The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

Joel Robinson

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372743]

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

East West Link

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The Planning Minister has distributed a media release stating that he has approved the eastern section of the East West link with some conditions.

It appears the proposed Elliot Avenue Interchange located inside Royal Park has been rejected and will be replaced with an interchange further west at Flemington Road.

Opposition Planning spokesman, Brian Tee, originally <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/east-west-link-project-approved-with-royal-park-largely-spared-20140630-zsr4b" target="_blank">quoted in The Age</a> said "The process hasn't followed any logical path - it has been botched every step of the way. We don't have a business plan, we don't have traffic projections, and now we don't even have a finalised route". Similarly The Age report quotes a community group spokesperson whom called for the State Government to defer "signing contracts for the project until after an assessment of the revised design's full impact on Flemington Road".

Media release in full:

<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/231902279/140630-Guy-Planning-Minister-Approves-the-East-West-Link" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View 140630 Guy - Planning Minister Approves the East West Link on Scribd">140630 Guy - Planning Minister Approves the East West Link</a> by <a href="http://www.scribd.com/tayser82" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View tayser82's profile on Scribd">tayser82</a>

<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7066666666666667" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_40288" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/231902279/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-aLxDOLr4ir42wrlLQ1Vi&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Alastair Taylor

Planning Minister approves eastern section of East West Link

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The following article was originally published on The Red and Black Architect's <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/2014/03/27/a-better-east-west-link-design-revealed/" target="_blank">blog</a>.

As previously reported (<a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/east-west-tollway-to-trash-an-inner-city-oasis/" sl-processed="1">East West Tollway to trash an inner-city oasis</a> and <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/an-update-on-the-east-west-link/" sl-processed="1">an update on the East West Link</a>), many people in Melbourne are dismayed over the destruction that the controversial East West Link will reap over the inner city communities and significant parklands of Melbourne. At its essence Melbourne has become very much a design city and it is therefore not surprising that such a bad design has been widely criticised and that better alternatives have arisen.

At the time of writing the Assessment Committee is part way through its 30 day hearing schedule. Lawyers and experts from all sides have been slugging it out debating Melbourne’s future, whilst the only update to the public seems to be an excellent <a href="http://eastwestlinkblog.com/live-blog-public-hearings/" sl-processed="1">community blog</a> written by volunteers. This is a process that will hopefully lead to a revised design which will be better outcome for the community at large. But how did it get to this stage? Where was the community consultation? How did the LMA reference design change based on this consultation?

The East West Tunnel project will have a near permanent presence on the environment, our communities, our heritage and our finances. This of all projects must therefore engage the public to produce an outcome that is better across the board.

With this situation as the backdrop, <a href="http://redblackarch.com.au/" target="_blank">Atelier Red + Black</a> have undertaken a pro-bono project with a group of local professionals under the banner of Better East West link Design. The objective was to develop a road design from the community group, Safety Net for Royal Park, to create a better overall design for Melbourne. The central premise of the design is that the underutilized Arden Macaulay precinct is a far better location for the City Link connection than Royal Park.

<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/overall-map.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Comparison map"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="502" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/overall-map.jpg?itok=W67hx8GF" title="Comparison map" width="580"></a>

Using the City of Melbourne’s vision for Arden-Macaulay as a guide, Atelier Red+Black set about creating a vision to integrate the Better East West Link Design into an under-utilized commercial fringe of North Melbourne. Located beside the Citylink Freeway and Moonee Ponds creek, the proposed site spans from Alfred Street to Macaulay road with Boundary Rd as its eastern perimeter.

The design integrates the proposed viaduct/tunnel for the link while also retaining nearby heritage buildings. It also effectively utilizes alternate programs such as a mid-sized Retail strip and a large retail outlet to act as visual &amp; acoustic sound buffers. The design also embraces the saw-toothed grain of the existing warehouses into various aspects of the new design, thus referencing the history of the area.

Other programs within the project boundary include:

<ul>
<li>Large Commercial precinct along Citylink Freeway and Alfred Street – a buffer program located close to the freeway which also benefits from its proximity to Flemington Road and the tram network.</li>
	<li>Smaller Commercial precinct along Boundary Road</li>
	<li>Public Gardens proposed at Alfred St.</li>
	<li>Neighborhood Park and playgrounds at Sutton Street (beside the new Civic hub).</li>
	<li>Smaller Residential Precinct along Boundary road – which benefit from proximity to the city and nearby parks. They also provide a built form transition towards the taller building envelopes closer to the freeway.</li>
	<li>Medium-Density Residential Precinct along Macaulay Road – located to symbiotically function with the mid-sized retail strip &amp; promenade.</li>
	<li>Secondary school and Neighborhood sports centre – to demonstrate that their programmatic requirements can be met within inner-city locations. The school also acts as a landmark visual terminus to the corner of Boundary Rd, Macaulay Rd and Canning St.</li>
</ul>
Click the images for a full view.

<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/aerialview_from_west_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view from the West - image © Atelier Red + Black"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aerialview_from_west_0.jpg?itok=h-tps6Xn" title="Aerial view from the West - image © Atelier Red + Black" width="580"></a>

<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/aerial_view_from_east_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view from the East - image © Atelier Red + Black"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aerial_view_from_east_0.jpg?itok=r_7JvK9Y" title="Aerial view from the East - image © Atelier Red + Black" width="580"></a>

At the heart of the proposal is a generous creation of a public Plaza, new Civic Hub and Parklands. Instead of the isolation of Moonee Ponds creek, the design aims to integrate it into the urban fabric of North Melbourne and Kensington by improving pedestrian links across to new public spaces on both sides. One of the parallel outcomes of doing so is the removal of the level-crossing at Macaulay Road and the sinking of the railway line (with a new Station design) to improve the connection between the suburbs of Kensington &amp; North Melbourne.

Victorians get only one opportunity to design and construct this project. If we build it and it fails for any reason we have blown over $8 Billion in the process. The stakes have never been higher for Melbourne.

To review the design options and for further information check out the website

<a href="http://www.betterEWLdesign.com" sl-processed="1">www.betterEWLdesign.com</a>

Architecture is for Everyone.

Apartments.com.au editor remarks:

Whilst we do not believe new freeway construction should be at the top of any Government transport infrastructure priority list, Apartments.com.au endorses the initiative demonstrated by the Safety Net for Royal Park community group and Atelier Red + Black architects.

We encourage readers to share this proposal with friends &amp; colleagues and also call on the wider urban development, engineering, planning and design communities of Melbourne to rally behind the <a href="http://betterewldesign.com/" target="_blank">Better East West Link Design</a> cause.

— Editors Alastair Taylor and Mark Baljak.
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redblackarchitect

Atelier Red + Black reveals "A Better East West Link" design

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Australians love a good rivalry.  Holden vs Ford, Carlton vs Collingwood, NSW vs Queensland, Keating vs Hewson.  We are currently witnessing one of the greatest rivalries of all - Australia vs England in the Ashes. There's something about them that makes for riveting viewing, that captures our imagination even if we have no connection or love for any of the combatants.  
We crave the blood, sweat and tears oozed by the competitors, the mental disintegration of the weaker party, the killer blow that renders the loser to a lifetime of missed opportunity and regret, the winner an abundance of fame and adulation, whether they are worthy or not.  And so, coming to a TV near you, we have the latest installment - The battle of the tunnels.
We are all familiar with the tunnel in the blue corner - the much vaunted East-West Tunnel.  Sporting bling worth a reputed $8 Billion, its brashness and arrogance would put a LA gangster to shame.  It has also shown a ruthlessness not to be proud of, boasting of a desire to knock out defenseless houses and parkland without an inch of remorse or regret.  A worthy foe to be greatly feared, if not respected, it has spent the last 6 months or so dancing around the ring, arms akimbo, Rose Tattoo's 'We can't be beaten' blaring from the PA system, waiting for its opponent to enter the arena.  And a few weeks ago, with bated breath, it finally arrived...
<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/ipad1605twotunnels-620x349.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy www.smh.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ipad1605twotunnels-620x349.jpg?itok=CwKjteqW" title="Image courtesy www.smh.com.au" width="580"></a>
And so, in the red corner, we have the opponent who, despite many stories of its existence, had many people questioning whether it was all just a myth.  Promising to be the Messiah of a rail system bursting at the seams, the Saviour of the outer burbs.  Ladies and Gentlemen, please give a rousing cheer to everybody's favourite project - The Melbourne Metro Tunnel!  
Now every fighter has an entourage, but the MM tunnel has an impressive one - 10,000 will be on the red corner's payroll, barracking at the top of their voices, baying for the EW Tunnel's blood, giving rise to the red team's name - Project 10,000.  With an army of support staff also doing their best to ensure the EW Tunnel never even gets in the ring, the odds look increasingly healthy, with the latest poll showing a whopping 73% of Victorian supporting the upgrade of public transport.  So whilst red team captain, Daniel Andrews looks set to win the battle, is it enough to win the war - ie the 2014 state election?
Ted Ballieu unexpectedly won the 2010 poll on the back of promising to fix our public transport system.  So after two years of diddly daddling where no major projects got off the ground (Labor legacy project the RRL aside), new Premier Dennis Napthine, in a desperate attempt to look like he was doing something, decided to build a road.  Costed at $8 billion, it created immediate fury from local residents when it was revealed that many houses would be compulsorily acquired, along with much parkland lost.  Seemingly handed a free kick, Daniel Andrews reaction was?
Nothing.  Tumbleweed bounced down the corridors of the opposition offices at Spring St, much to the chagrin of the many protest groups.  It was then revealed that the much vaunted business case contained a BCR that had inexplicitly jumped from Rod Eddington's original number of 0.5 to a whopping 1.5.  Problem is no one has actually seen it - its existence is about as mythical as a unicorn running through a field of four-leaf clovers on February 29th.  Yet still Daniel Andrews remained silent as anger turned to bewilderment whilst people started to wonder if Labor was actually going to support it.  With no other alternatives, and just like the ugly girl/guy at the pub who starts to look good after 13 beers, even the Greens overly ambitious plans started to look appealing!
After what seemed like an eternity, Andrews uttered the words everyone was waiting to hear - "The tunnel's a dud"!  Promising an alternative 'balanced' transport plan, it finally arrive in late October in the form of '<a href="http://www.danielandrews.com.au/media/news/project-10000/">Project 10,000</a>', and carries the follwing features:
1 - Remove Melbourne's 50 worst level crossings
The piece de resistance of the manifesto is the idea to remove 50 level crossings.  Sydney has 5 - Melbourne has almost 300, Victoria has over 1800!  Whilst many would agree with this approach on the basis of freeing up traffic, the benefits are far greater.  Level crossings force trains to slow down, and most importantly, the removal of level crossings saves lives.  Any perceived traffic relief is just a bonus.  Whilst grade separation has historically been expensive (&gt; $100,000 each), doing multiple separations located in the same vicinity together should provide some economies of scale.  A big tick for this initiative.
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="396" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KQ7WxIw4LCw" width="100%"></iframe>
2 - Get 5,000 trucks a day off the West Gate Bridge
Napthine's plan to tackle this was to build a new freeway, except he was going to build the half that went no where near the West.  Labour's plan is to implement what the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group have been pushing for many years - off ramps from the Westgate Freeway onto Hyde St.  Not only will this provide an extra entry/exit from the freeway, it will eliminate the need for trucks to use Williamstown Rd/Francis St, a route that runs through suburban streets and cause much noise, pollution and risk to pedestrians. Essentially a good solution that will cost a fraction of what Westlink would, it will also have a much smaller gestation period to completion.  A big tick again.
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="396" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7KaDLfx8eho" width="100%"></iframe>
3 - Build Melbourne Metro Rail
Hooray!  Just when everyone feared this would be consigned to the scrap heap that contains projects such as the original Australia 108 tower or Parliament's intended dome, Labor has pledged $300,000 in order to get this project going.  A step forward forward from the current government who won't even submit all the details to Infrastructure Australia, the downside is that it still won't be built for a decade.  In a day and age when one term governments are a real possibility, the Labor Party would be foolhardy indeed to assume they would have years to realise their dream if they won office in 2014.  Nonetheless it's great to see they support this desperately needed piece of infrastructure, but a braver approach may be needed.
4 - Guarantee $2 billion for country and suburban roads 
Uh oh, this is where it gets a little wobbly. The main reason we are in this transport dilemma is because the obsession we had with building freeways.  Even current transport minister Terry Mulder once quipped that 'You can't drive your way out of congestion', before he did a back flip Nadia Comaneci would be proud of.  After chastising The Liberals for throwing all their eggs in the one basket with East West tunnel, it seems Labor are somewhat overcompensating by including the upgrade of roads in order to seemed balanced.  Adding extra lanes to the Tullamarine freeway and Hoddle St would all be well and good if it involved dedicated bus lanes rather just allowing more cars and giving the false hope of traffic decongestion.  Unfortunately it's a cross here.
5 - Create 10,000 construction jobs
Wham!  Its the old left jab/right hook one/two punch - a transport plan and a jobs plan!  Whilst Napthine says the Unions support of his tunnel is vindication, that's nothing more than a self fulfilling prophecy.  The current government's complete lack of ability to get any major projects up has made the unions so anxious that they'd agree to build a hole and fill it back on again if it meant the prospect of work in the short term.  The difference here is that when the East West tunnel is finished, so are the jobs. However a piece of infrastructure such as the Melbourne Metro requires much ongoing maintenance to run, so will be a gift that keeps on giving.  So a points decision to Labor's plan here.
Whilst Project 10,000 is a definite step in the right direction, is it the killer punch that will prevent their opponents from getting off the canvas? Daniel Andrews has promised there is more to come. Suffice to say we wait with bated breath. Right now they have Dennis Napthine staggering around the ring punch drunk.  Only a knockout blow will do come November 2014. Ding ding ding - Round 2 begins whilst the public watches intently with great expectations.
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TheHeadOnTheDoor

10,000 Maniacs - The Battle Of The Tunnels

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The Planning Minister has announced the creation of an independent assessment committee which will review public submissions received during the exhibition of the <a href="http://www.linkingmelbourne.vic.gov.au/pages/comprehensive-impact-statement.asp" target="_blank">Comprehensive Impact Statement</a> for the East-West Link.  
An event to watch next month will be forum the City of Yarra will be holding to discuss the CIS on <a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/News/public-forum-planned-to-discuss-east-west-link-impacts/" target="_blank">Thursday 7th November at the Fitzroy Town Hall, 6pm</a> - the feedback Yarra receive at the forum will be used for the City of Yarra's own submission.
The Terms of Reference for the new committee can be found <a href="http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/environment-assessment/projects/east-west-link" target="_blank">here</a>.    
Urban.com.au will be watching with great interest if individuals and organisations address point 7a from public hearing matters directly:
<blockquote>
	Whether the impacts of the project on the traffic performance of roads connecting to the project, and the surrounding road network, as well as on connectivity for public transport, cycling and pedestrians, have been appropriately addressed.
</blockquote>
 Planning Minister's press release in full:
<p style=" margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block;"><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/178943356/Independent-assessment-for-East-West-Link-impact" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Independent assessment for East West Link impact on Scribd">Independent assessment for East West Link impact</a>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_46628" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/178943356/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>
 
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Independent assessment for East-West Link Comprehensive Impact Statement

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Yesterday Premier Denis Napthine released further detail on the <a href="http://www.linkingmelbourne.vic.gov.au/pages/detailed-project-design.asp" target="_blank">East-West Tunnel project</a> which will extend the Eastern Freeway to an interchange with Citylink in Parkville/Travancore. My total disdain for prioritising this road lobby/union-pleasing project over the Melbourne Metro tunnel is well documented, however now I want to focus on the impacts this project will have around the redevelopment zones as outlined by the City of Melbourne and State Government itself.

Now we have more detailed renders of the corridor and the superstructure that is proposed at both ends of the tunnel, one needs to feel for the residents of the Elderly Chinese Home which, if not supported by the State Government to move their facilities to another site, will be isolated smack bang in the middle of the triangle interchange at the Western end of the tunnel. Furthermore you have to feel for the people who have bought off the plan in the <a href="http://www.evoapartments.com.au/" target="_blank">EVO Parkville</a> development currently under construction - they're now going to have an off-ramp right up against their property boundary.

I found it odd following all the mainstream media journalists on twitter yesterday as they reported 100 or so properties will be affected and compensated and yet there was no mention of this new development (see 1m 55s in below video) with 175 apartments, the majority of which will face the proposed offramp. Following the course of the day it became apparent the Linking Melbourne Authority is only going to compensate people directly affected - i.e. you're only compensated if your property will be compulsorily acquired.

I'm sure solicitors are going to have some fun with the definition of "impacted" for anyone who's recently built or bought into any area near either end of this tunnel.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uKYDqjKyK9Y" width="100%"></iframe>

Enormous outbound flyover with faux bridge from Hoddle Street. Present.

Manningham Street playing fields. Destroyed.

Oak Street / Commonwealth Games wetlands. Obliterated.

Isolation of some of the most vulnerable residents in the area. Confirmed.

Setting Parkville back 2-3 decades. You bet.

What a SUPERB urban design outcome! (That sentence is dripping with sarcasm).
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How to ruin an improving landscape: East-West Tunnel

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The Victorian Budget was released yesterday with the majority of headlines throughout the media consumed by the announcement that the proposed East-West Tunnel has been given an additional <a href="http://budget.eyemedia.com.au/CA257B16002775DE/WebObj/Infrastructure2013-14/%24File/Infrastructure2013-14.pdf">$294 million</a> to further preliminary design and procurement works. Mainstream media outlets have also questioned why the business case for such a project has not been publically released. At this point the Victorian public are still in the dark as to why nearly $300 million has been allocated to this project, even though Infrastructure Australia rates this project lower in importance than the proposed Melbourne Metro Tunnel that builds for the city's expansion rather than its congestion.

The East-West Tunnel as outlined by the government, will require partial private funding in addition to Commonwealth funding. It'll be interesting to see how the state government will incorporate private investment into what is essentially public infrastructure and which firms/conglomerates tender for the private-public partnership section (PPP) given that investors are already trying to bail from Brisbane's 3rd PPP tunnel as reported in the <a href="http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/doubts-about-traffic-forecasts-are-already-undermining-brisbanes-latest-tunnel-project-for-investors/story-fnbdkrr9-1226635576967">Courier Mail</a> yesterday. At an estimated price of between $6 to $8 billion for six kilometres of tunnel one wonders if the cast of The Great Escape could deliver a tunnel somewhat cheaper?

<img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_702px" height="346" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/THE-GREAT-ESCAPE-006.jpg?itok=boFlDhpg" width="702">

Puns aside, all eyes will be focused on Canberra for next week's Federal budget - in <a href="http://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/2012_coag/files/Brief_Melbourne_Metro_2012.pdf">2011-2012 Spring Street made a request for $130 million in funding</a> to do the necessary design and initial preparatory work for Melbourne Metro - is that what Wayne Swan might announce next week? Or will they attempt to lever their electoral chances by committing to help fund the actual construction of the project?

Nevertheless, large questions still remain over the East-West project. Rather than summarise what's been said by other media outlets, I'm going to just directly link to them. Updates will be posted throughout the day if any new sources become available.

<a href="http://budget.eyemedia.com.au/CA257B16002775DE/WebObj/Infrastructure2013-14/%24File/Infrastructure2013-14.pdf">Direct link to the Victorian Budget Infrastructure Investment documents.</a>

Wednesday:

UPDATE 2:30pm, 8/5/13

<a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/compromising-photos-treasurers-budget-quip-20130508-2j75s#ixzz2SfkqQ02t">Compromising photos: Treasurer's budget quip (Deborah Gough - The Age)</a>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-08/government-begins-budget-sell/4676304?section=vic">Government begins budget sell (ABC)</a> * Premier to be interviewed with John Faine this morning, will link to any podcast/video the ABC put on their site as it becomes available.

<a href="http://www.theage.com.au/comment/voters-will-punish-those-who-dither-on-transport-20130507-2j5p1">Voters will punish those who dither on Transport (Tim Colebatch - The Age)</a>

UPDATE 10:30am, 8/5/13: In the above linked article Time Colebatch argues:

<blockquote>
If the road is built as announced, without off-ramps to the city, it will reduce traffic in the inner suburbs, not add to it. Melbourne is a spread-out, low-density city in which most traffic is driving from one suburb to another. We need freeways to improve inter-suburban access, just as we need a Metro to improve access to the city and inner suburbs.
</blockquote>

Curious, given that previous studies have shown that less than 10% of the traffic coming to the end of the Eastern Freeway actually travel on to the Tullamarine Freeway. I think Colebatch is missing something here: this new connection is about inducing more traffic to the area. What on earth is this freeway supposed to do otherwise? It's about a 2nd East-West link and the mess of Eastern Freeway/Hoddle Street is coming to Parkville/Travencore/Ascot Vale in 2020!

<a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/wasteful-budgets-mar-state-projects-20130507-2j5v9">Wasteful budgets mar state projects (Kenneth Davidson - The Age)</a>

<a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/napthines-road-rules-20130507-2j62s">Napthine's road rules (Josh Gordon, Richard Willingham and Henrietta Cook - The Age)</a>

<a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/pm-warned-to-back-8bn-road-project-or-face-home-city-revolt/story-e6frgczx-1226637240901">PM Warned to back $8billion project (The Australian - Paywall)</a>

<a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/hospitals-and-transport-infrastructure-to-get-cash-injection-in-new-state-budget/story-e6frf7jo-1226636365889">Victorians promised new toll road by 2020 (Matt Johnson - Herald Sun)</a>

<a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/no-new-money-for-melbourne-metro-rail-tunnel-in-the-budget/story-e6frf7jo-1226637152262">No funds for Metro Tunnel (Amelia Harris - Herald Sun - Paywall)</a>

From Tuesday:

<a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/your-five-minute-guide-to-the-victorian-budget/story-e6frf7kx-1226636885392">Five minute guide to the Victorian budget (Herald Sun)</a>

<a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/government-pins-hopes-on-road-link-20130507-2j57b">Government pins hopes on road link (The Age)</a>

<a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/gain-outweighs-the-pain-20130507-2j57f">Gain outweighs the pain (The Age)</a>

<a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/central/state-government-budget-reprehensible-for-prioritising-roads-over-public-transport-yarra-mayor/story-fngnvlpt-1226636989685">State Government budget 'reprehensible' for prioritising roads over public transport: Yarra Mayor (Herald Sun)</a>

<a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/victorian-budget-a-blueprint-for-building/story-e6frgczx-1226636890071">Vic budget a 'blueprint for building' (The Australian - Paywall)</a>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-07/transport-a-winner2c-but-others-are-not-so-happy/4675638?section=vic">Transport a winner but others are not happy (ABC - with video)</a>

<a href="http://au.news.yahoo.com/vic/latest/a/-/newshome/17054613/east-west-link-is-vics-big-plan/">East West Link is Vic's big plan (7 Network - with video)</a>

<a href="http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/05/07/16/04/vic-govt-commits-to-east-west-link">East West Link is Vic's big plan (9 Network - with links to video)</a>

Were you happy or disappointed with the Victorian government's priorities for this year's budget?
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