Sydney developer Deicorp is set to officially open its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Showground Village</a> precinct in Castle Hill.

NSW Premier Chris Minns will attend the opening on Sunday August 31, alongside&nbsp;Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, The Hills Shire Council Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Landcom CEO Alex Wendler, and Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri.

Located just moments from Hills Showground Metro Station, the centre spans 9,500 sqm across four levels and features 26 specialty retailers as well as a 1,400 sqm public plaza, creating a new community meeting point for shopping, dining, fitness, and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Showground Village forms part of the Hills Showground Station Precinct, an urban renewal initiative led by Landcom and Sydney Metro that will provide for around 2,300 new jobs over the next 20 years and around 9,000 new homes.&nbsp;

Deicorp was recently approved for another new development next door to Showground Village.

The new five residential buildings in the East Showgrounds Precinct, will see another 873 dwellings delivered, as well as&nbsp;3,500 sqm of open public space in the form of landscaped courtyards, a public park and communal outdoor recreational space including a playground, barbeque area, and outdoor seating.

“This approval will allow us to start construction on a range of beautifully designed, conveniently located apartments and create another vibrant, walkable and well-connected community,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp" target="">Deicorp</a>&nbsp;Founder Fouad Deiri.

“These new homes will provide their residents with a seamless connection to jobs and services along Metro North West, and the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill" target="">Hills Showground Village</a>&nbsp;retail precinct currently under construction."

Deicorp has several thousand apartments in planning and under construction across Sydney, from Zetland and Five Dock to Crows Nest and Macquarie Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=133881]

Joel Robinson

Deicorp, NSW Premier officially open Showground Village, new retail and hospitality hub in Castle Hill

ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods is progressing its plans for its Southbank arts precinct site.&nbsp;

The developer has filed plans, which are now with the&nbsp;Department of Transport and Planning, for a new 20-level tower at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/141-151-sturt-street-southbank-vic-3006">141–151 Sturt Street</a>, a 2,718 sqm block opposite the Habitat Filter sculpture.

The proposal seeks to demolish the two-level&nbsp;commercial building, including a small supermarket and medical tenancies, and create a new building with 180 apartments and a focus on an&nbsp;active public realm and arts integration.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Southbank site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a72db6-91ef-43ae-827d-a9cfa72893d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site.png?VersionId=DZgtB4K6BswVh0QtCs3iLjXaLp0CbcEb" />

&nbsp;

There will be a full mix of apartment configurations, including 28 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units.

Retail, creative arts, and residential amenity functions are integrated across the lower levels. A food and drink tenancy is planned to front Dodds Street, while a retail tenancy fronting Sturt Street will be accessed via an elevated walkway. The first floor includes a substantial 734 sqm creative arts space, envisioned to support Melbourne’s growing cultural and digital industries.

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has put together the plans. In their&nbsp;Urban Design Report they highlighted the project’s ambition to embed itself within Southbank’s evolving cultural fabric.

A central feature of the design is a through-block link connecting Sturt and Dodds Streets, landscaped with native plantings and embedded with universal access ramps.

“The ramp has been thoughtfully integrated as the primary access point, ensuring universal accessibility for all users,” the report noted, with the link offering “a direct response to the urban planning scheme of creating more green spaces within our communities”.

<img alt="Southbank podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d24b1b2-d69c-4a11-a11d-ec6df432221c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium.png?VersionId=geWoJyZDmPSLODZ_.PNJ0LvpOmyyCdpo" />

The building’s podium form responds to the mandatory height limits along Dodds Street and maintains a fine-grain interface to adjoining developments. Above the podium, the tower is articulated with recessed balconies and a focus on views toward the CBD and surrounding arts institutions. A communal rooftop recreation deck and indoor lounge are positioned on level four, adjoining seven apartments and providing over 900 sqm of resident amenity space.

Vehicle access and loading will be provided via Dodds Street, with 155 resident car spaces located across two basement levels and the first three above-ground floors. Bicycle storage is more generous, with 226 spaces distributed across resident, staff and visitor needs.

Rothelowman describes the architecture as “humanist,” with ground-level interfaces designed to encourage social interaction and provide a dignified entry for both residents and passers-by. “All street interfaces are crafted to invite and nurture human connections,” the design report states. “The façade transitions to a human scale, providing an approachable and engaging streetscape”.

Cedar Woods, while well-known for its large communities it develops outside of Australia's capital cities, they have recently developed in Melbourne's inner-ring before. They are approaching completion at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/88-leveson-north-melbourne-88-leveson-street-north-melbourne-vic-3051">88 Leveson</a>, just 15 townhouses in the heart of North Melbourne.

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

Brisbane developers Core Property Partners and Vector Property Australia has teamed up for Brisbane's newest apartment development.

The duo identified <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as their preferred suburb, on the fringe of the Gabba Precinct, where they've just revealed BANKSII, 72 apartments opposite Raymond Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5481]

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will sit in a glass-wrapped building that will also feature a rooftop with an&nbsp;infinity-edge pool, a BBQ area and alfresco dining spaces, sun lounges, and a sauna, as well as a resident-only gym and a ground-floor cafe.

Rhett Williams, Director of Vector Property Australia, said the project will lift the quality of the East Brisbane community and set a new benchmark.

"In Brisbane’s current property landscape, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a> stands out through its emphasis on lifestyle-oriented living, connectivity and sophisticated design," Williams says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5479]

The 10-level building has been designed by MAS Architecture. Their designs were inspired by the native Banksia flower, with the architecture and interiors reflecting the organic symmetry of its namesake flora. MAS has interpreted this throughout the building’s curved form, façade detailing and interior palette.&nbsp;

The building’s flowing geometry and natural tones are complemented by large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing, maximising cross-breezes, daylight and views over the city, parklands and river.

“Having a strong narrative for a building helps us architecturally,” MAS noted. "We can choose colours that come off that species of flowers. The trunk and the trees and the flower elements all are now visible in our joinery on the inside and in our architectural finishes on the outside."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5485]

Apartments will feature timber floors, soft porcelain tiles, brushed bronze fittings, and stone benchtops with warm veining.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature premium SMEG appliances and generous storage, while bathrooms have been designed as calming retreats with curved cabinetry and twin sinks in the master ensuites.

The building will feature a suite of rooftop and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an infinity-edge pool, BBQ and alfresco dining areas, sun lounges and a rooftop sauna.&nbsp;

A residents-only gym will be located on the podium level, while a ground-floor café and landscaped laneway will further activate the site and improve neighbourhood connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5488]

BANKSII will rise from a prime Wellington Road site, with the building oriented to overlook the adjacent Raymond Park and take in extensive city views. It is also on the doorstep of key&nbsp;lifestyle infrastructure, including the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba stadium, and the planned Brisbane Live arena.&nbsp;

Public transport options, including ferry, bus and rail - including the future Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station - are all nearby, supporting a car-optional lifestyle just minutes from the CBD.

Williams said the team spent over a year searching for the ideal site before securing this location.

"We were attracted to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as it is a vibrant and growing community that offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty with the parklands and river on our doorstep.”

The project is part of the broader Woolloongabba Games precinct, which is undergoing significant investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This urban renewal, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance long-term liveability and capital growth in the area.

Given the wide max of configurations, BANKSII is expected to suit everyone from first home buyers and investors to families and downsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136432]

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="b086848">
Fresh off completing its mixed-use Malvern project Malvern Collective, Kokoda Property Group has acquired a prime site on Richmond's Bridge Road.

They are planning a mid-rise residential development with&nbsp;integrated wellness amenities and a vibrant ground-floor retail and dining offering.

The site, at&nbsp;487–495 Bridge Road, spans&nbsp;1,650 sqm with 50 metres of dual frontage across Bridge Road and Palmer Street. It is currently leased to Adairs, and has a large retail building and 20 onsite car parks.
</section>

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="534a164">
Kokoda Property Group’s acquisition forms part of a broader phase of growth in Melbourne, building on momentum from the completion of Malvern Collective and the recent purchase of a Burnley Street site for the developer’s first commercial project.&nbsp;

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating.

“Melbourne is regaining momentum,"&nbsp;Stevens said.

"After a cautious period post-COVID, we’re seeing buyer sentiment stabilise and capital leaning back into well-located, quality projects. Victoria now benefits from deep builder capacity and competitive delivery pricing, creating a rare opportunity to bring design-led inner-city developments to market without compromising on craftsmanship.

“Richmond ticks all the boxes for us – connectivity, culture and everyday amenity – making Bridge Road the perfect address for an amenity-rich, multi-use development."

<img alt="Kokoda" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a8de51d-8092-480a-8b7e-e081816692c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-29%20at%208.54.27%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VRHpV5.6beOu2cieKHWrw3ErMPuVOAuj" />

Envisioned as an “urban lantern” the building will bring a distinctive new presence to Bridge Road with a sculptural retail frontage, designed to honour the street’s heritage character while contributing to its renewal.

Stevens said the acquisition reflects the developer’s commitment to design-led addresses in Melbourne’s inner city.

“Drawing on Richmond’s rich heritage and dynamic character, we’ve envisioned a contemporary building that respects the past while elevating the way people live today. With dual frontages, curated ground-floor spaces, and a focus on wellness, this project will contribute to the neighbourhood’s evolution, appealing to both downsizers and a new generation of professionals.”

Kokoda Property will now progress concept design ahead of a future planning process.
</section>

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating

First look: Kokoda secures Richmond site for new apartment development

Events

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On Wednesday next week, <a href="http://cur.org.au/">RMIT's Centre for Urban Research</a> is holding its third monthly Talking Transport event: The Melbourne Airport Rail Link, are we there yet?

It is a free, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-melbourne-airport-rail-link-are-we-there-yet-tickets-34843527930">ticketed event</a>, to be held at RMIT's Building 80 - located at 445 Swanston Street - level 11, room 10 from 6:00 pm.

<blockquote>
<h3>Description</h3>

Recently, the Australian Government pledged $30 million in addition to the Victorian Government's $10 million for the development of a business case for a rail link between Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport and city, much to the delight of many Victorians.

A train between the airport and city may seem like a no-brainer for Melbourne, but are there details that may derail our expectations?

Join us for the third instalment of RMIT Centre for Urban Research’s Talking Transport series where we bring together leading experts from government, academia, industry and the community sector, to explore and identify real solutions for our city’s future mobility.

The panelists will be seeking to address:

<ul>
<li>Should the link be privately or publicly owned?</li>
	<li>How will that affect ticket pricing?</li>
	<li>What route should the link take?</li>
	<li>Should it be part of the Melbourne Metro?</li>
	<li>Should it be built before or after the Metro?</li>
	<li>What mistakes have other cities similar to Melbourne made and how can we avoid it?</li>
	<li>Should the airport rail should be our #1 priority or are there other public transport projects or issues more deserving of immediate attention?</li>
</ul>
Speakers:

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.ptua.org.au/team/tonymorton/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Anthony Morton</a>, President PTUA</li>
	<li>
<a href="http://www.impa.org.au/peoplek/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Marianne Richards</a>, Vice-President Inner Melbourne Planning Alliance</li>
	<li>
<a href="http://www.railfutures.org.au/about-rail-futures/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">John Hearsch</a>, President, Rail Futures Institute</li>
	<li>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-smelt-327b3242/?ppe=1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Edward Smelt</a>, Principal Engineer Infrastructure Victoria</li>
</ul>
* More speakers to be announced

Moderator:

<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://cur.org.au/people/professor-michael-buxton/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Buxton</a>, Professor of Environment and Planning RMIT University</li>
</ul>
Date/Time:

Wednesday 31st May, 6:00pm-7:15pm.
</blockquote>

To book a free seat, please see this link on <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-melbourne-airport-rail-link-are-we-there-yet-tickets-34843527930">Eventbrite</a>.

The Centre for Urban Research also streams its events on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RMITCUR/">Facebook live</a>. Shown below are the first two seminars.

April 26th:

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRMITCUR%2Fvideos%2F1259704960794910%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>

March 22nd:

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRMITCUR%2Fvideos%2F1221957964569610%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>
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Alastair Taylor

Event: The Melbourne Airport Rail Link, are we there yet?

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Calling all developers interested in affordable housing, the University of Melbourne's Transforming Housing network is set to host the Transforming Housing in 2017 Summit on Friday 2nd June.

The summit organisers would particularly like to hear from developers who have a genuine interest in delivering affordable and social housing. Please use the form below to register your interest.

<h2>About the summit</h2>

<blockquote>
The event, hosted by the University of Melbourne’s Transforming Housing network, will bring together 60 stakeholders from the affordable housing sector including researchers; state government; local government; private developers; the investment community; and not-for-profit housing associations. It will be an opportunity to contribute to current housing debates, create solutions to pressing housing problems and network with others who have a genuine interest in supporting, funding, designing and delivering affordable and social housing for very low to moderate-income households.

Given the changes to tax incentives, access to land, and opportunities for funding related to affordable housing announced in this week’s Federal Budget and the Homes for Victorians strategy, this is an opportunity for interested developers to build both their knowledge and networks in Victoria.

If you wish to be part of the conversation, we invite you to register your interest by contacting Sarah Backhouse using the form below and by briefly stating why you’re interested in participating. As this event is capped at 60 participants, we cannot promise that all registrants will be able to attend, so early registration is encouraged.
<cite>University of Melbourne Transforming Housing network, summit invitation</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Event details</h2>

<dl>
<dt>Date</dt>
 <dd>Friday 2nd June</dd>
	<dt>Time</dt>
	<dd>9:00am - 4:30pm, followed by networking drinks</dd>
	<dt>Location</dt>
	<dd>10th floor, Melbourne Law (Building 106), 185 Pelham Street, Carlton VIC 3053</dd>
	<dt>Website</dt>
	<dd>https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/events/the-housing-summit-transforming-housing-in-2017</dd>
</dl>
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Event: Transforming Housing in 2017 Summit

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With the recent approval of the Victorian Government of a $43 million Richmond Vertical Secondary School project in Melbourne, construction of vertical schools is proliferating across the country.

Benefits of vertical schools range from the ability of students to access a greater variety of facilities and proximity near transport networks, as well as an increased capacity for a high concentration of students.

This comes off the back of the recognition of the South Melbourne Primary School project, currently underway on Ferrars Street, awarded the Future Project of the Year Award at the 2016 World Architecture Festival in Berlin.

The vertical government primary school is set to accommodate up to 525 students upon completion. The Fishermans Bend community will also see integrated community facilities on site including a community learning centre. It is the first vertical school in Victoria but mirrors trends taking off across the country.

Among other vertical campuses on the horizon around Australia, a vertical school has already been completed in Perth’s CBD and the NSW government has committed to four new vertical schools.

While vertical schools have long been a feature internationally, they challenge traditional models of learning and education in Australia. Looking towards the future of integration between learning environments and high-rise urban construction, the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017</a> will feature an in-depth exploration of the issue.

Education Specialist Peter Lippman will interrogate the issue of whether vertical schools are merely a passing trend or rather a representation of a greater paradigm shift in the Australian context.

With a career based in researching, writing about, designing and creating activity-based learning environments for the future, Mr Lippman is the founder of Places Created for Learning, an evidence-based design practice. PCL specialises in creating activity-based learning environments, consulting with schools and design firms nationally and internationally.

Mr Lippman will examine the key educational affordances and constraints for building vertical schools. Finally, the Summit will highlight key lessons learned historically and internationally from vertical high-rise schools.

Urban.com.au is a media partner of the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017</a>.
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partner_content

Vertical Schools to feature at Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017

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With the release of Infrastructure Victoria’s first ever 30-year infrastructure strategy, the state is set to discuss the draft’s proposed developments and projects before the review of the final strategy in parliament in late 2016.

The blueprint aims to address areas in need of improvement including congestion and housing. It also seeks to provide infrastructure to increase Victorian’s access to essential services such as jobs and education in order to build and sustain the state’s businesses, industries and communities.

The draft outlines a number of initiatives to be delivered over the next three decades to shape the best possible outcomes for the state in years to come. Initiatives range from construction projects to regulatory measures concerning transport pricing and affordable housing.

The 30-year strategy will allow the state to prepare for population change, reduce disadvantage, connect people to jobs and increase workplace participation to offset an ageing population. Moreover, it is expected to drive productivity, support the economy and look at strategies to produce and consume resources in an environmentally friendly manner.

As Australia faces rapid changes with an ever growing population and urban density on the rise, inevitable questions of living conditions, urban sprawl and property demand emerge.

Viable solutions to accommodate population growth and combat urban sprawl lie in the realm of the city’s building and construction future. Solutions include urban planning, green solutions, liveability, tall building design and high-rise engineering.

In March 2017 Melbourne will play host to the first ever Smart Skyscrapers Summit. Apartments.com.au is an official media partner to the premiere event, attracting tower construction experts from around the world who will come together to shape the future of the Australian skyline in years to come through smart, sustainable innovations.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mediabanner-topics.png" rel="gallery-all" title="www.skyscrapersconference.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="535" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mediabanner-topics.png?itok=SdB5xy04" title="www.skyscrapersconference.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>www.skyscrapersconference.com.au</figcaption></figure>​A riveting agenda is on the cards for Summit delegates who will hear from a wide selection of international and local professionals illuminating cutting edge advances and developments in skyscraper building and design. Looking to local case studies and those from abroad, speakers will pave the way for improvements in current practice within Australian high-rise construction.

A range of Australia’s tallest and most futuristic towers will be profiled at the Summit with the opportunity to hear from principal designers, architects, engineers and consultants involved in skyscraper projects across the country.

Australia 108, soon to be the tallest skyscraper in Australia and 323 La Trobe Street, Australia’s tallest prefabricated building, will be profiled at this immersive two-day event held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Apartments.com.au is a media partner of the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017</a>.
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Melbourne to host the Australian Smart Skyscraper Summit in March 2017

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On Monday 24th of October, the iCities: World Class CBDs series conference kicks off. First held in Kuala Lumpur, <a href="https://www.icities.asia/ehome/index.php?eventid=143020&amp;">this year's conference</a> is to be held at the Langham Hotel on Southbank.

iCities is owned and operated by iProperty Group, a network property under the REA Group umbrella brand.

Over two days, the conference will focus on the importance of city development and the opportunities to innovate and integrate the infrastructure of a city, while considering sociocultural implications.

<blockquote>
Planning for CBDs of the future is an ongoing challenge for governments and councils globally. iCities brings together international speakers at the forefront of CBD design and infrastructure, providing insights that will help build a strong and cohesive CBD of tomorrow.
It’s fitting that iCities: World Class CBDs will take place this month in Melbourne, arguably already one of the world’s great cities.
<cite>Arthur Charlaftis, Chief Operating Officer (International), REA Group</cite>
</blockquote>

Some of the <a href="https://www.icities.asia/ehome/143020/conf">speakers</a> scheduled to address the conference include:

<ul>
<li>Nicolas Buchoud, President of The Grand Paris Alliance</li>
	<li>Danni Addison, Victorian CEO of the UDIA</li>
	<li>Peter Seamer, CEO of the Victorian Planning Authority</li>
	<li>David Fitzpatrick, Special Projects, Chief Planner's Office, City of Toronto</li>
	<li>Tracey Fellows, CEO of REA Group, Australia</li>
</ul>
For tickets and more information on the conference, see www.icities.asia
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iCities: World Class CBDs conference kicks off Monday 24th

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Minister for Planning Richard Wynne will speak later on today at MPavilion as part of a discussion regarding Melbourne's architectural design and the policy which guides it.

The event is set for a 6:15pm start this evening, and is free for those wanting to attend.

In light of recent discussion surrounding apartment design standards, the direction of Fishermans Bend and so on, Minister Wynne's attendance for the event titled <a href="http://mpavilion.org/program/high-density-happiness-developing-policy/">High Density Happiness: Developing Policy</a> is set to further advance the current debate.

Readers will recognise High Density Happiness as a term coined by progressive Melbourne developer Neometro. Certified as a B-Corporation, Neometro has championed High Density Happiness which essentially highlights the positives that can flow when good design is allowed to flourish in a high density living sense.

Indeed Neometro's James Tutton will form part of the speaking panel, as will Simon Knott of BKK Architects and MAArchitects director Karen Alcock.

Along with Minister Wynne, the primary point of discussion will surround suggested improvements to the design review process, minimum size standards and aesthetic guidelines that would support quality, adaptable and sustainable housing.

The discussion is set to provide insight into how Melburnians will live, in light of pending policy implementations.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/44084961_richardwynne_cr_delwp-copy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Richard Wynne will provide insight at this evening's talk"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/44084961_richardwynne_cr_delwp-copy.jpg?itok=QU9Wn4N4" title="Richard Wynne will provide insight at this evening's talk" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Richard Wynne will provide insight at this evening's talk</figcaption></figure>MPavilion is found within the Queen Victoria Gardens, opposite Southbank's Arts Precinct.

Acting as an events hub and architectural landmark, this years MPavilion is the design of Bijoy Jain from Studio Mumbai. <a href="http://mpavilion.org/program/high-density-happiness-developing-policy/">High Density Happiness: Developing Policy</a> is one of many ebvents to be held at the venue over the coming months.

MPavilion's schedule sees it operate through to February 2017.
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silvermb

Richard Wynne to speak on design policy at MPavilion this evening

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The Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (VPELA) in conjunction with Ratio Consultants have organised a seminar titled "Where we're going, we don't need roads? VCAT's Nightingale decision, car parking and the future of sustainable development", to be held on Monday 9th of November.

The seminar will be held at the Treasury Theatre, lower level, Treasury Building at 5:15pm for a 5:30pm start.

<blockquote>
Just before Back to the Future's 2015 day, VCAT made a decision that caused many to reflect on the future transport needs of our city. In refusing planning approval for the Nightingale Project because of insufficient parking, debate has raged about parking needs, transport patterns and indeed the future of the car itself. It's been hard to miss the Nightingale Project, following in the footsteps of the award winning ‘The Commons’, both famous for their environmental credentials, financial model and tenacious community supporters.

Hear first-hand from key insiders and industry experts about what went wrong with Nightingale, what lies ahead for sustainable high density developments, and what it means for car parking and future transport options across Melbourne.
<cite><a href="http://www.vpela.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Flyer1.pdf">VPELA: VCAT’s Nightingale decision seminar flyer</a></cite>
</blockquote>

The seminar will be chaired by Adam Terrill, Executive Director of VPELA and senior principal at Tract Consultants.

Speakers include:

<ul>
<li>Jeremy McLeod, Architect and Developer, Breathe Architecture</li>
	<li>Tamara Brezzi, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright and President VPELA</li>
	<li>Dr Stephen Rowley, Lecturer, RMIT University</li>
	<li>Brett Young, Director Transport Engineering, Ratio</li>
</ul>
Bookings are essential, details of which are located on <a href="http://www.vpela.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Flyer1.pdf">the seminar's flyer</a>.

Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.nightingale.melbourne/">nightingale.melbourne</a>
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VPELA seminar 9th November: VCAT's Nightingale decision, car parking and the future of sustainable development

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Melbourne International Design Week is upon us again, showcasing the best of international design excellence coupled with numerous presentations from forward thinking industry participants. The event seeks to "Give everyone the opportunity to be inspired by the benefits of outstanding design for our lives and our economy."

Highlighting the role of design as a catalyst for innovation, Melbourne International Design Week provides the most accessible means for the general public to engage with business and industry participants.

<blockquote>
Melbourne International Design Week is a series of landmark events presented in partnership with Ideas on Design and provides a platform to support and promote other presenters from the local and international community. We encourage programs and activities that showcase design excellence, build collaboration between, design disciplines, industry sectors and the local and international community.
<cite><a href="http://www.designmattersvictoria.com/design-week/">Design Matters: Melbourne International Design Week 2015</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Here's a chosen quartet of Apartments.com.au's most notable events during the course of this week:

<h2>Curbing the Urban Sprawl</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rothelowman_02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Living upon the Yarra. Image courtesy Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rothelowman_02.jpg?itok=K1kp0bkN" title="Living upon the Yarra. Image courtesy Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Living upon the Yarra. Image courtesy Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Billed as an event that will discuss the failings of suburbs and their ability to deliver a sustainable model for the Australian city, Curbing the Urban Sprawl will feature discussion lead by ROTHELOWMAN principal Chris Hayton and Hamton Development Director Matt Malseed. Covering issues relating to architecture, landscape architecture and planning, the event will present ideas based upon innovative and intelligent design, sustainability and higher density cities.

<dl>
<dt>When</dt>
	<dd>Saturday 16 May: Discussion 12:30pm - 1.30pm, followed by tours of the Haven development between 2pm to 4pm (no bookings necessary)</dd>
	<dt>Where</dt>
	<dd>Acacia Place - 677-679 Victoria Street, Abbotsford</dd>
</dl>
<h2>Urban Tomorrows, Urban Todays: Dan Hill public talk</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/x-dan_hill-700x467.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy futureeverything.org"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/x-dan_hill-700x467.jpg?itok=oFAvUa8e" title="Image courtesy futureeverything.org" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy futureeverything.org</figcaption></figure>Executive Director of Futures at the UK’s Future Cities Catapult and Adjunct Professor with the School of Media and Communication at RMIT. Impressive qualifications associated with designer and urbanist Dan Hill as he spearheads a discussion on key urban challenges for our future, with an eye toward creating a more sustainable and desirable future.

A regular for publications such as Dezeen, Domus and Volume, Dan Hill is excessively well versed in contemporary urban issues.

<dl>
<dt>When</dt>
	<dd>Wednesday 13 May: 6.30 PM to 8:00 PM (free entry)</dd>
	<dt>Where</dt>
	<dd>Level 4 Lecture Theatre, RMIT Swanston Academic Building (80.04.011) 445 Swanston Street</dd>
</dl>
<h2>Victorian Design Exhibition</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image172.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Imagew courtesy designmattersvictoria.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image172.jpg?itok=YxRCYX79" title="Imagew courtesy designmattersvictoria.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy designmattersvictoria.com</figcaption></figure>The best of what Victoria can offer in terms of design will be on display this week. Free to the public, Victorian Design Exhibition will showcase in excess of 100 award winning designs. Chosen by industry leading bodies such as The Australian Institute of Architects, Australian Graphic Design Association, Design Institute of Australia and Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, the is the best of the best on display.

<dl>
<dt>When</dt>
	<dd>Sunday 10 May to Saturday 16 May</dd>
	<dt>Where</dt>
	<dd>City Square, Corner Swanston &amp; Collins Streets</dd>
</dl>
<h2>No Risk! A Century of Dense Living in South Yarra - Walking Tour</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image173.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy architours.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="172" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image173.jpg?itok=_8Y2MpV1" title="Image courtesy architours.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy architours.com.au</figcaption></figure>Join the Melbourne Architours team who know the architecture and design of Melbourne's inner suburbs inside out. South Yarra is on the radar this week with an informative walking tour on the agenda

<blockquote>
South Yarra offers a physical laboratory for Melbourne’s renewed interest in density, providing a convenient cross section of built examples from maisonettes to walk-up flats and recent high end towers. Walking a meandering path from 1920 to today offers an opportunity to compare a range of dense building types, and observe changes in development activity, successive waves of architectural movements and the ever-present effects of urban governance.

This walking tour is intended to be highly interactive and seeks to provide a platform for positive debate about inner suburban Melbourne’s past, present and future.
<cite><a href="http://www.designmattersvictoria.com/design-week/melbourne-architours/">Design Matters: Melbourne Architours</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<dl>
<dt>When</dt>
	<dd>Thursday May 14: 9am-10.30am - <a href="http://www.designmattersvictoria.com/design-week/melbourne-architours/">more details</a>
</dd>
	<dt>Where</dt>
	<dd>Meet at 9-11 Claremont Street, South Yarra (bookings required)</dd>
</dl>
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Melbourne International Design Week: Urban.com.au's choice events

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Following on from the <a href="/news/melbourne-urban-design-meetup-1-city-of-melbournes-urban-forest-strategy">first Melbourne Urban Design Meetup</a> (MUDM) during February, Queens Collective at 20 Queen Street hosted the third MUDM event where James Legge of Six Degrees Architects gave a presentation on the design and business model that brought The Commons to fruition, and so too shortly <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">The Nightingale</a> located at 6 Florence Street, Brunswick.

Beginning with Six Degrees' Heller Street Park and Residences project, James Legge explored its rationale and consequently how it would inform the Nightingale. The aim was to design a contemporary terrace house, or more specifically family-centric medium density housing adjacent to a public park. The project was developed on a former municipal tip previously owned by the City of Moreland whom now own and maintain (for the most part) the park.

Two-thirds park and one-third apartments, the park is ultimately used by both residents and the wider community at large. Terraformed in such a way as to create public, semi-private and private spaces, Heller Street Park and Residences employed a visual barrier by way of a verge to naturally define public and private areas.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/heller_st_park_and_residences.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Heller Street Park and Residences © Six Degrees"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/heller_st_park_and_residences.jpg?itok=6rlF6HeL" title="Heller Street Park and Residences © Six Degrees" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Heller Street Park and Residences. Image © Six Degrees</figcaption></figure>Heller Street Park and Residences is characterised by abstracted timber blocks which give the forms a 3-dimensional quality, a reaction against "developers stripping back." All plans are the same internally with the front of the terraces all enjoying a north facing aspect and each measuring 5.5m wide.

The articulation of the upper floor has been designed to give each town house an individual identity. James Legge emphasized the need to be mindful of where money is spent in terms of detailing, and that the odd bespoke characteristic (say stained glass entry lighting) provides for a richer architecture without adding significant cost to the project.

The presentation then moved on to cover the merits of The Commons and Nightingale model, how elements of Heller Street are entwined with their most recent projects and how Six Degrees came to be involved in the projects along with a raft of other architects.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/nightingale.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nightingale hero shot. © Breathe Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nightingale.jpg?itok=TG7Lztl8" title="Nightingale hero shot. © Breathe Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale hero shot. Image © Breathe Architecture</figcaption></figure>Projects such as The Commons and Nightingale, Legge argues, are about architects taking the initiative and putting their money where their mouths are. The aim is simple: to provide quality apartments that are spacious, sustainable and affordable.

Architects have an obligation to the greater society to protect the interests of the people and the built environment but there is a concern that the responsibility of creating the urban environment has been taken out of the hands of the architect and is now the domain of the project manager.

<blockquote>
Nightingale is a triple bottom line development. Apartments that are environmentally, socially and financially sustainable.

The ultimate goal of the project is to provide quality urban housing at an affordable price by simplifying both the development process and the building itself.
<cite>James Legge, Six Degrees Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

The projects are about designing and facilitating community by encouraging engagement and interaction amongst residences via shared public spaces and rooftop gardens. Additionally apartments are designed in such a way that all rooms and living areas are afforded quality natural light and ventilation without the need for borrowed light from living areas.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/nightingale_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Typical Nightingale plan. © Breathe Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="293" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nightingale_plan.jpg?itok=bKQqZFLl" title="Typical Nightingale plan. © Breathe Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Typical Nightingale plan. Image © Breathe Architecture</figcaption></figure>The model places an equal emphasis on financial return, sustainability and livability where others are more geared, in terms of development priorities, towards greater financial reward with far less concern for sustainability and livability. It also reduces project costs significantly as a result of streamlining both the sales process and apartment designs. This is achieved via the following exclusions:

<ul>
<li>No Marketing Team or Advertising Fees - Saving approximately $50,000</li>
	<li>No Display Suite - Saving approximately $100,000</li>
	<li>No Real Estate Agents - Saving approximately $250,000</li>
	<li>No Basement Car Parking - Saving approximately $500,000</li>
	<li>No Second Bathrooms - Saving approximately $200,000</li>
	<li>No Individual Laundries - Saving approximately $150,000</li>
	<li>No Individual Services - Saving approximately $250,000</li>
</ul>
And unlike a standard procurement process where the project is put out to tender, the intent is for projects which follow The Commons and Nightingale model to be built by a quality builder procured through a negotiated price as per the cost plan prepared by the Quantity Surveyor. This in turn allows for early input from the builder regarding buildability issues or equivalent problems that may arise during construction.

The ultimate goal with these projects according to James Legge, is to develop an affordable housing template that other architects with similar aspirations and goals can then use to facilitate similar outcomes. The release of the intellectual property is intended to empower "Architectural activism via architect as ethical developer."

The development team headed by Six Degrees Architects is currently taking registrations for Nightingale 2.0.

Incidentally the next MUDM event will be held on Thursday the 28th of May with guest presenter, acting Victorian Government Architect Jill Garner. To stay up to date or connect with MUDM, you can follow them on <a href="https://twitter.com/mudm_au">Twitter</a> or on their <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Urban-Design-Meetup/">Meetup page</a>.
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Laurence Dragomir

Melbourne Urban Design Meetup #3: The ethos and business model behind Nightingale

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Last week saw the first in hopefully many more Melbourne Urban Design Meetups (MUDM). The focus of the night was a presentation by City of Melbourne's Yvonne Lynch who leads the Urban Ecology and Urban Forest Team at the City of Melbourne.

<blockquote>
The team focus is ecosystem led adaptation for climate resilience and citizen engagement through transparency and participation. She has developed and led some of the most progressive climate change policies and initiatives for the city including the implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, the strategic development of the 1200 Buildings Program, securing a legislative amendment to initiate Australia’s first Environmental Upgrade Agreement, developing the Urban Forest Strategy and the Tree Protection Policy.

She has commissioned Melbourne’s first research on sea-level rise, white roofs, dendrochronology to assess the effects of climate impacts. These projects have received awards nationally from the United Nations Association of Australia, The Banksia Foundation and the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Centre and internationally from the C40 Cities Program.
</blockquote>

Organised by Charlie Woolford, Melbourne Urban Design Meetup is an opportunity for like-minded individuals interested in urban design, city design, sustainability an the built environment. There will be a series of regular meetups where individuals can come along and meet professionals from within the industry, enthusiasts and people with a general interest towards urban design.

The next MUDM event will feature a brief presentation from Charlie Woolford that explains what MUDM is, its aspirations, what people can expect and how they can get involved.

<h2>About the Urban Forest Strategy</h2>

<blockquote>
Melbourne’s tree population is vast – we have 70,000 council-owned trees, worth around $650 million. Trees are a defining part of Melbourne. We live in the world’s most liveable city and our parks, gardens, green spaces and tree-lined streets contribute enormously to this status.

But the trees are now under threat. More than a decade of drought, severe water restrictions and periods of extreme heat, combined with an ageing tree stock, have put our trees under immense stress and many are now in a state of accelerated decline.

As a result, we expect to lose 27 per cent of our current tree population in the next decade and 44 per cent in the next 20 years.

Combined with this loss, Melbourne’s urban forest is facing two significant future challenges: climate change and urban growth.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

The City of Melbourne’s Urban Forest Strategy seeks to manage this change and protect against future vulnerability by providing a robust strategic framework for the evolution and longevity of Melbourne's urban forest.

The strategy aims to:

<ul>
<li>adapt our city to climate change</li>
	<li>mitigate the urban heat island effect by bringing our inner-city temperatures down</li>
	<li>create healthier ecosystems</li>
	<li>become a water-sensitive city</li>
	<li>engage and involve the community</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/urban_forest_infographic.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Urban Forest Infographic. © City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="820" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/urban_forest_infographic.jpg?itok=3z_piCAI" title="Melbourne Urban Forest Infographic. © City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Urban Forest Infographic. © City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>A great online resource tool that the City of Melbourne have developed is <a href="/news/urban-forest-visual">Urban Forest Visual</a> which features a map that allows users to track the Useful Life Expectancy (ULE) of each tree within the municipality while providing info on the specific species of tree as well as other useful facts and figures. You can even send the trees personalised emails, for those so inclined.

One of the key messages delivered by Yvonne Lynch that resonated with the audience was...

<h2>"A city within a forest, not a forest within a city"</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/city_within_a_forest.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A visualisation of the possible future ‘greening’ of Melbourne. © City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="638" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/city_within_a_forest.jpg?itok=_s7Rs4sT" title="A visualisation of the possible future ‘greening’ of Melbourne. © City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A visualisation of the possible future ‘greening’ of Melbourne. © City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>To stay up to date or connect with MUDM, you can follow them on <a href="https://twitter.com/mudm_au">Twitter</a> or on <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Urban-Design-Meetup/">their Meetup page</a>.

City of Melbourne's Urban Forest Strategy is available <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Sustainability/UrbanForest/Documents/Urban_Forest_Strategy.pdf">from their website</a>.

Hope to see you at future MUDM events.
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