Brunswick is set for some of its largest apartments ever delivered with the upcoming new development Frith &amp; Howarth, where the apartments are around 20 per cent larger than what has come before it in the sought-after suburb.

Developer Young Group focused its design on Frith &amp; Howarth around size and scale, but within a boutique building, to create a mini neighbourhood within the mid-rise development. There are just 24 apartments in the mid-rise building on Victoria Street, a short walk to Brunswick Station and the cafe and dining strip along Sydney Road.

“We spent hours comparing what’s currently on the market so we could offer genuine points of difference,” Young Group says, pointing to room sizing, storage, and functional planning as key drivers behind the design.

All of the two-bedroom apartments in the building have been snapped up, with just the large three- and four-bedroom apartments, with the biggest floorplans and best outlooks, remaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134317 project_image_fid=354139]

Apartments open directly into open-plan living zones where full-height glazing draws light deep into the apartment. Sliding doors extend the space outward to terraces, many oriented toward the adjacent park or back toward the city skyline.

Kitchens sit within this central space, anchored by sculptural island benches that reference the building’s faceted exterior language. Storage is integrated across multiple layers, overhead cabinetry, concealed joinery, and, in larger configurations, dedicated sculleries or butler’s pantries.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134317 project_image_fid=354137]

The penthouse is the largest ever offered in Brunswick. The penthouse measures nearly 400 sqm all-up, with 242 sqm of internal space complimented by a further 149 sqm of terraces.

It spans the whole top floor and has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and parking for four cars.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134317 project_image_fid=354133]

Low maintenance resident amenity has been created in the form of a landscaped rooftop, complete with&nbsp;vegetable plots, outdoor cooking areas, and aflresco dining spaces, designed as a place for neighbours to gather outside of their homes.

“To enable connection with neighbours, generous rooftop gardens with communal spaces and outdoor cooking areas offer a chance to develop a sense of community,” says John Patrick, Principal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick Landscape Architects</a>.&nbsp;

“Private open spaces with a selection of native and exotic plantings and gorgeous city views on the rooftop create a high-end aesthetic, with a low maintenance lifestyle. The perfect balance, so that residents can enjoy a serene living space.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134317 project_image_fid=354134]

Sustainability is embedded at both the building and apartment level. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/frith-howarth-288-290-victoria-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Frith &amp; Howarth</a> is one of only a small number of all-electric residential developments in Brunswick, supported by solar infrastructure, EV-ready parking, and high-performance glazing. These measures sit alongside less visible systems such as rainwater reuse and high-grade insulation, reducing long-term operational costs while maintaining consistent internal conditions.

Positioned within walking distance of Brunswick Station, Route 96 trams, and established retail along Sydney Road and Barkly Square, the development balances access to transport with proximity to open space, a combination that has become increasingly difficult to secure in inner-city sites.

“These exquisite homes are nestled in a culturally diverse neighbourhood, with parklands and nature right on your doorstep,” says Young Group.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134317]

Joel Robinson

Frith & Howarth to deliver Brunswick’s largest apartments

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> in Brunswick is entering its final stages of construction, with the removal of the project’s last tower crane and the unveiling of the building’s full façade marking a significant milestone ahead of completion this coming spring.

The Park Street development, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>&nbsp;and Mirvac Design with landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo</a>, is now largely structurally complete, with internal works progressing across the 169-apartment project opposite Princes Park.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/mirvac-construction">Mirvac Construction</a> Project Manager Sam Payne said the latest update reflects a transition from structure to refinement.

“Since our last update, all façade panels have been installed and the scaffolding and gantry has come down, unveiling the building in its full form for the very first time,” Payne said.

“A significant milestone was reached this month with the removal of our final tower crane, signalling the completion of major structural works and a pivotal step forward in the building’s transformation.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=366856]

Apartments are now well advanced internally, with joinery completed to level eight and tiling to level six, alongside the delivery of a prototype apartment used to set the benchmark for the remaining residences.

This next phase coincides with the release of a completed furnished residence, styled by MCM House, and the introduction of private buyer tours, giving purchasers a clearer understanding of the finished product ahead of settlement.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> will comprise 169 one to four-bedroom apartments, with completion targeted for early spring. Interiors focus on natural materials and muted tones with two design schemes, while kitchens and bathrooms adopt a restrained palette anchored by stone, timber and textured finishes.

Bates Smart Director Jeffery Copolov said the project reflects a shared design direction centred on liveability and sustainability.

“Blending Mirvac and Bates Smart’s focus on wellness and sustainability, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> offers a new kind of conscious, elevated living in Melbourne’s inner north,” Copolov said.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> presents Mirvac's third parkside collaboration with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>&nbsp;in Victoria.&nbsp;Their previous collaborations delivered two of the city’s landmark apartment buildings: The Melburnian opposite Kings Domain and The Eastbourne on Fitzroy Gardens.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=366857]

A key focus of the development is its landscape-led amenity offering. The central courtyard, spanning around 600 sqm, will feature established trees and planting grown off-site, alongside communal lawns and seating areas designed for everyday use.

Development Manager James Gardner said the outdoor spaces are central to the project’s lifestyle positioning.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> isn’t just a home, it’s a complete lifestyle offering, and the resident amenity is just one example of the elevated living experience the soon-to-be-complete building will be known for,” Gardner said.

The courtyard connects to a series of shared indoor and outdoor spaces, including a residents’ lounge, dining room, library and secondary west-facing garden area, designed as extensions of the apartments themselves.

Located directly opposite Princes Park and around four kilometres from the CBD, the development places residents within one of Melbourne’s most established inner-north precincts, with access to open space, transport and the retail and hospitality offerings of Brunswick and Carlton.

With façade works complete and landscaping and final finishes now underway, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> is moving into its most active construction phase, with permanent services and external works to be finalised in the coming months ahead of completion in spring.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4802]

Mirvac’s latest landmark, Prince & Parade Brunswick, enters final construction phase

Boutique Perth developer ADC has unveiled its latest project.

The developer, which focuses on bringing apartments to some of Perth's most premium inner-city and riverside suburbs, has launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mos-lane-mosman-park-46-manning-street-mosman-park-wa-6012">Mos Lane</a>, 68 luxury apartments and townhouses in the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mosman-park-wa-6012">Mosman Park</a>.

<section data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-124" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-69e027bc-1530-839b-a316-e9dad2cbd4d9-34" dir="auto">
Alongside the one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, the development will also include five two-level townhomes and two luxe penthouses. ADC is also introducing a significant retail offering for residents through Mos Lane Village, which will feature a wellness studio, fish and chips shop, barber, and florist, adding a layer of amenity not typically found in the predominantly residential Mosman Park area.

Construction has already commenced on the project, which sits just a short walk from the Swan River, Mosman Park Bowls Club, and Mosman Park Golf Course.

House Agency Directors Tom House and Lachlan McDonald say they are fielding the majority of buyer interest from local downsizers, as well as buyers with a long-standing affinity for Mosman Park.
</section>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364591]

Mos Lane will comprise two buildings; Samson House and Manning House, which have been designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nelson-koo">Nelson + Koo</a>, an emerging design consultancy specialising in the masterplanning and design of mixed use places and spaces.

The two buildings adopt distinct architectural responses to their surroundings. Manning House references the strong roof forms of nearby homes, with floorplates oriented to maximise light and long-range views, while Samson House is organised around a central atrium designed to bring daylight deep into the building and create a greater sense of openness.

At ground level, the inclusion of five townhomes introduces a typology more commonly associated with Mosman Park’s established streets, each with private courtyards and direct frontage, offering a transition between traditional housing and apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364103]

Interiors have been led by Melbourne-based Hecker Guthrie, with an emphasis on practical, long-term liveability. Residences incorporate sculpted joinery, generous storage and flexible multi-purpose rooms that can adapt to changing household needs, whether for working from home, guest accommodation or additional living space.

Material selections draw on a restrained palette of textured stone, timber and neutral tones, with options for lighter or darker schemes. Detailing such as fluted glass, full-height joinery and integrated appliances is intended to balance functionality with a more refined residential finish.

Outdoor spaces are a consistent feature across the development, with balconies and terraces designed for dining and entertaining, and larger apartments incorporating outdoor kitchens. Orientation has been considered to allow residents to choose between morning or afternoon sun, while mature street trees and landscaped communal areas contribute to a softer streetscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364107]

Shared amenities are positioned to support both day-to-day convenience and occasional use. These include a private dining room with a caterer’s kitchen, alfresco entertaining areas, and a bookable guest suite for visiting friends and family. Additional practical features such as a resident workshop, storage facilities, car and pet wash areas, and concierge-style services for cleaning and dry-cleaning collection reflect a focus on usability.

Positioned between the Swan River and Cottesloe Beach, and within reach of schools such as Iona Presentation College and St Hilda’s Anglican School, the development is aimed at a broad buyer group, from downsizers seeking a lower-maintenance alternative to larger homes, through to local residents looking to remain in the area in a different housing format.

Mos Lane represents one of the more significant additions to Mosman Park’s limited pipeline, combining new housing supply with a village-style retail centre in a suburb where opportunities for large-scale redevelopment are relatively constrained.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=148957]

Living village precinct set for Mosman Park as ADC launches Mos Lane

An entity linked to I&amp;D Group Founder Ivan Filipović has filed plans for a new residential development at 188–202 Swan Street in Cremorne, targeting a prominent site within the tightly held Swan Street activity corridor.

The proposal seeks to redevelop the consolidated Swan Street landholding into a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/188-202-swan-street-cremorne-vic-3121">high-density mixed-use project</a>, replacing a series of existing commercial buildings with a significantly scaled residential outcome. The planning submission positions the development as a response to increasing demand for housing in well-connected inner-urban locations, particularly within established activity centres.

Plans outline the construction of a 14-storey building delivering 165 apartments above a four-level basement, alongside a ground-floor retail and commercial offering designed to activate the streetscape. A key feature of the scheme is a new north–south pedestrian link connecting Swan Street to Railway Place, intended to “enhance permeability and provide an active, publicly accessible connection through the site.”

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for Ivan Filipović-linked Cremorne apartment project on Swan Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7332a8f8-dd2b-483d-b86e-320658838c84" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/cremorne.png?VersionId=cXm8vAaRdHh.LpYVbecrRkjckgu9mtAF" />

The development will retain part of the existing built form at 198–200 Swan Street, while the remainder of the site will be cleared to accommodate the new structure. Basement levels will provide 196 car spaces and 113 bicycle spaces, with vehicle access from Railway Place. Communal amenity is distributed across the building, including a shared outdoor area on Level 1 and a rooftop terrace for residents.

Ground level uses include retail tenancies fronting Swan Street and the pedestrian link, a residential lobby, and a flexible commercial space positioned to support community-oriented uses. The planning report notes this space “could be offered as a flexible space within the development for community groups,” supporting short-term or longer-term occupancy arrangements.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for Ivan Filipović-linked Cremorne apartment project on Swan Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8208bf7b-cc67-485d-ad0f-1d73a74c907f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/cremorne%20lane.png?VersionId=69ctjC0txXv0zCHy7qQUpJyGwvPAT7gw" />

The site sits within the Swan Street Major Activity Centre, surrounded by a mix of retail, hospitality, and emerging residential development, and directly opposite tram services along Swan Street. East Richmond Station is located to the south, providing strong rail connectivity, while the broader Cremorne precinct continues to evolve as a mixed-use hub.

I&amp;D Group, founded by Ivan Filipović, is regarded as one of Victoria’s largest formwork contractors, partnering with major construction firms across large-scale public and private developments. The Swan Street proposal signals a move into development-backed opportunities tied to strategic inner-city sites.

First Look: Plans lodged for Cremorne apartment project on Swan Street

An ultra-luxury absolute beachfront tower on the Gold Coast’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/main-beach-qld-4217">Main Beach</a> has officially hit the market, having secured over $150 million in presales.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/le-r-ve-main-beach-3555-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">Le Rêve</a>, delivered by developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/odus">ODUS</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/nazero">Nazero</a> in partnership with Metrics Credit Partners, comprises 40 opulent half and full-floor residences, perched directly on the dunes, starting from $7.45 million.

Pre-launch sales have achieved an average price tag of $8 million, highlighting strong demand from top-end buyers.

The 26-storey project at 3555 Main Beach Parade has development approval and is under construction, with completion anticipated by early 2028.

Occupying a 1,355 sqm site, Le Rêve enjoys double the beach frontage of most Main Beach towers, an incredible 30-metres, with generous 4.5-metre setbacks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112163 project_image_fid=357556]

ODUS director Byron Sakha said it offered a rare opportunity for wide, uninterrupted views that could never be built out, on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

“Le Rêve is French for ‘the dream’ and that’s what this location represents. We believe it is the best new development site anywhere on the Gold Coast; a dream site,” said Sakha.

“The apartments are located directly on the beachfront, with no roads or paths between, providing panoramic ocean views and direct access to the sand, and because it is elevated above the dunes, it also offers unrivalled privacy.

“We’ve worked with architect Bayden Goddard of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bgd-architects">BGD Architects</a> to enhance the original design, with a distinctive, elegant glass façade, world-class amenities, and the addition of eight residences. Le Rêve’s 30-metres of absolute beach frontage affords a view from virtually every room, and has allowed us to provide a grand 25-metre residents’ beachfront pool and private lawn.

“Buyers have recognised these opportunities are few and far between and have been quick to secure their place in Le Rêve.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112163 project_image_fid=357570]

The apartments start from nearly 300 sqm and range in size up to 900 sqm, with three or four bedrooms and multiple living spaces.

“The emphasis is on the view, with full-floor glazing, sleek glass balustrades and wrap-around balconies that are close to 4-metres wide, blurring the lines between inside and out, and inviting cooling ocean breezes,” Sakha added.

“The interiors epitomise understated luxury with natural materials, textures and tones including Taj Mahal stone, oak flooring, recessed LED lighting and high ceilings. Outside, its beautiful arched façade with glass balconies and double-storey curved podium will be complemented by lush, cascading landscaping that enhances Main Beach’s streetscape.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112163 project_image_fid=357567]

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is selling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/le-r-ve-main-beach-3555-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">Le Rêve</a>, said buyers were from the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and predominately moving from luxury stand-alone homes or purchasing as a holiday home.

“We are anticipating sales will continue to ramp up now we’re officially on the market and design enhancements have been finalised,” Elliott said.

“Le Rêve offers house-sized residences that take luxury living to the next level, in an unrivalled location, with exceptional onsite resident amenities.

“The facilities are some of the most unique on the Gold Coast, if not Australia-wide, with a huge beachfront pool and wellness amenities including a cold plunge pool, spa, sauna, steam room, gym and yoga studio, along with a teppanyaki kitchen, and private residents’ lounge."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Le Rêve development site was secured for $55.68 million in mid-2025.

ODUS and Nazero are also developing the adjacent 29-level La Mer tower in partnership with Metrics Credit Partners, which is earmarked for completion in late 2026. A fully completed prototype apartment is now available for private inspection.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112163]

Le Rêve Main Beach launches with $152 million in presales

Collie

<html><body>
A mortgagee unit in Collie, Western Australia has sold for $195,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-wa-collie-131364398" target="_blank">4/60 Venn Street</a>, the home comprises three bedrooms, a single bathroom, and double garage.
The unit features easy vehicle access to the double garage and privacy. 
Situated at the rear of the complex, it comes with user-friendly kitchen, alfresco area and reverse cycle split system.
Val Bronickis, from Elders Collie, listed the property.
 
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Collie, Western Australia mortgagee unit sold 

<html><body>
A Collie, West Australia mortgagee home has sold for $202,500 after seeing significant reductions to the asking price.
From 2016 - 2018 the home was for sale, not as a mortgagee, originally seeking $330,000 which was reduced eventually to $269,000 over the life of the listing.
In this most recent campaign Val Bronickis of Elders marketed the home as a mortgagee sale seeking $235,000 which was later reduced to $200,000.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-wa-collie-131364402" target="_blank">2/60 Venn Street</a>, the townhouse was built in 2010.
Set on 423 sqm, it is a three bedroom two bathroom abode.
The home was listed as a rental first in 2013 seeking $400/pw. 
This asking price was reduced multiple times, and the during the most recent rental campaign, the vendors sought $325/pw in 2017.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a house in <a href="/news">Collie</a> is $145,000, according to CoreLogic data.
</body></html>

Collie, WA mortgagee home sold at substantial discount on initial asking price

<html><body>
Clyde Cottage, a productive property of 2,931 acres of mixed farming country situated 30 km North West of Collie, is under contract.
It was listed by Peter Dwyer from Peter Milling &amp; Company. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-mixed+farming-nsw-collie-7975170" target="_blank">Situated on Pleasant View Lane</a>, it features 7 dams, an electrically equipped bore,  9 paddocks with hinge joint and 6.8 km of new 8 line hinge joint fencing.
The improvements include a three bedroom basic weatherboard cottage.'
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/20/COLLIE%202.jpg" alt="">
Other features include steel and timber framed raised board, 2 stand unequipped wool shed, 18m x 9m with concrete floor wool area, 7,000 gallon rain water tank and adjoining older sheep yards.
It is about 49 km East of Warren and 100 km North of Dubbo with access from the arterial Collie - Bourbah Road and Pleasant View Lane.
 
 
 
 
</body></html>

Clyde Cottage, Collie goes under contract

<html><body>
Last Wednesday a Victorian Planning and Environment Law Association (VPELA) seminar on Government land, had presenters from both State (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and VicTrack) and Local (City of Banyule) Government departments.

Part of the evening focused on the introduction in 2016 of the Fast Track Government Land Service, which is an initiative that charges DELWP with the responsibility of rezoning disused government land sites for suitable reuse. 

As explained on the night, State departments have had a history of banking land for long periods however, a policy change in August 2015 now requires that non-used land be declared.

It was interesting to hear that a number of the sites that have been sitting idle for years are still school sites – having in mind population growth and the perception that there have been considerable sales of disused school sites over many years. We realise of course, the existing sites may be in the ‘wrong’ areas.

The aim of the fast track service is to rezone land within six to seven months. If the land is to be rezoned for private redevelopment, the rezoning process can be drawn out compared with a rezoning for a Council purpose such as public open space.

<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/12_3_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Windsor Station's proposed new look. Image: SMA Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/12_3_0.jpg?itok=YWPN6SrX" title="Windsor Station's proposed new look. Image: SMA Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Windsor Station's proposed new look. Image: SMA Projects</figcaption></figure>Notwithstanding this, the principle of forcing departments to dispose of non-used land will have economic benefits. An example of this was the former Elsternwick rifle range owned by VicTrack being vandalised and costing money on security and maintenance before it was redeveloped.

Another interesting example raised was the proposed development of an apartment building adjacent to the Windsor train station and above the railway line utilising land and air rights owned by VicTrack. 

The proposed building has been in the press and will get people thinking about how we can more efficiently use underutilised land.

Michael Collie is Director at <a href="http://www.colliepl.com/">Collie Pty Ltd</a>, a multi-disciplinary Southbank-based firm with interests in strategic planning, development planning, urban design and landscape architecture. This article appeared on Collie's website.
</body></html>

Michael Collie

How can we better utilise government owned land?

<html><body>
Last week Collie staff members attended a VPELA seminar that focused on the Better Apartments Draft Design Standards that were released recently by the Minister for Planning. Four guest speakers with different areas of expertise and from a range of companies including David Lock Associates, Ark Resources, MAA Architects and Grocon shared their thoughts on the draft design standards.

In relation to side and rear setbacks, a standard requires staggered setbacks for apartment buildings above four storeys in height with these setbacks increasing for taller buildings. Mark Sheppard from David Lock Associates pointed out that under this standard, a developer would require a lot width of at least 39 metres to construct a building above eight storeys in height.

If implemented, this standard would limit the height of buildings on narrower lots and is likely to encourage the amalgamation of sites to achieve higher built form. As the building setbacks only apply to balconies and habitable room windows, Mark mentioned that this could result in high ‘blank’ walls being constructed on the boundary, which would not be a great urban design outcome.

Jan Talacko from Ark Resources focused on the standards that relate to daylight. Jan was of the view that the maximum room depth requirement will generally ensure that adequate daylight is provided to a habitable room however, the standard is unclear on whether deeper rooms can be provided where there is more than one aspect.

Similarly, unlike other environmental assessment tools where living rooms require a higher level of daylight, this standard does not differentiate between living rooms and bedrooms. Another standard queried by Jan is that requiring a minimum size for light wells, which take up a considerable area, but surprisingly may not result in the lower levels receiving adequate daylight.

This raises the question should a room at a lower level be allowed to rely on a light well as a source of daylight?

Comment was made by a number of the guest speakers on the standard requiring a habitable room to have a window in an external wall that is visible from any point in the room, with this standard effectively prohibiting a ‘saddleback’ arrangement. In many cases a saddleback arrangement provides a poor level of amenity however, examples were given that illustrate that in some cases a saddleback room when designed properly, can provide more than adequate daylight.

Karen Alcock from MAA Architects used this example and stressed it is important that the standards should not be used to discourage innovative design solutions.

All speakers were supportive of the introduction of apartment standards aimed at improving the quality of apartments. While the introduction will increase the cost of apartments, the general view was that many apartments that have been built could be deemed to be unliveable.

This article appeared on <a href="http://www.colliepl.com/2016/09/vpela-seminar-better-apartment-better-cant-afford/">Collie's website</a> on September 9, 2016. Michael Collie is Director at Collie Pty Ltd, a multi-disciplinary Southbank-based firm with interests in strategic planning, development planning, urban design and landscape architecture.
</body></html>

VPELA seminar – is a better apartment better if you can’t afford it?

<html><body>
Last week at a Property Council of Australia lunch in Victoria the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, presented to a sell-out crowd.

The first part of the presentation centred on the State Budget and as expected, the “fully funded” delivery of the Melbourne Metro Rail Project was a big focus.  The Minster spoke of the construction of the underground Arden Station as being a big opportunity to support infill redevelopment in the Arden-Macaulay precinct, with the future Station to improve connections to the Melbourne CBD.

The Minister advised that the State Government owns large amounts of land in the Arden-Macaulay precinct and that his Department is exploring the possibility of selling off parcels of land at below market value on the condition that any development must provide a percentage of affordable housing. 

This is a real opportunity and is no doubt inspired by the former role of the Minister in the Housing portfolio.

<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Intended Melbourne Metro rail map"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-metro.jpg?itok=A1QGEnpU" title="Intended Melbourne Metro rail map" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Intended Melbourne Metro rail map</figcaption></figure>The allocation of $25.5 million in the State Budget for reforms to the planning system labelled ‘Smart Planning’ was another focus of the presentation.  A notable reform proposed is the removal of the State and Local Planning Policy Frameworks and the replacement with one Planning Policy Framework. 

In our experience, Local Planning Policy Frameworks for municipalities are not updated regularly enough (often due to limited Council resources) and when they become outdated, have less or even little relevance to planning permit applications. 

We welcome this change especially if it reduces the amount of ‘red tape’ assessment required for applications.

Another positive reform proposed as part of ‘Smart Planning’ will be the ability to submit planning permit applications and to monitor the approvals process, online. 

This should allow applications to be lodged more quickly with a Council and depending on the reliability of the new system, should reduce the amount of chasing of Council planning officers to obtain updates on the status of an application – assuming of course the online process is updated regularly and of sufficient detail in terms of status / progress.

In terms of polices and guidelines, the Minister is aiming to introduce the final CBD built form controls along the with final apartment design guidelines in September 2016.

A concern that was raised during question time was in relation to third party appeal rights and the ability of objectors with little to no planning merit to hold up the approval of planning permit applications.  The Minister advised that he would not be considering any reform to third party appeal rights.

Another concern raised from the audience was the time it is taking the Minister to approve planning scheme amendments, with an example given of a particular amendment being with the Minister for seven months. 

In response, the Minister advised that he had inherited a backlog from the previous government and is working through it – but the excuse of inherited backlogs is a bit thin.

 

This article appeared on Collie's website. Michael Collie is Director at <a href="http://www.colliepl.com/">Collie Pty Ltd</a>, a multi-disciplinary Southbank-based firm with interests in strategic planning, development planning, urban design and landscape architecture.
</body></html>

Property Council lunch with the Minister for Planning

<html><body>
Last Wednesday I attended a VPELA seminar on transport and infrastructure.  The guest speakers included Adam Fennessy from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (also on the board of Infrastructure Victoria), Henry Turnbull from Traffix Group and Sallyanne Everett from Clayton Utz.

With the delivery of transport and infrastructure always a topical issue, the event proved interesting with a range of views from the speakers, followed up by pertinent questions.

Some interesting information from the evening: since 1955 car ownership has quadrupled and public transport patronage continued to decline, only recently returning to 1950 levels; in this period there has been a strong emphasis on investment in road infrastructure; as generally well known, with the exception of the city loop, the railway network has not changed significantly since 1940 and as Henry Turnbull stated, it was the borrowing of 100 million pounds from the Bank of England that largely funded the construction of the early railway network.

It was pointed out that the existing road network is at capacity and while road infrastructure projects such as completing the missing links in our freeway network remain important, investment in public transport infrastructure is the main way to accommodate mobility needs of population growth.  Clearly, there needs to be a balance between investment in public transport and road infrastructure. 

Given the bulk of investment has been in road infrastructure for the last 50 years or more, it is obvious that the focus needs to shift to upgrading our public transport network in order to redress the balance.

As a way of funding the delivery of public transport, it was suggested that a petrol tax be imposed of about 5 cents per litre.  This would have the added benefit of encouraging greener cars. 

While for various reasons the proposal was not well received by many in the room, it was pointed out if communicated clearly with the public at the outset, in terms of the objective and where the revenue was to be spent, from the outset this would increase the chances of implementation (sounds very like ideas from a certain new political leader).

The view was put that the Victorian government should increase its debt levels by borrowing money to fund public transport infrastructure.  The problem with increasing government debt is its politicisation and the off-put negative that increasing debt is bad for the economy. 

But if public debt is increased in a responsible way to invest in public transport infrastructure, surely such investment will generate jobs and eventually revenue which will stimulate the economy. 

Conversely, relying on a public transport system (which ironically was largely funded by debt!) that is already showing signs of being outdated, will be a cost to our economy in terms of higher and higher maintenance requirements, growing congestion of our roads and revenue lost from lesser patronage.

As with investment in any public area, the problem with government investment in transport and infrastructure is that it can be constrained by the election cycle.  For this reason, we welcome the principle of the establishment of Infrastructure Victoria, an independent body, whose role is to advise the State and Federal Government on infrastructure projects. 

Adam Fennessy advised that Infrastructure Victoria has recently released a discussion paper on a 30-year plan for Victoria’s infrastructure needs.  We welcome the release of this discussion paper and hope that the development of a long term plan for Victoria’s infrastructure will shift the focus for government away from the election cycle and toward delivering projects that are important to Victoria.

All in all, it was an interesting seminar that repeated the message that the time to invest in public transport is now.  As we are well aware, we are still benefitting from the money that was borrowed to complete our railway network in 1940. 

Hopefully we can learn lessons from the past and make a bold move again based on what Victoria really needs.

This article appeared on Collie's website. Michael Collie is Director at <a href="http://www.colliepl.com/">Collie Pty Ltd</a>, a multi-disciplinary Southbank-based firm with interests in strategic planning, development planning, urban design and landscape architecture.

Lead image courtesy SMH
</body></html>

VPELA seminar on Transport and Infrastructure

<html><body>
Last Tuesday I attended a VPELA seminar where the Minister for Planning (Richard Wynne) was the guest speaker.  The purpose of the evening was for the Minister to provide an update on how the State Government is progressing with reforming the planning system.

The Minister presented well and his enthusiasm on a number of issues, which he was able to back up with practical examples, made his presentation quite engaging.

In response to high rise development that has largely been unregulated in the CBD, the Minister was quite proud of the interim CBD height and setback controls that were introduced recently and believes they will make a significant difference to how people relate to future built form on the ground.  In addition, the Minister has guaranteed that permanent CBD height controls will be subject to a full exhibition and planning panel process to allow reasonable opportunities for community consultation. 

Furthermore, the Minister is a big advocate of high rise development making a positive contribution to the public realm whether this is through its architecture, height and setbacks or providing a public space or a laneway.

In relation to the review of apartment design by the State Government, the Minister was not supportive of mandatory apartment sizes and is of the view that it is not so much size that matters, but the ability to deliver good apartment design.  This view is shared by Collie and others in the industry.  According to the Minister, draft apartment design guidelines are due to be released later this year.

<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/architecture-exteriors-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="McBride Charles Ryan's Banksia at Newquay; an exemplar of quality design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="511" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/architecture-exteriors-2.jpg?itok=E0wPqnsn" title="McBride Charles Ryan's Banksia at Newquay; an exemplar of quality design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>McBride Charles Ryan's Banksia at Newquay; an exemplar of quality design</figcaption></figure>With the development of apartment dwellings in existing suburbs outstripping the number of dwellings being constructed in greenfield areas, the Minister was adamant that existing suburbs must accommodate the bulk of the growth.  Having recognised a barrier to this was often the ‘not in my backyard’ view, the Minister suggested that improved community engagement was necessary to overcome this barrier, but did not elaborate on how this could be achieved.

Surprisingly in his presentation, the Minister was silent on the residential zone review being conducted by the State Government and did not comment on some of the issues with the application of the new zones.  Some of the more critical issues in our view are the Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ) (the most restrictive zone) providing limited opportunity for re-development and the application of the NRZ in some cases being politicised with no shared commitment across municipalities to accommodate population growth.

The Minister talked about the re-development of ‘grey’ and ‘brownfield’ sites being integral to accommodating residential growth in existing suburbs, but did not mention the role incremental two to four storey townhouse / apartment development, in locations that are well serviced, would play.  This gave the impression that the Minister was taking a cautious approach pending the findings of the residential zone review.

An updated version of Plan Melbourne is to be released in the middle of the year and it was unusual to hear the Minister give credit to the previous State Government for its work in the preparation of the document.  It was also refreshing to see that Melbourne’s key strategic planning document has some bipartisan support with the document to remain largely unchanged.  This is a welcome change from having a new strategic document prepared each time a new State Government is elected.

Following the presentation, a pertinent question was asked in relation to the Metropolitan Planning Levy (MPL).  The question related to the lack of guidance that is available on the MPL in order to determine when it is applicable.  It was also pointed out that there is no consistent approach in its application across municipalities. 

The Minister acknowledged that the MPL has caused some confusion and has promised to provide further clarity on its application shortly.

Michael Collie is Director at <a href="http://www.colliepl.com/">Collie Pty Ltd</a>, a Melbourne-based firm specilising in strategic and development planning, urban design and landscape architecture.

Lead image courtesy Skynews
</body></html>

VPELA seminar and the Minister for Planning

<html><body>
Guidelines and standards for apartment design are being debated rigorously in the planning industry with the release in May by the State Government of the Better Apartments discussion paper. A panel of four industry experts engaged in a lively debate at a UDIA forum on July 9th.

Christine Wyatt, Deputy Secretary of DELWP, introduced the topic and gave a brief overview of the process thus far. She encouraged everyone to get involved in the discussion as the Minister for Planning with the support of the Department of Environment, Water and Planning (DELWP) is in the consultative phase of the process and is seeking feedback from the development industry and the general public.

The panel comprised four industry experts: Craig Yelland (Plus Architecture), Nicola Foxworthy (Common Equity Housing), David Waldren (Grocon) and Marcus Spiller (SGS Economics). Questions from the chairperson and the audience sparked a strong debate, with a range of differing viewpoints expressed throughout the discussion.

<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/betterapartments.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Launched during May and still subject to robust discussion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/betterapartments.jpg?itok=7XqbVD0w" title="Launched during May and still subject to robust discussion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Launched during May and still subject to robust discussion</figcaption></figure>Craig Yelland sees no reason to change the existing planning controls applicable to apartment developments. He believes that the current system rewards good design by permitting development above discretionary controls where an exemplary design is proposed. According to Craig, the NSW SEPP 65 regulations have made finding a suitable site in Sydney and developing a feasible scheme incredibly difficult, subsequently driving up the cost of apartments.

In complete contrast to Craig, David Waldren was in favour of guidelines and minimum standards, and mentioned that Grocon uses SEPP 65 as a benchmark for its Melbourne developments, believing that it facilitates a high standard of housing. He said that minimum apartment standards would provide a level playing field for all developers, clearly setting out expectations.

While Nicola did not agree that mandatory standards were necessary or beneficial in all instances, she was supportive of some guidance for apartment proposals to ensure that all housing, including affordable housing, provides reasonable amenity to occupants.

Marcus Spiller believes that the internal specifications of apartments should be left to the market to determine with only the aspects of apartment development that affect public amenity being regulated.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the-commons.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Commons Brunswick, considered an exemplar project"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-commons.jpg?itok=Zoc8X_s6" title="The Commons Brunswick, considered an exemplar project" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons Brunswick, considered an exemplar apartment project</figcaption></figure>While we share some of the concerns raised by the panel regarding the implications for housing affordability if minimum standards are mandated, we believe that some guidance is necessary to ensure that a reasonable level of amenity is provided to all apartment dwellers. A performance based system that rewards innovative design can still be achieved while setting out clear expectations for apartment developments under a new set of guidelines.

We will be keen to see the process unfold over the coming months and look forward to seeing the first draft of the guidelines in 2016.

This article appeared on Collie's website on July 24th. Michael Collie is Director at <a href="http://www.colliepl.com/">Collie Pty Ltd</a>, a multi-disciplinary Southbank-based firm with interests in strategic planning, development planning, urban design and landscape architecture.
</body></html>

UDIA Forum - Apartment Design and Affordable Housing

<html><body>
At the start of June, I along with another Collie staff member attended a <a href="http://www.vpela.org.au/">VPELA</a> seminar that focused on housing affordability and design. Four guest speakers from a diverse range of professions including Urbanxchange, Elenberg Fraser, Breathe Architecture and the Property Council of Australia shared their thoughts on Melbourne’s current housing supply and the types of housing supply required to meet housing needs for all.

In the seminar there was a particular focus on apartment style development, which is topical given the recent release of the ‘Better Apartments Discussion Paper’ by the State Government.

It was agreed by all speakers that more affordable housing is required to accommodate the thousands of Melburnians who for various reasons are unable to either rent or purchase a house at market price. It was raised by a number of speakers that the State Planning Policy Framework currently lacks direction on this issue and individual Councils often do not moderate expectations on affordable housing with what is feasible from a developer profit perspective.

An example of a good initiative, was in the City of Port Phillip where a developer was granted approval to construct a bonus three levels for providing some affordable housing. This example could be implemented on a more regular basis through incentive based zoning, which has been highly successful in Vancouver in providing community facilities.

In relation to appropriate design, most speakers linked this topic directly to apartments and the possible introduction of an apartment design code following the ‘Better Apartments Discussion Paper’. There was a general consensus, and Collie agrees, that apartment size should not be mandatory as this would stifle apartment design.

Innovative and creative design to use smaller spaces, and in some cases use the same space for multiple purposes, is a way of delivering apartments that provide a high level of amenity. An example of the creative use of space was illustrated in a video where the layout of an apartment of just 8 square metres in Paris could be reconfigured virtually instantly to accommodate a single bed, a table and chairs, a book shelf and additional wardrobe / storage space.

Whilst 8 square metres is generally considered to be an unacceptable size for a dwelling, the video illustrated how creative design in small spaces can achieve liveable and functional space. We acknowledge however, that such innovative / good examples are the exceptions that are more difficult to write into planning controls.

In addition, use of the same space by many residents is more efficient and can foster a sense of community in situations where it may not normally occur. An example was given in which a high rise apartment building contained several shared facilities such as a gym, pool, library, lounge or dining room.

Apartment design also tied into with the affordability issue where for example, forgoing a larger apartment with a dining room for a smaller apartment that relies on using a shared dining room can increase affordability for the purchaser.

Examples of creative and innovative design were also highlighted by Breathe Architecture, the architects who designed the Commons apartment development adjacent to Anstey train station and the Upfield bike path in Brunswick. In an effort to reduce costs, many elements were removed in the construction and marketing of this development that many other developers would consider to be essential, such as car parking, air conditioning, individual laundries, a real estate agent and a marketing team.

The development was able to compensate for the loss of some of these elements through the provision of green and solar roofing with a communal laundry, a dedicated car share service and bicycle parking. Exposed concrete ceilings and not tiling the bathrooms were further examples of savings in the cost of construction, which allowed Breathe Architecture to deliver a more affordable housing product.

Collie is in the process of making a submission in response to the Better Apartments Discussion Paper which will be made available on our web site in due course.

This article appeared on <a href="http://www.colliepl.com/news_and_projects/2015/06/vpela-seminar-melbournes-housing-equation/">Collie's website</a> on June 5th. Michael Collie is Director at <a href="http://www.colliepl.com/">Collie Pty Ltd</a>, a multi-disciplinary Southbank-based firm with interests in strategic planning, development planning, urban design and landscape architecture.
</body></html>

Collie

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Collie

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News