Brisbane’s riverfront is about to welcome Queensland’s most ambitious wellness living precinct, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/kokoda-property">Kokoda Property Group</a> unveiling nearly 12,000 sqm of dedicated health, fitness and social amenity within its $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks development, the largest of its kind in the state.&nbsp;

Australia is now the four largest market in the USD 584 billion Global Wellness Real Estate sector, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> is setting the benchmark locally, offering residents a complete lifestyle precinct that balances wellness, community and luxury.

From rooftop wellness retreats and 5-star co-working spaces to curated retail and dining, lush green spaces and riverfront walkways, the development has been designed as an ecosystem for modern living. Community gardens, a riverfront amphitheatre and community centre further anchor Teneriffe Banks as a destination that connects residents and the wider community in a way Brisbane has never seen before.&nbsp;

Each of the four residential buildings offers an expansive rooftop retreat featuring infinity pools, mineral plunge pools, hydrotherapy zones, and steam and sauna suites. These spa-level amenities eliminate the need for external memberships, seamlessly integrating exercise, recovery and relaxation into daily life.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=352274]

Residents of Teneriffe Banks will enjoy exclusive access to The Canopy Club, one of Brisbane’s largest private members' venues. Drawing inspiration from international icons like Soho House but uniquely tailored for Brisbane, the club will feature private dining rooms, a wine cellar and tasting lounge, library, cinema, sports simulator and five-star work spaces, overlooking the Brisbane River.&nbsp;

Complementing this lifestyle is Banks Athletic, a private, residents-only health club offering personalised fitness and holistic wellness programs.

The precinct will also be home to Brisbane’s first five-star Kimpton Hotel Urban Resort, offering guests access to a luxury spa, a fitness centre, signature restaurants, pool club, rooftop cocktail bar and large-scale event spaces. Also forming part of the masterplan is a proposed reimagined marina and landscaped green spaces and gardens among a curated collection of waterfront restaurants, laneway cafes, and boutiques — creating a complete live, work, play lifestyle.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=295098]

A recent report by Global Wellness Institute found Australia boasts one of the world’s fastest-growing wellness economies, growing at an annual rate of 7.5 per cent from 2019-2023.

“Luxury living today is about more than just design, it is about how well a place supports mind, body and connection,” said Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens.

“With Australia now ranked among the world’s top five global wellness real estate markets, Teneriffe Banks has been designed to meet that growing demand. By blending curated wellness spaces with riverfront greenery and vibrant community amenities, the precinct will set a new benchmark for holistic urban living.”&nbsp;

Stephens said that wellness-focused design is resonating strongly with downsizers and lifestyle-driven buyers alike.&nbsp;

“We’re seeing overwhelming interest from buyers who are drawn to the idea of expansive amenity beyond their own residence, particularly those seeking space without the upkeep. The ability to enjoy a sunrise coffee by the rooftop pool, or build movement and recovery into their daily routine without leaving home, is a drawcard. Low maintenance, high impact living is what today’s market is looking for, and that’s exactly what Teneriffe Banks delivers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=352273]

Set across five architecturally distinct buildings, Teneriffe Banks will deliver over 200 residences, ranging from apartments to modern penthouse residences and woolstore-inspired lofts, each crafted by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studio-mccue">Studio McCue</a>, in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/carr-design">Carr</a>.&nbsp;

Further reflecting its commitment to fostering an active, connected lifestyle along the river, Teneriffe Banks is now the naming partner of the Brisbane Marathon Pacers, now known as the ‘Tenerrife Banks Pacers’. The Brisbane Marathon hosts over 10,000 participants from around the world and is only growing in size.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139896]

Joel Robinson

Kokoda's Teneriffe Banks introduces Queensland’s largest residential wellness offering

Summary:&nbsp;

<ul type="disc">
	<li>A new&nbsp;Golden Age Cinema&nbsp;with multiple screens and creative performance spaces</li>
	<li>Approximately&nbsp;60 metres of retail frontage&nbsp;along Oxford Street for small-scale, street-activating businesses</li>
	<li>53 apartments, including 15 affordable housing apartments</li>
	<li>Landscaped public connections between South Dowling and Verona streets, improving walkability and accessibility.</li>
</ul>

<hr />
&nbsp; 
Developer WT Malouf has confirmed plans to transform the much-loved Verona Cinema site on Oxford Street in&nbsp; Paddington into a new mixed-use destination centred on culture, creativity and community.

The proposal, a State Significant Development Application (SSDA), will deliver a balanced mix of uses including 53 apartments, including 15 affordable, a new Golden Age Cinema with multiple screens and creative performance spaces, and several small-scale, street-activating businesses across its 60 metres of retail frontage.

The development will retain the Verona’s iconic brick façade, recognising the building’s role in Paddington’s cultural life for nearly three decades.

<img alt="Verona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efed0828-5cc4-4d77-a6df-83e7fa5d24ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-03%20at%209.19.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xHbLRgjfTSkScuLsLW_nRjX0Zi5Cwalo" />

WT Malouf has entered into exclusive arrangements with the operators of Golden Age Cinema &amp; Bar, a much-loved Surry Hills institution named among the Top 100 Cinemas in the World by Time Out. Golden Age will bring four screens and versatile creative spaces back to Paddington, helping to anchor Oxford Street’s future as a cultural and entertainment corridor. 
&nbsp; 
“At a time when Sydney is losing suburban cinemas, we’re committed to creating a bigger and better cinema experience for Paddington,” said Jack Joseph, Director at WT Malouf.

“Golden Age’s arrival will ensure Oxford Street continues to be a home for independent film, live performance and community events.” 
&nbsp; 
The project has been designed in line with the City of Sydney’s Oxford Street Cultural and Creative Precinct strategy, which encourages new investment in cultural space, night-time economy and creative industries. It also aligns with the NSW 24-Hour Economy Strategy, contributing to the revival of Oxford Street as a safe, vibrant and connected cultural precinct that operates by day and night.

<img alt="Verona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ac1895bd-d09f-4cf6-aed4-9a2739c2d9b2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-03%20at%209.19.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NcwfjdR0oF5xPbatoSGOR4oWAZm9yJJT" /> 
&nbsp; 
“This development is about more than apartments,” Joseph said. “It’s about contributing to Oxford Street’s restoration as one of Sydney’s great cultural boulevards, where people come to live, create and socialise.” 
&nbsp; 
‘’The new Verona is a once -in-a-generation opportunity to restore this important part of Oxford Street,’’ said Tim Greer, Director of Tonkins Zulaikha Greer (TZG). 
&nbsp; 
Alongside cultural and creative space, the Verona development will deliver new housing in one of Sydney’s most tightly held suburbs. 15 apartments will be set aside as affordable rental homes for essential workers, ensuring Paddington retains a diverse and connected community. 
&nbsp; 
The project is expected to be determined by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in 2026, with construction planned to start later that year and delivery within three years.

Paddington’s Verona Cinema set for luxury apartment transformation and new Golden Age Cinema

The Chatswood CBD is the latest city centre in the cross hair of the Minns Labor Government's push to support new housing.

They're pushing for up to 1,500 apartments on the former Sydney Metro construction site, which will include 180 build-to-rent apartments for essential workers, as well as new retail and commercial spaces and outdoor areas.

<img alt="Chatswood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec539e11-accf-4844-bbce-1b453e0ee907" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-03%20at%209.09.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=64L8ymb0LbjKbxcmvUux9TI9qXL8hnkR" />

The remaining mix will be build-to-sell, and incorporate affordable housing. The development will see the adaptive re-use of local heritage building Mowbray House, which operated as a boarding school from 1906 to 1954, for future community use.&nbsp;

Construction on the site is expected to start in late 2026, with the first essential workers expected to move in by late 2028.

Landcom is inviting feedback on the proposal from the community and stakeholders until 9am, Monday 27 October 2025.

<img alt="Chatswood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01cc2e55-a585-4a3f-afb2-bb6213dc59b8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-03%20at%209.09.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ZaaHSI.h_CLRCYloljNdXSa4eigU6vae" />

The Chatswood site is the second&nbsp;to be secured under the Minns Labor Government’s $450 million investment in Landcom to deliver 400 build-to-rent homes for essential workers in Sydney, with 220 essential worker homes already being delivered in Annandale.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Work is also underway on new build-to-rent apartments on the NSW south coast and work is set to start later this year on new build-to-rent housing in Lismore to boost rental supply in the NSW Northern Rivers.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said essential workers are the backbone of not only Sydney but all of NSW and they deserve to have an affordable place to live near their job and community.

“This will be life changing for essential workers, who will get to live not only near their job but in one of the best-connected areas in all of Sydney.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said people should be able to live, work, relax and play all within one community.

"Delivering both 180 new essential worker homes and 1300 further market and affordable homes will give that opportunity and choice back hundreds of people.

“We’ve dedicated another 180 homes to essential workers in this project so workers like our teachers, nurses, paramedics and police offices can build a life close to both their home and job.

“This is yet another example of density done well, providing additional, homes and jobs in an area that’s already well serviced by public transport, shops, restaurants, schools and health centres.”

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said this is a highly productive time for Landcom where we are sustaining strong momentum across our entire delivery program.

"Here at Chatswood, we are leading the development of a major city precinct to do density well and make homes happen. This is a great example of Landcom making the government’s policy ambitions a reality and bringing to life the kind of housing options our city needs.”

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said essential workers are the backbone of not only Sydney but all of NSW and they deserve to have an affordable place to live near their job and community.

NSW Gov, Landcom plan 1,500 new apartments in Chatswood CBD

Dexus' push into the residential development space is moving down to Melbourne, with the real estate asset giant taking on a x at the southern end of St Kilda Road.

Dexus, who has recently starting developing luxury apartments in Sydney's Northern Beaches, is planning a 27-storey tower with over 400 new apartments at the intersection of St Kilda Road and Queens Road.

The proposal, now with VIC Planning, seeks to replace the ageing 19-storey former Cadbury office building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/636-st-kilda-road-melbourne-vic-3004">636 St Kilda Road</a> with a contemporary high-density apartment complex designed by architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>.

According to the Urban Context Report filed to VIC Planning, the development will respond to the site’s landmark location through a "refined and sculptural built form that mediates between the scale of St Kilda Road and Queens Road” while reinforcing “a sense of civic address at this prominent intersection.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Dexus proposes 27-storey residential tower at 636 St Kilda Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dfd2ebd1-e311-4348-9c7d-b3d73b64ade4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/St%20Kilda%20bldg.png?VersionId=_DHkdNAj1U3wcH0BX51t2MJYeIMrbG2w" />

The architectural design features active frontages, new pedestrian through-links and an extensive landscape strategy that integrates with the surrounding boulevard character.

The apartment mix is varied, comprising 40 studios, 87 one-bedrooms, 203 two-bedrooms, 66 three-bedrooms, and six penthouses, with each dwelling designed to meet the standards set out in Clause 58 of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme.&nbsp;

A key element of the proposal is a $9.6 million contribution, equivalent to three per cent of the project’s estimated development cost, to the Social Housing Growth Fund, aimed at supporting affordable housing outcomes across Victoria.

<img alt="First look: Dexus proposes 27-storey residential tower at 636 St Kilda Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f138f11-5277-461f-8d12-9533b2960586" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/St%20kilda%20rd%20site.png?VersionId=m_ZioKYhwkvekE3ZUF6y7bz.5_5yFPnZ" />

The site’s three street frontages, St Kilda Road, Queens Road, and Queens Lane, enable significant setbacks and design flexibility.

Bates Smart noted the proposal "reinforces the intent for St Kilda Road North to accommodate higher-density, mixed-use development,” leveraging its location near the soon-to-open ANZAC Station tram-rail interchange and the principal cycling corridor along the boulevard.

They emphasised&nbsp;the building’s role as a city-shaping gateway, writing that the proposed tower is “designed to contribute positively to the skyline and urban character of St Kilda Junction,” and would offer visual connections to key city landmarks, including Albert Park Lake and the Shrine of Remembrance.

Public realm upgrades are also proposed as part of the scheme, including a 138 sqm linear park, extensive landscaping, and around 188 metres of active frontages to enhance permeability and safety at the ground plane. A total of 449 car spaces and 120 bicycle spaces are planned across the four basement levels.

<img alt="First look: Dexus proposes 27-storey residential tower at 636 St Kilda Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dfdbccd3-6954-417e-8543-c6b1f1b5df1b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/St%20KILDA%20rooftop.png?VersionId=.xI5fkVYETzG1WJaiOsOt8Yd4BgQx0DA" />

Dexus is positioning the project as a strategic redevelopment aligned with the St Kilda Road North Precinct Plan. The Planning Report by Urbis states that the distinct features of the site, the emerging context to its interfaces, and the surrounding policy context justify consideration of a taller building” despite the site being subject to Design and Development Overlay – Schedule 26 (DDO26).

St Kilda Road has been one of the most popular streets for residential development in recent years. The likes of Victoriana, The Muse, and St Boulevard are the most recently completed buildings, oriented to look over the adjacent Albert Park Lake, while Gamuda Land is currently developing <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/fareham-st-kilda-95-st-kilda-road-st-kilda-vic-3182">Fareham</a>, and Hirsch &amp; Faigen has a building in the precinct they will soon launch, just off St Kilda Road on Queens Road.

First look: Dexus joins St Kilda Road apartment ranks with gateway tower proposal

Melbourne’s City Circle tram loops past a dense matrix of culture, education and commerce, but few intersections offer as much access in so little walking distance as the northern end of King Street.

Here, Aspire Melbourne rises 64 storeys from the edge of Flagstaff Gardens, with immediate connectivity to tram and train networks, and pedestrian access to Queen Victoria Market, Marvel Stadium and Melbourne’s major university precincts.

Developed by ICD Property with design by Fraser &amp; Partners, Aspire Melbourne brings 570 apartments to one of the CBD’s most spatially balanced positions, directly between civic green space and key employment infrastructure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2575 project_image_fid=248847]

Everything from retail and dining to sporting events, art, theatre, and festivals, or the serenity of the city’s gardens, is within walking distance of Aspire.

Melbourne's thriving coffee culture is showcased in the CBD's cobblestoned laneways, with popular cafes such as Brother Baba Budan, Krimper, Stagger Lee's, Higher Ground, and Manchester Press all nearby.

For culinary enthusiasts, Melbourne offers a variety of dining experiences. Highly recommended establishments include Maha, Farmer's Daughter, Coda, and MoVida Next Door, offering everything from Middle Eastern dinners to a night out.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2575 project_image_fid=79443]

Getting around Melbourne is as effortless as finding a great cup of coffee, thanks to the city’s clean, reliable and extensive public transport network. Aspire’s curved tower is a short walk from Melbourne Central Station, Southern Cross Station and the Free Tram Zone, offering seamless connections across the CBD and out to suburban precincts.

This inner-city accessibility is complemented by Aspire’s rare proximity to green space. The tower directly overlooks Flagstaff Gardens, the city’s oldest park, with Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens also nearby, framing the CBD in natural beauty.

Just 11 minutes on foot, Queen Victoria Market adds another layer of amenity. A longstanding hub of culture and commerce, it offers fresh produce, gourmet foods, artisanal goods and vibrant multicultural fare, all woven into the daily rhythm of city life.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2575 project_image_fid=79445]

To the west, the CBD’s entertainment quarter features Marvel Stadium, just 750 metres from Aspire, ideal for sports fans and major events.

To the south, Crown Casino along the Yarra River offers entertainment, dining and family-friendly activities, accessible in under 10 minutes by tram.

The Arts Centre Melbourne, a hub for visual art, theatre, music and performance, is also within easy reach by public transport or car.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2575 project_image_fid=311]

For families looking to set up roots in the CBD, education options abound within a one-kilometre radius of Aspire.

The prestigious Haileybury opened its Melbourne CBD campus in January 2017 offering Melbourne's first Early Learning Centre to Year 12 private school campus in the CBD.&nbsp;

<a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North Melbourne</a> Primary School, South Melbourne Primary School, Ozford College, and Simonds Catholic College are among the other choices, while universities like Victoria University, La Trobe University, and Monash University are less than 600 metres away.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2575 project_image_fid=79444]

A limited selection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments remain for sale, with pricing starting from $647,000.

“The Melbourne CBD apartment market has evolved in response to both the strong growth of the overall city as well as the increasing attraction of the CBD which offers unique lifestyle appeal, especially to the fast-growing cohorts of young professionals and university students,” <a href="/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>&nbsp;Managing Director Residential Tim Storey said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=2575]

On the fringe of Flagstaff Gardens: Aspire Melbourne's prime location

Masterplan

Luma is a master-planned community from the Victorian state government authority, Development Victoria.

The townhouse project of 300 residences is located in Melbourne&rsquo;s fast-developing western suburbs.

The two, three and four-bedroom residences, designed by RobertsDay, start from $515,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27783 project_image_fid=96893]

Welcoming residents to a new neighbourhood of open and linked green spaces, Luma&rsquo;s streets are filled with native landscaping curated by MDG.

Each home references classic Melbourne terrace architecture and offers a perfect mix of upper and ground-floor living zones, outdoor courtyards and terraces.

The authentic yet constantly evolving suburb keeps things fresh and provides the ideal setting for modern family living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27783 project_image_fid=96894]

Luma&rsquo;s spacious local park is the &ldquo;welcoming green spine&rdquo; that links the whole neighbourhood together, the developers note.

Covering 3,600 square metres, the park is designed around clusters of retained established trees, featuring a fully equipped children&rsquo;s playground, a sheltered BBQ, picnic area and kick-about spaces.

Families will also be conveniently located nearby Luma&rsquo;s urban plaza, an open community space providing play spaces and a spot for markets and meet-ups.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27783 project_image_fid=96896]

Sunshine North includes a diverse demographic and boasts vibrant food options, friendly cafes and great amenity close to home.

Perfectly positioned between schools, medical facilities and leisure amenities, residents can enjoy living by the Sunshine Leisure Centre, Sunshine Plaza and Sunshine Hospital.

The project is well-connected to Melbourne, with the Ginifer train station just a 14-minute walk away and Victoria University&rsquo;s Sunshine campus located within walking distance.

New and growing families will enjoy the wide choice of education options nearby, including Albion North Primary School, Sunshine Christian School and St Bernadette&rsquo;s Primary.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=27783]

Each home references classic Melbourne terrace architecture and offers a perfect mix of upper and ground-floor living zones, outdoor courtyards and terraces

max.kwok_55688

Get to know Melbourne's Sunshine North: What's within walking distance from Luma?

<html><body>
For over a decade City Road has been the beachhead for rapid urban change in the City of Melbourne and over the same time the area has garnered a negative reputation for being an austere pedestrian environment and traffic sewer. Many might even call it a <a href="/news/street-life-how-do-you-revive-a-dull-urban-area#content" target="_blank">dull urban area</a>.

Despite Citylink now taking the lion's share of vehicular traffic crossing from the metropolitan area from East to West and vice versa, City Road is still the major collector and arterial for areas such as South Melbourne and Port Melbourne as well as providing access locally in Southbank.

So how to improve the amenity for the local residents in the myriad of apartments that been built and occupied in the past 10 years in Southbank?

<a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">City of Melbourne</a> has teamed up with <a href="http://www.crowdspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Crowdspot</a> to kick off a community engagement period running until the 16th of March for the upcoming City Road master plan. From the Participate Melbourne FAQ <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/city-road/faqs#855" target="_blank">page</a>:

<blockquote>
What is the City Road Master Plan?

The City of Melbourne is leading the development of a draft City Road Master Plan that aims to better balance the road’s two key roles as both an important transport link and a people friendly place. This project is a key action from the Southbank Structure Plan (2010) and responds to the changing role of this road as Southbank grows.

The focus of the master plan will be on delivering public realm improvements within the road space and footpaths. It will explore options to change the layout and design of the road to address issues such as pedestrian safety, cycling access, transport movement &amp; access, street character and quality, tree planting, water management and public transport provision.

Changes to planning controls that affect private land use and development are not within the scope of this project.
</blockquote>

City of Melbourne is utilising Crowdspot's mapping technology to allow interested parties to pin point problems or praise on the municipality's <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/city-road" target="_blank">Participate Melbourne</a> platform. This is the first phase of engagement where people are encouraged to share their experience along the thoroughfare.

It's the depth contributors are going to describe the issues they feel need highlighting which is most impressive, for instance one of the pins on the King's Way tram stop describes how the tram stop and surrounding roads are regularly flooded and calls for the tram stop's amenity to be improved and even going to great lengths to describe the amount of pigeon poo in the area. Special mention to the contributor who mentioned the large volume of dog poo in a nearby park - it seems animal defecation is right up there in the worrisome category.

Overall however, there is a strong theme of highlighting all the vehicular issues right along City Road, and many people have highlighted how City Road acts as a barrier for pedestrians.

With rapid feedback in a more productive online environment as well as the environment in the public domain and open to monitoring and scrutiny, this may just keep City of Melbourne on its toes and the council will have no choice to review all contributions and verify any claims made and come up with strategies to combat them - this can only be a good thing in the long-run as the master plan is drawn up.

If you'd like to have your say, click here: http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/city-road
</body></html>

Alastair Taylor

City of Melbourne wants people to share their City Road experiences

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In complete contrast to the Caulfield Racecourse master plan which seemingly gained approval without incident, Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) has found itself mired in a bog of Council discontent, resident anger and most perilous of all, political points scoring.  Initially put forward during 2011, the intended redevelopment of Moonee Valley Racecourse (MVRC) into a contemporary facility intermingled with swathes high density living has to date been a slow and unwieldy process, so much so State Planning minister Matthew Guy has appointed an Advisory Committee to oversee the process.

Recently MVRC released an updated master plan containing numerous changes or refinements over previous schemes.  I could not possibly do the brace of planning documents justice, particularly in a article this length, so rather I'll touch upon a handful of notable aspects of the revised document.

<ul>
<li class="rtejustify">25 levels...barely.</li>
</ul>
<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/Imageplanmv10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Massing model as per Plus Architecture document"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Imageplanmv10.jpg?itok=qZVTRWJa" title="Massing model as per Plus Architecture document" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Whereas the previous master plan carried a string of 25 level towers along the eastern border abutting Tullamarine Freeway, the revised master plan sees a solitary 25 level residential tower located within the western precinct which itself sees a greater concentration of dwellings.  <a href="http://www.plusarchitecture.com.au/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Plus Architecture</a> have submitted alternative massing models for both the western and northern precincts that see the overall number of tall buildings diminished or scaled back. 

Increased west precinct density if possible due to the realignment of the track to the eastern boundary.  Consequently a total of 4500 people over 2500 apartments and townhouses are expected to call the redevelopment home in due course.

<ul>
<li class="rtejustify">14 design principles for success</li>
</ul>
Quoting the master plan, "The Urban Design Philosophy for the Moonee Valley Racecourse Master Plan aims to translate the Vision for the site into a robust and logical set of urban design principles that inform all levels of design and detail for the development of the site.  These principles will set the parameters for what development of the site is trying to achieve in an urban design sense."

<div>If adhered to these principles should lead to a quality development overall.  Those principles that catch they eye include:</div>

<div> </div>

<div>&gt; prioritise people over cars and buildings</div>

<div>&gt; create a highly connected place by engaging with the surrounding community through the public realm and public open spaces</div>

<div>&gt; provide a diversity of housing choice</div>

<div>&gt; activate street level as comfortable and safe ‘people spaces’ for all hours</div>

<div>&gt; create a precinct of environmental sustainability initiatives to benefit local residents and the wider community</div>

<div>&gt; provide community facilities complementing the Moonee Ponds centre that blend seamlessly with the surrounding community</div>

<div>&gt; provide excellent public transport links and initiatives to integrate with local walking, cycling, tram, train and bus networks</div>

<div> </div>

<ul>
<li class="rtejustify">A green grandstand?</li>
</ul>
<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/Image22pop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The concept image as per the planning report."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image22pop.jpg?itok=M43gSxi2" title="The concept image as per the planning report." typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

The grandstand operations plan devised by global design firm <a href="http://populous.com/" target="_blank">Populous</a> outlines MVRC's expectation of a new 5000 seat grandstand relocated to the northern border of the racecourse. The grandstand in part will sit below Wilson Street, whilst also slope away at its higher levels from Wilson Street providing passersby with a less dominant built form capable of blending in with the immediate residential area.  Whilst only a preliminary image, the 160m long structure is slated to carry green walls in order to break the sheer scale of the building.  Delivered properly, this could be a spectacular result!

<ul>
<li class="rtejustify">Catering for all</li>
</ul>
As touched upon earlier, MVRC have commissioned a report which focuses heavily on the all-inclusive aspects of the racecourse redevelopment.  With a development timeframe of 15-20 years,  approximately 4500 new residents are expected to call the area home upon completion; of those 60% are expected to live in 2 Bed apartments, 30% in 1 Bed apartments with 10% aimed toward 3 Bed apartments.

See below a forecast breakdown of Target Population Projections for key Community Infrastructure Age Cohorts. Within the western precinct a kindergarten, public art installations, community meeting facilities, early learning centre, a maternal child health services complex and a new park can be expected.

<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/Image24.jpgaah.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Target Population Projections for key Community Infrastructure Age Cohorts "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image24.jpgaah.jpg?itok=S2yadYFl" title="Target Population Projections for key Community Infrastructure Age Cohorts " typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

For those inclined the full PDF download schedule can be found <a href="http://www.mvcc.vic.gov.au/planning-and-building/major-developments/proposed-major-developments/draft-master-plan-and-rezoning-proposal-from-moonee-valley-racecourse.aspx" target="_blank">here</a> hosted upon the Moonee Valley City Council website, otherwise browse the images below to gain a quick understanding of what Moonee Valley Racing Club has in store for its prized redevelopment. State Government body DPCD will hold a number of meetings in coming weeks, including <a href="http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/panelsandcommittees/current/moonee-valley-racecourse-redevelopment" target="_blank">public hearings</a> commencing the week of Monday 30th September.

 

All images © Moonee Valley Racing Club
</body></html>

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