<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

Construction

<html><body>
New South Wales – for the first time in a decade – has replaced Victoria as Australia’s biggest home building state in the current financial year, according to the Housing Industry Association.
The HIA forecasts around 50,000 dwellings have commenced ­construction in NSW, compared to around 47,000 in Victoria.
<img src="/images/2014/05/28/hia-may-28-one.gif" alt="">
Source: Housing Industry Association.
The last time NSW built more homes than Victoria was in 2003/04. Western Australia is also driving the new home building recovery, also at decade highs of around 27,000 starts. 
The HIA expects NSW to remain the nation’s biggest home builder for the rest of the decade, with Victoria to have annual declines to around 42,000 starts in 2016. Victoria's peak was 60,000 new starts in 2010.
The HIA forecasts the pace of the residential construction recovery to accelerate with a 10% rise in housing starts this financial year reaching 180,000 commencements led by NSW, Western Australia and Queensland.
<img src="/images/2014/05/28/hia-may-28-two.gif" alt="">
Source: Housing Industry Association.
But HIA chief economist Harley Dale while activity at current elevated ­levels will remain, further fast growth faces capacity ­constraints. Starts are expected to dip to 175,000 next year.
Dr Dale said the post GFC period has been a challenging one for new home building. 
"Stimulus measures employed to combat the GFC provided an initial recovery in new dwelling commencements from a historically low level of only 132,000.
"However, the recovery only lasted four quarters during which commencements increased by 25% during the 2010 calendar year. 
"As the effects of the stimulus began to wane, a second wave of new home building weakness took hold.
"This saw a decline in commencements in both 2011 and 2012.
"As it turned out, the magnitude of the subsequent rebound (which began in mid-2012) gathered considerable pace, especially in the second half of 2013.
"Record low interest rates have unlocked pent-up demand at a faster pace than first looked likely," he said.
The latest ABS data, released in mid-April, provided a preliminary estimate of 168,300 new dwelling commencements in calendar year 2013, which represents an increase of 11% on the previous year.
"HIA’s forecast had been for a rise of 8% to 164,400.
"Early last year, a range of forecasts for 2013 commencements across the forecasting community was centred on a level of 150,000 and the highest forecast was for 160,000," Dr Dale said. 
He added the high level of building observed nationally in 2013 could not have been achieved without such a strong contribution from Victoria, driven by healthy numbers of multi-unit dwellings.
"We maintain our view that the elevated level of new home building in Victoria, driven by the multi-unit segment, is likely to transform into a potential point of weakness over the near term, although to a lesser extent than our previous forecast implied.
"Upward momentum gathered through 2013 in both Queensland and South Australia and this was also a helpful development.
"While momentum is expected to continue carrying activity levels higher in Queensland, the softer labour market conditions in South Australia are likely to provide a head wind." 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Victoria loses residential building crown to NSW: HIA

<html><body>
Queensland’s building and construction industry, including residential, is a state focus and will be outlined in a new blueprint, according to Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander.
The blueprint, ConstructionQ, aims to grow construction as one of the pillars propping up Queensland’s economy.
In order to help push residential construction, they note that they have already scrapped mandatory requirements for rainwater tanks and greenhouse efficient hot water systems in new homes.
They are looking into speeding up approvals even more, and Mander points to the total number of trend dwelling approvals at 64.3% more than January 2012.
“ConstructionQ is about building on those gains and putting in place a vision which will unleash the industry’s full potential and generate benefits for decades to come,” he said, asking industry members to come forward with suggestions.
“Although we’re hosting ConstructionQ, the Government will work with the sector to help deliver the initiative as we want stakeholders in the construction industry to take the lead.”
Master Builders deputy executive director Paul Bidwell said that it’s time to look at the long-term growth of the industry.
“This is a great opportunity to work with the Queensland Government in charting a course for growth and to shape the policy on issues that have a major impact on builders and trade contractors across Queensland,” said Bidwell.
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Boosting Queensland residential construction a state focus

<html><body>
An apartment development project in South Australia’s Woodville West has the state government partnering with the private sector as they explore how to lower construction costs.
The project is a 1,500 square metre block, allocated by Renewal SA, for a four or five storey apartment building comprising of 16 to 20 dwellings at Woodville West's The Square with aims to bring the price for the home buyer down to $200,000s to low-$300,000s per apartment on completion.
This is under a project called the Apartment Construction Cost Demonstration, part of looking at increasing affordability. The results of the project will be a commercially-replicable development model that can be sold at fair price points in inner and middle ring metropolitan locations. They look to achieve the construction at a target cost per square metre that will reduce overall costs. This cost should be $1,800 to $2,000 per square metre. They will then share these learnings with the industry, including techniques and practices around building layout, construction methodology and material choice.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development John Rau said the main focus is to reduce the costs for a home buyer.
“Finding a solution to the current high construction cost of apartments will help bring down the purchase costs, meaning more South Australians will be able to afford houses in areas of their choice,” said Rau.
“Creating more quality, affordable housing along Adelaide’s key transport corridors – particularly medium-density dwellings such as apartments - is an important goal for South Australia’s property sector,” he said.
A first of its kind in the state, it has been sourcing advice through an Industry Reference Group – made up of real estate industry experts including builders and architects.
“The key to the success of this project will be innovation and collaboration between the builder, design team, Renewal SA and industry, who will need to explore elements including building and site layout, construction methodology and choice of material," he explained.
Members from the industry involved also include the Housing Industry Association, the Urban Development Industry Association, the Property Council, Master Builders Association, the Australian Institute of Architects, the Planning Institute of Australia and the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors.
“Innovations that achieve lower apartment construction costs will be shared with the building industry so that the greatest number of people can benefit,” he said.
The UDIA (SA), who are on the panel, have welcomed the project. Executive director Terry Walsh said that the project has the potential to make a significant difference to the cost of property.
“The UDIA, which is represented on the project’s Industry Reference Group, is keen to explore not only improvements in building techniques, processes and materials but also ways of streamlining approval and regulatory processes. We hope that lessons learned from this project will help reduce time and costs associated with not only apartment construction but all forms of housing construction," said Walsh.
Currently, an expression of interest process is open to find a builder partner that will be part of the panel selecting the design team.
Construction for the apartment project is anticipated for the first half of 2015.
</body></html>

South Australian government researching how to lower apartment construction costs

<html><body>
The federal government intends axing the Tools for Your Trade grants program for a loans scheme because apprentices misused the scheme instead spending the money on tattoos, fancy wheels on their cars, and partying.
The Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane says tax-exempt cash grants of up to $5,500 were paid to apprentices doing training in areas of established skills shortage but without receipt for tools.
"I think the whole skills and training area was just hanging out to be rebuilt or streamlined, and so we’ve stepped in and done that,” he told the Australian Financial Review Weekend.
 “We’ve got evidence that they were spending the money on tattoos and mag wheels for their cars, and birthday parties,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“Because the money was basically being thrown at them they just spent it on whatever they wanted to.
“You certainly didn’t have to provide a receipt for tools. I think the whole skills and training area was just hanging out to be rebuilt or streamlined, and so we’ve stepped in and done that.”
The Coalition will replace Tools for Your Trade with the Trade Support Loans program, which will provide interest-free loans of up to $20,000, similar to HECS for tertiary students, to support them through their training.
It will offer apprentices loans of up to $20,000 at concessional interest rates over a four-year apprenticeship. Apprentices will need to begin repaying their loan when their income exceeds a minimum annual threshold ($53,345 in 2014-15).
The loans will be available to apprentices doing a certificate III or IV qualification that leads to an occupation on the national skills needs list.
The budget papers say that apprentices who successfully complete their training will receive a 20% discount on the amount to be repaid.
The money will be capped at $8,000 in the first year of the apprenticeship, $6,000 in the second, $4,000 in the third and $2,000 in the fourth.
The loan program will cost $439 million over five years.
The budget is set to save almost $1 billion over the next four years by scrapping the Tools for Your Trade program from 1 July this year.
This program was originally introduced by the Howard government.
</body></html>

Tools for Your Trade federal grants spent by apprentices on tattoos, mag wheels and parties

<html><body>
The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ residential building approvals are suggestive of a healthy 2014, according to the Housing Industry Association’s chief economist Harley Dale.
Noting that the March 2014 approvals have seen healthy growth, Dale noted that the approvals cycle itself may well have peaked.
“New home building has a large reach into the wider domestic economy and the sector is very much Australia's economic barometer in 2014,” he said.
“If you're searching for highlights to the Australian economy, new housing is the best shot you can take,” he continued.
“Leading indicators such as building approvals are clearly a positive for the economic outlook. How many of these approvals are converted into dwelling commencements and over what timeframe will exert a considerable influence over wider domestic economic activity.”
Over March, the total seasonally adjusted building approvals actually fell 3.5% to 15,598, the second consecutive monthly decline, while detached house approvals remained flat, down 0.5%. Over the March quarter, detached housing approvals grew 7.7%.
The approvals for ‘other dwellings’ fell by 7.5% over the month, down 7.2% over the quarter.
“The momentum in approvals has slowly shifted from multi-units to detached houses and that is evident in the March quarter results,” he said.
This comes after multi-unit dwelling approvals hit a record high in last year’s December quarter.
Seasonally adjusted, approval increases were seen in New South Wales (8%) and Tasmania (33.1%). Approvals were flat in South Australia. They fell in Victoria (12.5%), Queensland (3.3%) and Western Australia (9.1%). The Northern Territory saw a 25% decline in trend terms, with the ACT increasing 0.7%.
New South Wales Minister for Planning, Pru Goward, was jubilant over the state’s result.
“Over the 12 months to March 2014 nearly 51,000 new homes were approved in NSW, the highest in almost eleven years,” said Goward.
“Today’s figures also show more than 4,700 new homes were approved in March this year, compared to just less than 3,100 last March,” she said.
</body></html>

Healthy building approvals, but cycle may have peaked: HIA

<html><body>
A recent announcement from planning minister John Day has noted that new building standards are going to be put on homes being built in bushfire areas, under new construction standards.
The Building Code of Australia and the Australian Standards AS3959 will identify mandatory provisions for properties being built in bushfire-prone areas under new planning schemes across Western Australia.
The new guidelines are open for public comment, however the plan is for the standards to apply from May 2015, and will apply to all properties in areas mapped by the government as bushfire-prone or within 100 metres of one hectare or more of bushland.
“If land intended for development is located on a bushfire map or close to a large area of bushland a bushfire hazard assessment will be required,” Day announced.
“The assessment will identify the bushfire risk level and the Australian Standards to be applied when the new home is constructed.  These standards are used in many jurisdictions across Australia and include requirements such as the placement of ember screens over evaporative air-conditioner units, window screens and appropriate construction methods."
The measures look to reduce the severity of the effect of a fire on a home.
Part of this will be the introduction of uniform state-wide maps, explained Emergency Services Minister Joe Francies, led by the Fire and Emergency Services commissioner, based on the Keelty Report into the Perth Hills bushfires.
These will be available to the public.
The WA Planning Commission, at the same time, released the State Planning Policy and Planning Guidelines on Bushfire Risk Management. These are all available for public comment, and look to provide both government and developers guidance when planning developments in these areas.
This may cause an extra hoop for developers to jump through, with the current draft suggesting that some developers will be required to supply a Bushfire Management Plan prepared by a fire consultant, jointly endorsed by a local government and authority responsible for emergency services.
It also notes that: "Any planning proposal or development application that will result in the introduction, or intensification, of development in an area that has an extreme bushfire hazard level and/or requires construction standards of BAL-40 or BAL-FZ shall only be supported if it is unavoidable development."
New developments will be required to provide the highest achievable protection, and where earlier strategic planning has not been seen to address bushfire risk, "assessing greenfield or infill development will require the exercising of statutory planning discretions."
It notes that this may include situations where new risks are identified, requiring planning measures to be taken where they have previously been unexpected.
Subdivisions may also be implicated.
The public consultation period on the State Planning Policy closes on 4 July, while the guidelines' commenting period closes on 1 August.
</body></html>

New construction requirements coming for houses in WA bushfire areas

<html><body>
Dwelling approvals fell by 3.5% in March, according to the ABS but approvals are still up 20% over the year.
CommBank economist Savanth Sebastian noted the current number of annual dwelling approvals (15,958) is well above the decade average (13,489).
House approvals are up 19.1% over the past year while apartment approvals are up 21.3%.
The latest ABS data showed mixed results across the states, with the total number of building approvals jumping 32% in Tasmania, followed by 8% in New South Wales.
But approvals fell across the remaining states, dropping 12.5% in Victoria.
Building approvals remain well below the 2003 peak. Michael Workman, senior economist at CBA, noted there is a difference in this cycle as multi‑units have about a 45% share of the total, well up on the 30% of a decade ago.
Workman also says the lag between approvals and construction is longer than previously experienced. 
"We expect to see sharp rises in the construction activity data in coming quarters.
"It should also flow into higher spending at big box retailers as the new dwellings are kitted out," he said. 
The ANZ estimated the elevated level of dwelling approvals was likely to add around 0.35-0.40ppts to economic growth in 2014-15.
But they added that despite expectations that non-residential and residential building will go some way to offsetting weaker mining investment in the coming years, the data highlighted the volatile nature of the current cyclical recovery in building activity, particularly for the high-density housing and commercial building sectors.
Consequently there are concerns that the downward trend in approvals for high density living – down four of the last five months - may signal approvals have hit an earlier than expected peak. 
HIA-RP Data’s Residential Land Report has meanwhile warned Australia’s residential land market activity continued to tighten at the end of last year.
The data providers Residential Land Report has shown residential land sales fell 1.8% to 15,447 lots in the December quarter, representing the second straight quarter of declining activity. 
</body></html>

Fears of early peak in dwelling approvals 

<html><body>
Confidence in the outlook for the construction industry has hit its highest level since March 2008, although it will take time for improving conditions to translate into new jobs in the sector, a national survey has revealed.
Confidence improved in the March quarter across all measures of business activity and expected profitability, the Master Builders National Survey of Building and Construction, released last week, found.
Builders surveyed reported improvements in sales contracts, display centre enquiries and work on books compared with the previous quarter.
The index for builders’ own business activity rose in March for the third consecutive quarter, reaching 62.8, well above the neutral 50 point mark. This indicated builders expected business activity to pick up over the next six months, Peter Jones Master Builders chief economist said.
“This is particularly reflective of the residential building sector’s response to low [interest] rates and is an encouraging trend,” Jones said.
The Master Builders Association expects improvements in the outlook for work to increase margins and profitability, allowing builders to consider hiring employees and sub-contractors.
However, the index for hiring intentions in the sector rose to only a neutral level of 50.2, indicating most employers surveyed would keep headcounts level in the next six months. Demand for apprentices increased slightly, with 22.2% saying they planned to hire new apprentices.
The survey showed the availability of labour in the sector has increased, with builders having little difficulty in finding staff across all categories of worker. There were particularly high levels of availability of electricians, painters and building consultants.
The Master Builders Association noted that as the business cycle turned and conditions improved, it was likely that builders would once again experience some difficulty in finding certain types of sub-contractors and employees.
A separate study by the Department of Employment, also released last week, showed the number of job advertisements for construction trade workers increased by 2% in March compared with the previous month.
Over the year to March 2014, job ads for construction workers were up by 33.7%, according to the Internet Vacancy Index, which counts online job ads newly lodged on SEEK, MyCareer, CareerOne and Australian JobSearch during the month, although the increase came from a low base.
National availability of labour (index)
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Role
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Sep-13
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Dec-13
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Mar-14
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Site Manager
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
23.7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
34.8
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
29.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Project Manager
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
33.7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
33.9
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
26.0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Foreman/Supervisor
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
32.7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
34.1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
23.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Concretors
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
16.3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
22.9
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
19.0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Bricklayers
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
18.3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
31.6
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
18.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Steel Fixers
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
17.4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
26.8
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
15.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Office Staff
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
16.3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
18.4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
15.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Tilers – Wall and Floor
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
15.6
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
26.6
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
14.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Plaster Fixers
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
14.8
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
17.1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
13.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Carpenters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
20.3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
22.2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
13.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Scaffolders
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
11.1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
15.9
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
11.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Labourers
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
12.5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
21.0
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
10.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Tilers – Roof
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
12.3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
14.1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
9.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Building Consultants
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
14.3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
16.5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
9.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Painters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
9.6
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
17.1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
8.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Electricians
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
15.1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
15.3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
7.1
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Note: Respondents are asked about the degree of difficulty in finding a range of subcontractors/employees. The higher the index, the more builders are experiencing large difficulty in finding employees or sub-contractors. A low index reading indicates slight or no difficulty in finding subcontractors/employees.
Source: Master Builders Association 'National Survey of Building and Construction' (March 2014).
</body></html>

zfielding-GvX3Uq9KTa

Confidence in construction industry at highest point since GFC

<html><body>
Insolvency firm Ferrier Hodgson has raised concerns that the improvement in residential construction may not be “long enough and strong enough” to allow downstream construction businesses to recover from financial damage suffered over the past two years.
The total number of new dwellings commenced rose 8.2% in the December quarter in seasonally adjusted terms, following a fall of 0.6% in the September quarter, Australian Bureau of Statistics figures out last week showed.
The number of new houses started in the December quarter of 2013 was up 4.2% in seasonally adjusted terms compared with the previous year, while units were up 20.6%.
However, the seasonally adjusted number of new dwelling starts was still below the previous peak in 2009, which preceded a slump in construction activity that lasted until early 2012.
Ferrier Hodgson noted that while initial signs were promising, the recovery had been patchy and construction businesses would need to monitor where growth was occurring and consider chasing work outside of their local area.
“A national construction-led recovery doesn’t necessarily mean the construction work will be spread evenly around the country and will almost certainly not be driven out of the hotspots of the last boom,” Ferrier Hodgson said in a report.
The Housing Industry Association noted that while NSW and Western Australia had driven much of the recovery in construction to date, there had been only a modest number of dwelling commencements in each of those states during the December quarter.
Victoria contributed most to growth in dwelling starts in the December quarter with commencement numbers up 11.3%. Activity in Queensland also grew strongly, with dwelling starts up 15.8%.
Ferrier Hodgson said downstream businesses such as landscapers, cabinet makers and manufacturers of household products could expect a lag of up to 24 months before they saw the benefits of increased residential construction.
Numerous construction-related businesses went under during the downturn in construction, and smaller businesses would continue to struggle to meet ongoing fixed costs through a prolonged downturn and long recovery, the liquidation firm said. 
</body></html>

Construction recovery may not be “long enough and strong enough” for related businesses

<html><body>
The Australian Bureau of Statistics' finance statistics have seen strong results for 2014's first two months, particularly in comparison to the past five years. However, it may not mean that prices will continue to surge upwards. Loan Market director, Mark De Martino, said that 13% more home loans were approved in the first two months of this year, than 2013, and that the results saw the highest total for January and February since 2009.
<blockquote>
De Martino expected March and April may be in the running to set new records.
</blockquote>
“The data released today by the ABS confirms that 2014 is off to a great start - home owners and buyers are returning to the market and they’re building momentum,” he said. He also said that he expected March and April may be in the running to set new records. “In the shortest month of the year there were only 227 fewer home loan approvals than the best month in 2013. Considering this, we should expect to see demand for finance growing and reaching new highs throughout 2014,” he said.   Meanwhile, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) were pointing to new home lending as showing encouraging signs. HIA economist, Diwa Hopkins, said that owner occupier loans for the construction of new dwellings increased in Feburary by 0.8%, with the three months to February seeing a 7.2% uptick. “This strong growth in housing finance is consistent with other leading indicators of the residential construction sector, including dwelling approvals and new home sales,” added Hopkins. She also pointed to a strong uptick in the value of lending to investors for the purpose of constructing new dwellings for rent or resale. "In the three months to February 2014, the value of this form of finance increased by 13.2%,” she said. Commbank's Craig James also pointed to the value of loans to fund the construction of homes, which soared by 22.3% to a record $2.75 billion in February, however he also noted that consumer confidence is a mixed bag - rising in Western Australia and New South Wales, but falling in all other states. "Anyone concerned about rising home prices need only look at the latest lending data for home construction. In February, loans to the tune of $2.75 billion were committed to fund home construction with the main driver being investors. In short, the supply of homes is set to rise to meet strong housing demand and as a consequence the growth of home prices will soften," said James.
</body></html>

Construction

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Construction

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News