coincide with the release of the final Framework and Planning Controls for the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area. Currently two alignments have been canvassed - one through Wirraway; and another through the Employment Precinct.

<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/melbourne_metro_2_alignments.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Metro 2.0 alignments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_metro_2_alignments.jpg?itok=Of9hTtG9" title="Melbourne Metro 2.0 alignments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Metro 2.0 alignments</figcaption></figure>Detailed Precinct Plans - which will come later - will further refine the specific locations of station entries however, it wouldn't surprise me if the Employment Precinct alignment is adopted as that will serve the University of Melbourne's new $1bn Engineering Campus, which is set to occupy seven hectares of the former General Motors Holden (GMH) site.

The proposition of a direct connection from the Employment Precinct via the heart of what will become Melbourne's second commercial centre at Sandridge, in addition to the ability to interchange via a new station box at Southern Cross Station for the airport, seems for the most part, like a no-brainer to me.

Apartments.com.au's <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-32-the-greens-sam-hibbins-talks-all-things-transport">recent podcast with Greens MP Sam Hibbins</a> outlined that party's prioritisation of Melbourne Metro 2.0 in order to increase capacity on the network to cope with population growth and continuing to untangle Melbourne's dated rail network to become a true Metro.  Will the ALP and Coalition follow suit?

Melbourne Metro 2.0 will however result in increased patronage through Southern Cross Station particularly when combined with the AirRail Melbourne proposal - should it or a derivative proceed after the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and Suburban Rail Loop business cases are completed - putting further strain on the station and the precinct.

Further pressure on the precinct is also coming via increased high-rise development activity, again <a href="/news/the-rise-and-rise-of-melbournes-spencer-street">highlighted by Urban.com.au recently</a>, with sewer upgrade works currently underway to address the increased residential population in the area.

Already in morning and afternoon peak, the footpaths on the corners of Collins/Spencer and Spencer and Bourke are at capacity, with this also occurring during event mode at Marvel Stadium (formerly Etihad) particularly during the AFL season.

The connection from Southern Cross to Marvel Stadium via the Bourke Street pedestrian bridge is also struggling to cope during event mode, becoming a bottleneck as exiting fans attempt to enter the station. Developments around the stadium have attempted to alleviate some of the pressure however, despite best intentions have only really served to move the problem elsewhere.

With the <a href="/news/etihad-stadiums-redevelopment-to-improve-links-to-cbd-and-victoria-harbour">AFL and State Government working on a substantial upgrade of Marvel Stadium</a> - with Cox Architecture having previously developed concepts - there's an opportunity for a fully integrated Master Plan of the area bound by Collins Street, Wurndjeri Way, Bourke Street, Harbour Esplanade, LaTrobe Street and Spencer Street. 

<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/southern_cross_precinct_site.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southern Cross Station and the greater precinct should form part of a coordinated Master Plan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="463" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southern_cross_precinct_site.png?itok=G1Tp4Ul1" title="Southern Cross Station and the greater precinct should form part of a coordinated Master Plan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southern Cross Station and the greater precinct should form part of a coordinated Master Plan</figcaption></figure>This would allow for a reduction in redundant works as other projects in the area are delivered over the course of the next 10 years, with the potential to incorporate some of those outlined by Mayor Sally Capp with the two critical rail projects and the upgrade of Marvel Stadium to truly connect the Melbourne CBD down to Victoria Harbour. 

<h2>Key considerations:</h2>

<ul>
<li>AirRail Melbourne</li>
	<li>Melbourne Metro 2.0</li>
	<li>Marvel Stadium upgrade</li>
	<li>
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/city-of-melbournes-transport-strategy-refresh-its-time-to-walk-the-walk">City of Melbourne Transport Strategy Refresh</a> </li>
	<li>City of Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp's Highline Vision</li>
	<li>Harbour Esplanade Master Plan</li>
</ul>
<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_southern_cross_precinct.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Projects to consider "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="585" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/projects_southern_cross_precinct.png?itok=06QxclYr" title="Projects to consider " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Projects to consider</figcaption></figure>Look out for Part Two in coming weeks, which will be a high level study of what an integrated Master Plan for the Precinct might look like.

Lead Image: AirRail Melbourne (with a bit of Dragomir magic.)
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