<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA</a>&nbsp;doesn’t just rise over North Sydney, it redefines it. Now in its final release, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>’s $1 billion architectural statement is not just complete, but already reshaping the way people live, connect and dine in this rapidly evolving harbourside CBD.

Positioned beside the new Victoria Cross Metro Station and boasting panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, Aura’s 386 residences crown a mixed-use precinct designed with unapologetic ambition. The curvaceous sandstone-inspired form by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, paired with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richard Stanisich</a>’s understated interiors, sets a design tone that’s both monumental and intimate.

At its peak, literally, the two penthouses so spectacular they command their own names; La Davina and Il Magnate. The residents are spread across the&nbsp;entire top floor, offering what many consider the most refined residences ever built in North Sydney. Designed by Richard and Kirsten Stanisich, each four-bedroom home is meticulously crafted to evoke calm, space, and permanence.&nbsp;

<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/VB70993aG-I?si=adRBlXQliYmYvaSz" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The kitchens are fully wrapped in natural stone, with integrated Gaggenau appliances, Sub-Zero fridges, concealed sculleries, and even a zip hydro tap delivering boiling, chilled and sparkling water on demand. A linear stone fireplace anchors the open-plan living space, dividing lounge and dining zones with quiet sophistication.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292861]

The master suite, meanwhile, feels more like a private retreat, complete with a custom stone makeup vanity, walk-through dressing area, and spa-inspired ensuite with heated stone floors, a freestanding Villeroy &amp; Boch tub, and timber veneer joinery throughout.

Kirsten Stanisich, Director of Richards Stanisich, said the penthouses offer incredible scale reflective of a single residence.&nbsp;

“We sought inspiration for these remarkable residences from the classic top-floor Parisian apartment," Stanisich said.

"We looked at what made these French apartments so elegant and found it really came down to their scale. It was ultimately this generosity of space that we used for the AURA penthouses, where we’ve designed considered rooms with deep large-scale proportions."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

Everyday living at Aura feels no less elevated. A dedicated 24-hour concierge, Technogym fitness centre, sky dining terraces, and a resort-style pool serve a lifestyle designed to rival luxury hotels.

At street level, Aqualand’s own hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, curates a precinct of LA-style bistros, Japanese fine dining, and local wine bars, all seamlessly integrated into the building’s sculptural podium.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

This final chapter, aptly dubbed The Finale, is more than a sales phase, it’s an invitation to two of the most exclusive apartments ever to be built in North Sydney.

With limited residences remaining, buyers can access curated incentives including stamp duty rebates, rental guarantees, legal fee coverage, and even $20,000 towards dining within the precinct.

From generous one-bedders to The Icons, two singular penthouses priced well into prestige territory, Aura’s offerings reflect a scale and calibre rarely seen in urban Sydney. And with move-in now immediate, this is no longer a promise of future luxury. It’s happening.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Staff Writer

Aqualand unveils penthouse collection at AURA By Aqualand in North Sydney

There’s no sign of the development wave that began several years ago slowing along Old Burleigh Road.

Around 10 new apartment developments are either underway or preparing to launch along the 800-metre strip stretching from the southern edge of Surfers Paradise towards the heart of Broadbeach, collectively adding just shy of 1,000 new apartments to the beachfront corridor.

The latest plans propose a further 30 apartments to replace an original six-unit walk-up on a 658 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/20a-old-burleigh-road-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">20A Old Burleigh Road</a>. The 14-storey building has been designed by Ferro Chow Architecture, which recently joined the Elevation Architecture Group.

The developer behind the project is Geoffrey Booth, whose Future Liv In has focused on delivering rental accommodation across regional Australia.

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99d393e7-d404-43bc-80cb-6255c39b83d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.44%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ZFT8F3mOny4M4ut.kFF3woC9WH9oR5gT" />

The Old Burleigh Road development will comprise 18 two-bedroom apartments, 10 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom residence occupying the entirety of level 12. Above, the building will be crowned by a two-storey penthouse with its own private lift, several multi-purpose rooms, and two rooftop terraces — one featuring a puppy lawn and spa, the other offering a private swimming pool, sunset deck, and built-in barbecue.

Resident amenities will be located on the second level and include a pool with adjoining spa, cabana, and pool deck, along with an indoor residents’ lounge featuring a bar and an alfresco barbecue kitchen.

In the architectural statement submitted by Elevation Architecture, the project is referred to as “UMI”, which the firm says has been “inspired by the majestic hinterlands and shaped by the coastal climate”.

“It is an exemplar of how community living can still feel at one with nature, breathable, and deeply connected in place,” the architects noted.

They added that the site benefits from established building separation to adjoining towers, helping to maintain privacy, sunlight, and residential amenity, while still offering direct beach access within an urban setting.

“Drawing inspiration from the Gold Coast hinterlands and the region’s natural landscape, the podium and tower detail highlights the contrasting elements of treetop green and cliff-face peach. The vibrant texture and materiality shaped by time has a richness in depth and character.”

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3d6c923-a0ab-4d74-86da-177313447e8e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.38%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=i2fygmoVQM6hWpbATTAW_yTitoMTrnI1" />

Old Burleigh Road has become a hotspot for developers, with the three-tower Jewel development kickstarting a wave of projects up and down the strip when it was completed in 2020.

Currently under construction and approaching completion is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/faro-broadbeach-123-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">FARO Broadbeach</a> by 5Point and Bottega, 21 large-scale half- and full-floor apartments. 5Point is also behind the recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lumara-108-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Lumara</a>, another 37 apartments to add to the pipeline.

Luxury builder GRAYA is progressing construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/enclave-by-graya-118-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Enclave</a>, its first Gold Coast tower, while Polycell remains the most active developer on the street. They are preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sandpiper-broadbeach-155-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Sandpiper</a>, a 50-storey redevelopment of the former Sandpiper Holiday Resort that will deliver around 200 apartments alongside extensive resident amenity. The group also has another 130-apartment project approved nearby, as does <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/dvb-approved-for-second-broadbeach-apartment-development">Dean Gallagher’s DVB Projects</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Old Burleigh Road apartment development wave continues

Sunshine Coast developer Habitat Development Group continues to position itself as one of the region’s largest new apartment developers.

Its latest project is in Maroochydore, where it is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-millwell-2-millwell-road-east-maroochydore-qld-4558">The Millwell</a>. Adjacent to the new 53-hectare Maroochydore City Centre project, Habitat is planning a further 180 apartments on a 3,468 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/132-136-aerodrome-road-maroochydore-qld-4558">132–136 Aerodrome Road</a>. The site was purchased with approval for a smaller 13-storey, 103-unit building.

Habitat will demolish the two existing retail centres, currently home to the Salvation Army Family Store and Neighbours Aid, and replace them with an 18-storey building featuring the significant rooftop amenities that have become a hallmark of Habitat developments in recent years. The rooftop will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, anchored by an infinity swimming pool.

<img alt="Maroochydore" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad434d07-666b-4614-b33e-530ad6a2d261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.33%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7pyLsPWKQuwv0us3_v.9DmbzEc2VZe9Z" />

There will be a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments.

The Development Assessment Report, submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council, says the proposal&nbsp;is not speculative, but a response to both zoning intent and demonstrated housing need.

“The proposed development represents an appropriate and logical intensification of the site, consistent with the planning framework and the intended urban outcomes for the locality.”

Across the Sunshine Coast, councils are increasingly scrutinising not just height or yield, but whether new projects genuinely align with the long-term structure plans underpinning growth corridors. The&nbsp;ASTP Planning Report&nbsp;reinforces the approach, noting that the project has been shaped around site responsiveness rather than generic typology.

“The development has been designed to respond to the physical constraints and opportunities of the site, while delivering a high-quality residential outcome that integrates with the existing and emerging urban context.”

<img alt="Habitat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a03fc54-4ca5-4868-88d0-eeced70604e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.28%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=1pkK3lJrrZjkghTLBReM2zatcas4Nc4B" />

In mid-2025, Habitat, a developer that also builds its own projects, commenced construction on The Millwell, located just over one kilometre from the new proposal. The Millwell will comprise more than 200 apartments across two eight-storey buildings.

Habitat also has two projects on Lake Kawana in Birtinya: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-clair-birtinya-930-931-waterside-retreat-birtinya-qld-4575">St Clair</a>, a 200-unit, two-building development launched last year and set to welcome buyers this year; and Esperance, a 175-apartment project currently progressing through the development approval process.

First look: Habitat continues to bolster Sunshine Coast apartment pipeline with Maroochydore development plans

John Camilleri, the breeder of legendary racehorse Winx, is set to deliver a landmark two-tower beachfront development that would redefine the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Camilleri, who spent around $100 million acquiring development sites across the Gold Coast in 2025, has lodged plans for two new towers on the dress-circle stretch of Garfield Terrace, just two days before Christmas.

In assembling the site, Camilleri's Celestino Developments has effectively acquired the 71 Garfield project by Iris Capital and AALTO by Weiya Holdings, creating an unrivalled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">4,000 sqm beachfront holding along Garfield Terrace</a>.

The proposal comprises two residential towers of 55 and 48 storeys, linked by a dramatic skybridge which will home “exclusive VIP and wellness amenities.”

In total, the development would deliver 275 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across the two towers, rising above a shared landscaped podium that incorporates a central green space and a beachfront swimming pool stretching more than 90 metres.

<img alt="DBI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="097900f3-6bef-4919-b168-b08f2f762876" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.37.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=et0SpmcvaPPVrexI_zWi46BVFtZBxAzx" />

Architecture firm DBI, in documents submitted to Gold Coast City Council, said the project at 63–79 Garfield Terrace would “establish a new benchmark for beachfront residential living on the Gold Coast.”

"The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience. Together, the 48-storey North Tower and 55-storey South Tower form a distinctive twin-tower composition whose dynamic silhouette will make a significant contribution to the Surfers Paradise skyline."

DBI said the architectural language draws inspiration from the fluidity and movement of the coastal landscape.

"Each tower is defined by organic, curving forms and continuous balcony ribbons that wrap the buildings, providing deep shading, enhancing environmental performance, and reinforcing the rhythmic, sculptural expression of the façade. These balcony forms also reduce the apparent mass of the towers while maintaining strong visual continuity from podium to summit. Sculpted reflective downturns run along the western spine of both towers, shifting and lifting as they extend upwards to frame service zones and open eastward to maximise ocean views."

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2a00ce3-a0e9-45d6-b4b5-b7baed592ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DnruWV1dhLrtXOeElwekyd7vPq2gw55t" />

The project’s most striking feature is the skybridge at level 45, which will house executive lounges, formal dining spaces, wellness facilities and panoramic ocean-facing views.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI added.

The podium will host an extensive suite of recreational amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a large open green lawn, and the signature 90-metre pool stretching along the beachfront. The pool is divided into lap, lounge and children’s zones.

The southern end of the podium will accommodate additional wellness facilities, including a gymnasium, plunge pools, treatment rooms and a dedicated yoga lawn.

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee1b4f25-231f-4804-83b1-a573a1481962" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.55.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zObzIA3D5w7EwqPsHjr2pKrA4vbB28zL" />

There will be 127 apartments in the North Tower and 148 in the South Tower, including multiple penthouses, while the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages will be activated by a series of food and beverage tenancies.

Camilleri emerged as the most active site acquirer on the Gold Coast in 2025. He spent just over $30 million acquiring Pacific Point, a 10-level Surfers Paradise apartment block and an adjoining three-level duplex, from fellow racing identity and Aquis billionaire Tony Fung. Plans are now underway for a 93-apartment, 40-storey tower on the 1,682 sqm site.

He also paid $53.65 million for the 1,500 sqm Garfield Terrace site previously marketed as AALTO by Weiya Holdings, before acquiring the adjoining parcel from hotel billionaire Sam Arnaout’s Iris Capital, the developer behind V&amp;A Broadbeach.

First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge

The Melbourne-based HLA Group is the latest developer to expand into South East Queensland, lodging plans for a unique mixed-use short-term accomodation and apartment building in Taringa, with the building design inspired by the Glasswing Butterfly.

The development application for 10 Morrow Street seeks approval for a total of 232 dwellings, comprising 116 residential apartments and 116 short-stay accommodation units. The build-to-sell residential component is made up of 31 one-bedroom apartments, 67 two-bedroom apartments, 17 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom apartment, offering a diverse mix aimed at singles, couples, families, and downsizers.

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33913cd4-9839-4456-b325-d35b3f8b4694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=sLvc7jUrYzDwqPDZBPrXTosKHDSp.qrt" />

Designed by Ellivo Architects, the tower takes strong inspiration from nature, with the architectural language driven by one of Queensland’s most delicate species. As described in the planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council, Ellivo Architects state the design is “inspired by the elegance of the Glasswing butterfly," and mirrors the graceful sweep of its wings, a form that feels light, fluid, and alive.

“Lush subtropical greenery is throughtfull woven throughout, transforming the building into a sanctuary in the heart of the city.”

The proposal positions the building as more than a conventional residential tower, with Ellivo Architects describing 10 Morrow Street as “an urban oasis that blends short term accomodation with residential living. A destination for rest, relaxation, and renewal.”

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84e9a0ff-464e-4973-bffe-5d5a8fe9f087" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.32%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dhX9eVgUaQE2TvCzJPhF8N8_hzYSKpyK" />

Formally, the building’s massing and floorplate are directly shaped by its butterfly inspiration. Ellivo explain that, “adopting the wings of the Glasswing Butterfly, the tower's plan is divided into four distinct quadrants, each shaped to mirror the wing's segmented geometry and taking the slender ‘veins’ up the facade of the tower.”

"This approach results in a sculpted tower form with articulated façades and a strong vertical expression."

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5947011d-ff6c-4a57-bdc1-9072a472a79c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.29%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=nnGqd4WCZM8AOJZY.c3u49BO4LurKRhb" />

The Assessment Report by Human Habitats said the 19-storey tower capitalises on its strategic connectivity and prominence at the entrance of Taringa Village and adjoining the Taringa Station.

"The proposal offers a significant revitalisation of the subject site that integrates architectural excellence, innovation, and sustainable design to directly address long-standing connectivity and safety challenges, housing supply , and diversity together with enhanced streetscape activation and convenient access to major transport corridors."

HLA Group Australia is registered to South Yarra and is currently delivering Adamson No.5, just 15 luxury apartments that start from around $2 million.&nbsp;

The Butterfly Effect: Glasswing butterfly inspires Taringa apartment development

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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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