Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

Level Crossing Removal

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Since late 2019, preparatory works for the level crossing removals at Cheltenham and Mentone have been underway, and the Victorian Government has now provided a timeline for further shutdowns to the Frankston line that will see the completion of 6 level crossing removals in 2020.

The preparatory works on rail trenches that will be dug under Park and Charman Roads in Cheltenham, as well as Balcombe Road in Mentone, will ramp up with services on the Frankston line to be replaced by buses between Frankston and Moorabbin between the 2nd and 16th of February.

During the same shutdown period, the level crossing at Carrum will be removed with the new elevated station and rebuilt elevated railway to open to passengers on the 17th of February.

Mentone Station will be closed in late March, and from mid-April, Cheltenham station will be closed with Frankston trains all running express through both stations until a major shutdown that will begin mid-May and run for two months until mid-July.

During the shutdown between mid-May and mid-July, buses will replace trains between Moorabbin and <a href="/new-townhouses/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc </a>to allow for the completion of rail trenches as well as new Cheltenham and Menton stations.

The Victorian Government says that when services resume running after mid-July, the crossings will be removed and new stations will open shortly after. The government expects finishing works to continue right through to early 2021.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/mentone-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Cheltenham station hosts a third platform that will be rebuilt as part of the level crossing removal project, and according to the broader network enhancements in the Melbourne Metro business case, the station will see a more considerable amount of terminating services.

When the Melbourne Metro tunnel opens, and the Pakenham/Cranbourne and Sunbury lines are diverted through it, the Frankston line will get exclusive use of the existing Caulfield loop. This change will allow for an increase of services, including terminating some services at stations like Cheltenham in order to provide capacity in areas where there will be demand for them.

Cheltenham will also host the southernmost station on the <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-cheltenham">Suburban Rail Loop</a>.  The business case and reference design are underway, however, late last year the Victorian Government confirmed the Suburban Rail Loop will be an <a href="/news/victorian-government-says-melbournes-suburban-rail-loop-will-be-an-operationally-independent-railway">operationally-independent railway</a> and the first phase will be built from Cheltenham to Box Hill. 

As part of the broader Level Crossing Removal Project, the Frankston line will see 18 level crossings removed (5 are already completed), 12 station rebuilds with a price tag of $3 billion.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/cheltenham-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Cheltenham, and to a lesser extent Menton, are no stranger to higher-density development.  Cheltenham, in particular, has a robust pipeline of projects across all the main statuses Urban tracks.

Residential projects vary in size, from a handful of apartments up to over 150 apartments in projects such as the recently completed Village Cheltenham.  

Kingston Council updated the structure plan for Cheltenham in 2018, prior to the Victorian Government unveiling the Suburban Rail Loop project.
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Alastair Taylor

Frankston line to see multiple shutdowns as more level crossings are set to go in 2020

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The juggernaut level crossing removal project in Melbourne rolls on with the Level Crossing Removal Authority unveiling new renders and video for the solution to remove the Cherry Street level crossing in Werribee.

A new road bridge will be constructed further up the line that links Tarneit Road directly to the Princes Highway through an irrigation existing reserve.  

Similar to the Aviation Road level crossing removal design response, now complete up the line at Aircraft station, the new bridge rises in parallel with the railway line on the northern side then crosses over the railway corridor then gently lowers down to the Princes Highway in the irrigation channel reserve next to the Wyndham City Council offices. 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/foNCjwvD2sc" width="100%"></iframe>

Public consultation documents on the <a href="https://your.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/cherry-street-werribee">LXRA's website</a> show a range of design responses were considered but ultimately ruled out.

Building a road bridge over the rail corridor at Cherry Street was ruled out because it would create a 9m high barrier right in the heart of Werribee. 

Raising the railway lines over the existing Cherry Street grade was ruled out because it would extend the construction period out to 2 years. "Three train tracks currently cross Cherry Street, and network plans suggest more train lines could be added in the future. All future tracks would need to be elevated, and property acquisition would be required," the report says.

The interstate railway line that runs through the Werribee line corridor has restrictions on disruption and like elevating it above the road corridor, lowering it under the rail corridor was ruled out.

A new road underpass through the irrigation channel alignment was also ruled out due to the need to move oil pipeline infrastructure.

The outer western region of Melbourne will see a significant amount of public transport investment on top of level crossing removal work.  Old Geelong Road at Hoppers Crossing and Werribee Street located to the west of Werribee station are two more locations with level crossing removal design investigations underway.

And as Apartments.com.au highlighted last week, the region will benefit in some shape or form with the <a href="/news/werribee">Western Rail Plan and Melbourne Airport Rail Link</a> projects likely to dramatically increase capacity to a region that has many <a href="/news/an-overview-of-western-melbourne-precinct-structure-plans">drivers of growth</a>. 

<h2>Not to be out-done by the west, four level crossing removal designs in Melbourne's north were announced today</h2>

The Premier and Minister for Transport Infrastructure were in Preston to announce the Level Crossing Removal Authority will remove four level crossings on the Mernda line in one fell swoop by building a 2km-long rail bridge.

Bell and Preston stations will be rebuilt and the level crossings to go are Bell Street, Cramer Street, Murray Road and Oakover Road.

The S bend starting just north of Bell Street between Bell and Preston stations will be straightened, increasing speeds and therefore train throughput.  The State Government has conceded it will require property acquisition adjacent to the railway corridor and residents were informed prior to the media conference on site today.

Preston has long been a centre with an increasing amount of medium and high-density projects in the pipeline.  <a href="/new-apartments/preston-vic-3072">26 new apartment projects for Preston</a> currently exist on the Apartments.com.au database with the total pipeline bulking out to 48 apartment and townhouse projects.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/preston-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Similar to the Caulfield-Dandenong corridor and the Upfield corridor between Coburg and Moreland stations, an elevated rail line will create new open/green space once the level crossing removal is complete. Another round of consultation will open up to enable the Preston community to have their say on how the authority will develop their new open space.

Lead image credit: <a href="http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au">levelcrossings.vic.gov.au</a>
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Level crossing removal design unveiled for Werribee: Authority selects elevated solution for Mernda line through Preston

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The Victorian State Government has awarded the contract, valued at $542.4 million, to an alliance of John Holland Group, Kellogg Brown &amp; Root and Metro Trains Melbourne to remove four level crossings and rebuild two stations on the Upfield railway line in Melbourne's north.

Renders and the overall design for the upgrade to the railway corridor were released in August and both stations to be rebuilt will be elevated above the current rail grade.  Similar to the Caulfield-Dandenong corridor, with the elevate of the railway lines, community spaces will be provided underneath the tracks.

Bell Street, Munro Street, Reynard Street and Moreland Road are the four level crossings that will be removed.

Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, is reported to have said to the Herald Sun the corridor is one of the narrowest in Melbourne and will require an extended occupation period.

Further investigative works and service relocations are scheduled to ramp up in the short term with major works beginning next year that will include a construction blitz that will shut down the rail corridor for three months.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7BEDJbszWvo" width="100%"></iframe>

As part of the community space improvements, the congested Upfield bike path will see an upgrade as well as a new pedestrian path added underneath the railway line.

The alliance that has been awarded the contract is also removing the High Street level crossing in Reservoir.  Like the soon-to-be-rebuilt Moreland and Coburg stations, Reservoir station will be elevated above the existing road level.

<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/east-end-entry.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The new Reservoir station currently under construction. Image: Level Crossing Removal Authority"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/east-end-entry.jpg?itok=nzT5pSB6" title="The new Reservoir station currently under construction. Image: Level Crossing Removal Authority" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new Reservoir station currently under construction. Image: Level Crossing Removal Authority</figcaption></figure>The inner-north region of Melbourne, predominantly centred on the City of Moreland is also home to the highest number of bicycle commuters thanks to the extensive off-road and on-road bike lanes leading to the adjacent City of Melbourne.

Coburg and Brunswick are two of Melbourne's redevelopment hotspots with both suburbs registering over 100 apartment and townhouse projects in the pipeline. <a href="/developments/coburg-vic-3058">Coburg is registering 38</a> new projects on Apartments.com.au's database, <a href="/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick has 76</a>.  

If you expand the search parameters to include to both <a href="/developments/brunswick-east-vic-3057">Brunswick East</a> and <a href="/developments/brunswick-west-vic-3055">Brunswick West</a>, the total number for all three 'Brunswicks' expands to 143 apartment and townhouse projects in the pipeline.

<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/519-537-sydney-road-coburg-cbc83648268f96d2d96be4ee646d9065.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="519-537 Sydney Road, Coburg."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/519-537-sydney-road-coburg-cbc83648268f96d2d96be4ee646d9065.jpg?itok=4aWGfcrG" title="519-537 Sydney Road, Coburg." width="580"></a>

<figcaption><a href="/new-apartments/519-537-sydney-road-coburg">519-537 Sydney Road, Coburg</a>.</figcaption></figure>In the long run, the Upfield corridor is likely to see other infrastructure changes that are linked to future railway projects in the area.

Namely, the Suburban Rail Loop's second phase will see a station interface with the Upfield line to the north of Coburg and also plans leaked to the media prior to the November 2018 state election show the Upfield line extending to Wallan via Roxburgh Park.

Bell Street, Munro Street, Reynard Street and Moreland Road level crossings are all set to be removed by late 2020 and the new open space will be ready in 2021.
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$542.4 million contract signed for level crossing removals in Melbourne's north

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The alliance of John Holland, KBR and MTM who oversaw the removal of Buckley Street in Essendon, Skye/Overton Road in Seaford and Camp Road in Campfield's level crossing removals has been awarded the contract to remove Reservoir's complex level crossing.

Track will be elevated above the existing railway grade, as foreshadowed back in <a href="/news/reservoirs-level-crossing-removal-set-to-get-underway">September</a>, and a new station will be built as part of the project.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) put the price tag for the large project at $232 million and updated designs will be released in early 2019.

Early and geotechnical work has been underway for some time and major construction work will in 2019 with a completion date set for 2020.  

<blockquote>
The new premium station will include above ground platforms with access via lifts and stairs.

In response to community feedback, the station precinct will better connect the east and west of the Reservoir station precinct – an added benefit of a rail over design.
<cite>Level Crossing Removal Authority</cite>
</blockquote>

<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/reservoir1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The reference design will be updated and released in early 2019. Image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="298" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/reservoir1.jpg?itok=sP9MAjva" title="The reference design will be updated and released in early 2019. Image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The reference design will be updated and released in early 2019. Image: LXRA</figcaption></figure>The Mernda line was also a beneficiary of the Andrews Government re-election policy that expanded the initial list of 50 level crossings to 75.  Oakover Road, Murray Street and Cramer Street in Preston, in addition to the already-announced Bell Street, when removed will make central Preston level crossing free.

A couple of kilometres to the west, the same thing will happen in Coburg.  Bell Street in Coburg was on the initial list of 50 level crossings to be removed and Maynard Street and Munro Street will go, presumably, at the same time as Bell Street gets underway.

For more information on the list of 75 level crossings to be removed, see the <a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/More-level-crossing-removals-on-the-way">LXRA's</a><a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/More-level-crossing-removals-on-the-way"> website</a>.
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Contract signed for Reservoir level crossing removal

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One of the more complex level crossing removal sites is set to get underway with the State Government announcing the Mernda railway line and new Reservoir station will be elevated above the intersection of High Street, Broadway, Spring Street, Cheddar Road and Edwardes Street.

Reference drawings published on the Level Crossing Removal Authority's website depict elevated platforms that sit further north compared to the existing at-grade platforms.

One such render also emphasises the new pedestrian links that will be created by elevating the station, connecting Edwardes Street and Broadway through two pedestrian crossings and the station forecourt underneath the new platforms.

According to the State Government, 'on average, 36,000 vehicles travel through the Reservoir level crossing each day with the boom gates down for 24 minutes during the morning peak. In the past decade there were three recorded collisions and one fatality plus 26 near miss incidents at this site.'

Work has begun with site establishment, geotechnical work and the relocation of services kicking off in earnest.  The level crossing removal is expected to be complete by 2020.

<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/reservoir3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Reference design for the new Reservoir station. Image: LXRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/reservoir3.jpg?itok=GSPlnKvP" title="Reference design for the new Reservoir station. Image: LXRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reference design for the new Reservoir station. Image: LXRA</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Reservoir is one of the locations mooted to include an interchange with the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) - the election proposal by the Andrews Government to build an underground rail line from Cheltenham to the Airport and a mixture of surface and underground track between Melbourne Airport and Werribee.

Should the Andrews Government be re-elected, they have promised to invest in a business case for the SRL which will likely include a reference design for each of the proposed stations.

It's a safe bet the reference design for Reservoir will likely take further connections to an underground set of platforms into account - despite transferring passengers having to traverse at least 4 'levels' to move between platforms (Mernda Line platforms, surface/station entrance level, underground mezzanine, SRL platforms).  

Reservoir and Heidelberg stations would be the two interchange stations likely to see the most transferring passengers headed to the SRL's mooted station at La Trobe University and it will be interesting to see if there are any changes to the design of Reservoir should the Andrews Government be re-elected and pursue the SRL project.
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