Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

Altona

Spacious Group’s latest residential development, Voyage, has been designed by the Melbourne-based Cheah Saw Architecture, who took inspiration from its enviable location in the beachside suburb of Altona.

Located at 102-106 Pier Street, Voyager has an asymmetrical form with refined materiality.

The architecture takes on the surrounding landscape, referencing the natural beauty of Altona, structured with a contemporary edge.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=192847]

“We wanted to encapsulate the best of living in Altona, by the beach yet with all the conveniences of a bustling retail precinct at your doorstep,” Eugene Cheah and Joanne Saw said.&nbsp;

“By connecting the residences to the memories and experiences of the beach - the reflections and refractions on the water, the dappled light, sea breeze - we wanted these experiences to enhance the rituals of daily living at Voyage, so that residents would always be aware of their beautiful coastal location.”

The layered and textured design is echoed throughout the interiors, creating a sense of unison between the outdoor and indoor spaces with the flow of the living areas benefitting from full-height windows, before opening out onto expansive outdoor spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=192845]

“We wrapped the building in a translucent screen to give privacy from the street and protect from the weather, whilst still allowing outdoor living year-round," the duo added.

“The glistening sunlight on the waves is translated into the dappled light filtering through perforated screens.

“These outdoor rooms, while still private and protected, mediate between the domestic interior spaces of the residences and the urban context and expansive surrounding coastal landscape."

Tying into the Altona landscape, Voyage is an extension of Pier Street and the Altona Pier out into the bay. The architecture evokes the experiences of the beach close by says Cheah and Saw

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=192849]

“The greenery of the foreshore reserves is echoed in the landscaped courtyard running through the heart of the project.”

The garden is overlooked by the bridges that connects the two residential blocks, raised over the ground floor, it opens up the building to views toward the ocean and envelopes apartments in natural light.

“We’re very excited by the expansive communal garden located in the heart of the project, where residents can relax in their own private oasis whilst taking in the prime views of Voyage’s location.”

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=112195]

The layered and textured design is echoed throughout the interiors, creating a sense of unison between the outdoor and indoor spaces with the flow of the living areas benefitting from full-height windows, before opening out onto expansive outdoor spaces.



alisonwarters@gmail.com

How Cheah Saw Architecture designed the Altona Voyage apartments: Five minutes with Eugene Cheah and Joanne Saw

The Melbourne developer, Spacious Group,&nbsp;has launched their latest residential apartment project in the heart of Altona, in Melbourne's south-west.

Set on 2,000 sqm in the heart of the major activity centre, Voyage will comprise 52 apartments, designed by the local architectural studio, Cheah Saw Architecture.

Cheah Saw says the architecture evokes the experiences of the beach close by.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=192847]

"The glistening sunlight on the waves is translated into the dappled light filtering through perforated screens," the architectural studio note.

"This sheer envelope contains a layer of terraces, outdoor rooms that are private and protected. These mediate between the domestic interior spaces of the residences and the urban context and expansive surrounding coastal landscape.

"The greenery of the foreshore reserves is echoed in the landscaped courtyard running through the heart of the project.

"Raised over the ground floor, this secluded communal garden opens up the building to views toward the sea and lets sunlight reach all apartments.

"The two blocks are connected by a series of bridges overlooking this shared landscape."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=192845]

Located at 102-106 Pier Street, Voyage is made up of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, priced from $437,000.

It feature&nbsp;an asymmetrical form with refined materiality, taking on&nbsp;the surrounding landscape, referencing the natural beauty of Altona, structured with a contemporary edge.

The layered and textured design is echoed throughout the interiors, creating a sense of unison between the outdoor and indoor spaces.

A neutral colour palette boasting warm tones and textures has been utilised, with residences featuring timber flooring, Miele appliances, and stone bench tops throughout.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=192844]

The indoor-outdoor flow of the living areas benefit from full-height windows, allowing an abundance of natural light to filter through the space.

Appointed with high-end appliances and ample storage, the living space has been designed in response to the bayside beauty.

Apartments seamlessly connect to expansive terrace spaces, providing panoramic views to either the bay, Cherry Lake or the CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=192846]

The Voyage residences sit roughly 13-kilometres south-west of the Melbourne CBD and adjacent to Williamstown.

Within walking distance to public transportation, Altona shopping centre, and Altona beach, residents of Voyager are connected to a plethora of urban amenity.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=112195]

Set on 2,000 sqm in the heart of the major activity centre, Voyage will comprise 52 apartments, designed by the local architectural studio, Cheah Saw Architecture.

Spacious Group launch Altona apartment development, Voyage

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Altona, the quietened former Sydney harbourfront party home in Point Piper, has new owners. 
No price disclosure but <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/54-wunulla-rd-point-piper-nsw-2027" target="_blank">Altona</a> was offered as likely to fetch $60 million plus, so the sale fell short of the Sydney record set when the casino tycoon James Packer secured $70 million at Vaucluse last year.
The low-key vendors, the Wang family had bought the prized harbourfront home for $52 million in 2013, so with few only minor renovations have made a handy profit.
Late this week the Huang family placed a caveat on the property's title following their purchase. It is understood they live in Hunters Hill.
Its sale negotiations concluded quickly as there was no requirement for Foreign Investment Review Board approval by the resident Australians.
The iconic Victorian Italianate home sits on a 2400 sq m holding after a proposed subdivision sale of the vacant $18 million tennis court block did not proceed after neighbourhood objections. 
The previous owners include Deke Miskin, a former teenage magazine publishing industry entreprenuer, and his wife Eve who hosted many social events as did the Handbury family during their tenure.
A who's who have thought about owning it including actor Russell Crowe who looked at buying it too in 2007 as did the Lowy shopping centre family. 
The harbourside home is on Wunulla Road, just a few doors along from the home of the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and wife, Lucy.
Altona was listed with it limited web marketing in June this year through Rosaline Ho of Goldfield &amp; Co with more than 10 potential buyers eventually shown through the iconic home with Dods &amp; Zuccon Architects re-design.
Sydney's priciest trophy home sale remains the $70 million secured last year by James and Erica Packer through Christie's International agent Ken Jacobs when it was sold to longtime Hunters Hill owner and Chinese billionaire Dr Chau Chak Wing. 
The whisper quiet Altona sale reduces the options to buy impressive eastern suburb waterfronts by one.
As spring listings turn into summer offerings, agents still have Berthong and Boomerang at Elizabeth Bay and Elaine at Double Bay for sale.
The prestige inland offerings include Rona at Bellevue Hill.
There's a raft of houses sitting in equal third place.
The magnificent European-style Villa Igiea was sold for a confirmed $52 million by entrepreneurial expat Dr Wayne Burt in the final hours of 2015 across international time zones. 
The hillside mansion, inspired by a villa in Palermo, Sicily, dates back to the 1920s when built for the Grace retailing family. It has become one of Sydney’s leading short-term luxury rentals, currently occupied by Texan billionaire Jim Clark and his model wife Kristy Hinze-Clark as their Sydney to Hobart race-winning bolthole.
The sale was $47 million for the house and $5 million for the adjoining property.
The bullish Villa Igiea price was secured by Ken Jacobs at Christie’s International and Brad Pillinger at Pillinger Properties, who has had a hand in the 2200sqm property’s sale three times. 
Altona had previously sold at $52 million three years ago, through Alison Coopes, who was back as a listing agent this time.
Also at $52 million, Andrew and Andrea Banks sold Villa Veneto for a reported $52 million, in 2010 to dental entrepreneur David Penn and his wife Linda Mueller, a Lowes Manhattan heiress, who had made their initial inspection two years earlier.
Sold through Bill Malouf, the five-storey Italianate villa was designed by Michael Suttor, with interiors by Michael Love, and was completed in 2004 having cost about $15 million to build. 
In fifth place, the 2008 expatriate foreign exchange dealer Ivan Ritossa paid $45 million for his beachfront  Vaucluse residence via agent Bill Bridges.
Actor Russell Crowe had inspected the house twice but passed when it was listed by late Allco boss David Coe. 
He had bought it in 1998 for $14.63 million after the death of Sir Alexis Albert, of the Boomerang music songbook family, who built it in 1936.
The Queen popped in for afternoon tea on her 1954 visit.
This article first appeared in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Point Piper's Altona sails into second place with $60 million sale to Huang family

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Despite the dramatic scene depicted in the image below, cars smashing though the fence are the least of Altona Station's problems. PTV released the numbers for daily passenger boardings a few weeks back, and unfortunately for this seaside sleepy hollow, it suffered a huge drop. A drop in popularity so large in fact, its enough to drive its most famous resident, Julia Gillard, back to Adelaide.*  The patronage data, covering the years 2008/09 to 2011/12, can be found <a href="http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PDFs/Random/Station-by-station-patronage-data.xls">here</a>.  Its not all doom and gloom - with a bit of left field thinking, the trend can be reversed.

* fn1 - May or may not be true

<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/Altona%20Station%20Crash.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy heraldsun.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-half-width-351px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_half_width_351px/public/pictures/article-images/Altona%20Station%20Crash.jpg?itok=LVW1tJ0j" title="Image courtesy heraldsun.com.au" typeof="Image"></a>

The Altona Loop has had a bit of a checkered history.  First opening in November 1888 as a branch off the Werribee line, it was meant to encourage the sale of land in the area.  However it closed a mere 2 years later, before opening again in 1917, and then electrified in 1926 when it was taken over by the state run Victorian Railways.  It was almost closed under recommendation of the Lonie Report in 1980, before instead being extended to Westona then Laverton in 1985.  From then Werribee trains all ran via Altona, instead of the previous route via Paisley and Galvin.

And that's how it remained until 2010.  By this stage the city loop had become horribly congested, Metro Trains Melbourne reconfigured how trains traveled to/from/through the CBD.  In peak times, the Altona Loop reverted to being run as a separate line, terminating at Laverton.  Services also no longer ran through the loop, and passengers have to change at Newport in non peak times.  They reacted angrily to this change, resulting in the aforementioned drop in numbers:

                                                               Daily Weekday Boardings, 2008-09 to 2011-12

<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/Altona%20Loop%20Patronage%20Data%20Table.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Altona%20Loop%20Patronage%20Data%20Table.png?itok=pFPi81lQ" typeof="Image"></a>

That's a 27% drop in passengers for Altona, 22% for Seaholme, and 20% for Westona.  A damning decrease by anyone's standards; especially if you consider the sharp growth of the network as a whole over the past decade.  Given the ever increasing capacity issues of the Werribee line and the City Loop, Altona Loop frequencies are unlikely to revert back anytime soon.  So its time to think outside of the square.

One of the major shortcomings of the Altona Loop is that its only single track from Westona Station to the junction with the Werribee Line at West Newport.  This means trains sometimes have lengthy delays at either the WN junction or at Westona Station waiting for trains from the opposite direction.  Not only is Westona Station not that interesting (I think I managed to memorise every bit of graffiti on the wall there during these enforced waits, and its not like they were painted by Banksy!), it severely hampers the throughput of trains.  And whilst duplication would be relatively straight forward between WN Junction and Seaholme station, the rest of the line would be problematic, with limited room between Railway St North and Railway St South.  Mass compulsory acquisition would be required, and obviously not recommended.

When the St Kilda and Port Melbourne lines were scheduled to be closed under the recommendation of the Lonie Report in 1981, they were to be originally replaced by buses.  After much opposition, they were retained until 1987 when they were replaced by light rail.  This conversion has been a fantastic success.  Not only do they provide a rapid commute time (22 minutes Spencer St to Acland St with 12 min frequency for Route 96, 12 minutes Spencer St to Beacon Cove on 12 min frequency for Route 109), they are grade separated for much of the way, meaning commutes for both passengers and motorists are less likely to be affected in peak times.  In fact Route 96 is currently the subject of a proposed upgrade, meaning it will become the first route to be grade separated for its entire length - <a href="http://ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/trams/route-96-project/">East Brunswick to St Kilda</a>.

So this begs the obvious question: Why can't we do this in Altona?

<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/Tram.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Tram.jpg?itok=-EgBlycr" typeof="Image"></a>

Most of the drop off in passengers can to attributed to the frequency of service - an appalling 22 minutes in peak time, 20 minutes during the day and 30 minutes at night.  This is compounded by having to sometimes change at Newport, where connecting services often aren't synchronised thus blowing out commute times even further.  This is unacceptable by today's standards - most other lines have peak time frequencies of about 10 minutes or less!  Most people would accept having to change if the frequency and connections were improved - something light rail could address.

As mentioned earlier, duplication would be required to improve frequency.  Whilst not possible for Heavy Rail, Light Rail is a different story.  Trams run on a narrower gauge, and are much less wide in size than trains.  They also don't travel as quickly as trains, meaning they can pass with a smaller clearance.  Tram stops are also much smaller and less complex than train platforms, thus reducing cost.  If the Altona Line was converted to Light Rail between Laverton and Newport, duplication would be possible.

Running trams is cheaper than running trains, so having them run at say, 10 minute intervals would be quite plausible. With the <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/new-trams-arrive-but-not-on-schedule-20130701-2p71e#ixzz2Xmmpbaml">latest trams</a> able to hold 200 people, capacity should not be a problem, with the morning peak hour (7am to 9.30am) total numbers for Altona, Seaholme and Westona being 401, 187 and 339 respectively.  New stops could even be added at Altona Meadows and West Newport, servicing areas that would otherwise need to drive to the station.  In fact given numbers on the Williamstown line are similar (North Williamstown 1201 Weekday boardings, Williamstown 409 and Williamstown Beach 767) and its already duplicated, conversion all the way through to Williamstown makes sense.

This could result in untold flow on benefits for public transport in the West.  The residents of Altona and Williamstown would get a faster, frequent, better connected, dedicated end to end shuttle service, running independently of the rest of the train network, and so not susceptible to delays created down the line.  This would allow the Werribee Line to run trains dedicated to Werribee, rather than having to share capacity with the Altona and Werribee Lines.  This would result in much more frequent services, important to a line that is one of the network's most crowded, and running through some of Melbourne fastest booming growth corridors of Williams Landing, Point Cook, Wyndham Vale, and eventually, the Werribee East development.  

This would mean services would travel full time through the Paisley section of the line again, possibly justifying the reopening of Paisley station and restoring rail services to Altona North once more.  And the residents of Altona Meadows and Newport West would have direct access to rail services for the first time.

<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/Altona_Williamstown%20Light%20Rail%20Route.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed Altona - Williamstown Light Rail route utilising Google"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Altona_Williamstown%20Light%20Rail%20Route.png?itok=iIPc9EK2" title="Proposed Altona - Williamstown Light Rail route utilising Google" typeof="Image"></a>

And last but not least we would have the Newport Interchange.  To allow passengers a quick, easy changeover to a connecting train, a new tram interchange would have to be built at Newport station.  There is a prefect spot for it - currently a large parcel of land that sits south of the train station, occupied by the rail yards (shown in light blue below).  With a bit of imagination and ingenuity, it could developed as a decking over the rail lines design, much like the <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/bold-vision-for-fed-square-east/story-e6frf7kx-1225942971393">Federation Square East Project</a> and Sydney's Central Station.  Imagine a mixture of open space, retail/cafes/restaurants and much needed housing, all serviced by an integrated train/tram/bus interchange and adding even more activation to the regenerating Newport retail district.  Using good urban design principles, it could be the envy of the West.  What would it look like? I'm not an architect, so I'll leave that to our caped crusader, Apartments.com.au's very own <a href="/news">blockhead</a>.  If he dares...

<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/Newport%20Railyards.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Newport Railyards Site utilising Google"><img alt="" class="image-article-half-width-351px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_half_width_351px/public/pictures/article-images/Newport%20Railyards.png?itok=XE2BHwjl" title="Newport Railyards Site utilising Google" typeof="Image"></a>

Admittedly, the last part of the proposal is a little ambitious, but certainly plausible in the longer term.  However the light rail proposal is not only doable in the short term but would solve an import transport conundrum that Melbourne's West currently faces.  When the Libs won government in Victoria, they pledged to focus on public transport, a promise that has resulted in a proposed shiny new road tunnel.  Labor has promised to release its 'balanced transport plan' by the end of the year.  Lets hope that balance includes Melbourne's West!
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