Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

Joel Robinson

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Investors may soon find themselves with fewer reasons to buy established property and more incentives to look towards the new apartment market.

Proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions would see new and off-the-plan apartments retain access to the tax benefits, while established properties would miss out, creating a clear advantage for buyers purchasing newly built housing.

The policy direction aligns with what many developers have been saying for several years. Australia needs more housing supply, and governments are increasingly looking for ways to encourage investment into new stock rather than existing homes.

The challenge for investors is that suitable product is becoming harder to find.

For much of the last decade, one-bedroom apartments were the cornerstone of investor demand. They offered a lower entry price, strong rental appeal, and were a common feature across most apartment developments.

Today, the development pipeline looks very different.

Across both New South Wales and South East Queensland, developers are increasingly targeting owner-occupiers and downsizers, delivering larger two, three and four-bedroom apartments in response to changing buyer preferences. While one-bedroom apartments still exist, they now form a much smaller portion of many new projects.

That shift has created a shortage of investor-friendly stock, particularly in well-located projects close to transport, employment hubs and lifestyle amenity.

At the same time, rising apartment prices have pushed many new developments beyond the reach of traditional investors. On the Gold Coast and across South East Queensland, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find new apartments priced around the $1 million mark, particularly those offering strong rental fundamentals and long-term growth prospects.

We've rounded up four new apartment developments where investors can still secure a foothold in the market for around $1 million or less.

<h2 data-end="1140" data-start="844">Flourish Soleira</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $1.07 million</h2>

Popular Palm Beach developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa</a> is soon to officially launch its newest local apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>.

The one-bedroom apartments in the building were only offered to first home buyers rather than investors, and all of those have been snapped up. The two-bedroom apartments will start from $1.07 million, and the three-bedrooms, still a good investment given the popularity of Palm Beach for owner-occupiers, starting at $2,045,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

Flourish Soliera will comprise 153 apartments across two buildings, connected by a skybridge, the first ever delivered in the suburb.

True to Sherpa's booming Flourish brand of apartment projects, Flourish Soleira will have extensive rooftop amenity across both buildings including a&nbsp;wellness centre with gym, work from home, yoga, pilates, a&nbsp;heated pool, private dining rooms, pizza oven and barbecues, basketball court, and golf simulator.

<h2>Corallo, Palm Beach</h2>

Priced from: $841,500

Nearby Flourish Soleira is Changfa Group's beachfront-inspired <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corallo-palm-beach-5-palm-beach-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Corallo</a> development. They still have some one-bedroom apartments remaining, priced from $841,500.

The 105-apartment project on Palm Beach Avenue is otherwise dominated by larger two and three-bedroom residences, many of which are aimed at owner-occupiers and downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=808]

For investors, the appeal lies in Palm Beach's continued transformation from a laid-back beachside suburb into one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after residential markets. Residents at Corallo will be within walking distance of Palm Beach's surf beaches, the recreational amenity of Tallebudgera Creek, and the increasingly popular collection of cafes, restaurants and boutique retailers along the suburb's central dining precinct.

<h2>Corner House, Stones Corner</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $880,000</h2>

One of only two Brisbane apartment developments to make the list with prices under $1 million is DeMartini Fletcher's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corner-house-stones-corner-18-stoneham-street-stones-corner-qld-4120">Corner House development</a> in Stones Corner.

One-bedroom apartments start from $880,000 within the 88-apartment development, providing investors with exposure to one of Brisbane's most established inner-south locations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149098 project_image_fid=330594]

Stones Corner has long been supported by strong tenant demand due to its proximity to major employment and education destinations. The suburb sits less than five kilometres from Brisbane's CBD and is within easy reach of the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Queensland Children's Hospital and several university campuses.

The project's location within a walkable urban village environment, surrounded by retail, dining and public transport infrastructure, continues to attract both professionals and healthcare workers seeking accommodation close to work.

Parkdrive Apartments, Chermside

Priced from: $749,000

The most affordable apartments across Brisbane's new and off the plan market are in Chermside where developer AusDev is selling one-bedroom apartments from $749,000, and two-beds from $929,000, at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">recently launched Parkdrive development</a>.

The development is strategically positioned in one of Brisbane's largest employment and retail precincts, placing residents within easy walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, St Vincent's Private Hospital Northside and the suburb's major bus interchange.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Already under construction and scheduled for completion in early 2028, Parkdrive benefits from Chermside's ongoing evolution into Brisbane's northern metropolitan centre. The suburb continues to attract significant public and private investment, supporting population growth and underpinning long-term rental demand.

For investors focused on yield and tenant depth, the combination of healthcare, retail and transport infrastructure within close proximity provides a strong foundation for occupancy and rental performance.

Investors to turn to new apartments after federal government changes spark hunt for Queensland's best $1 million apartments

Melbourne Metro 2

<html><body>
Earlier this year, <a href="/news/all-roads-lead-to-southern-cross-station">I penned a piece</a> highlighting the convergence of a number of key rail infrastructure projects at Southern Cross Station, and how there was a critical need to master plan not just the station but the greater precinct to accommodate a potential Airport Link Interchange and a new station box for Melbourne Metro 2.0 under Wurundjeri Way.

The puzzle pieces have begun to fall into place with the<a href="/news/consortium-proposes-market-led-super-train-for-melbourne-airport-rail-link"> recent announcement of the market-led AirRail Melbourne</a> proposal with IFM Investors leading a consortium including design and engineering expertise from Aurecon, Cox Architecture and Grimshaw.

<blockquote>
Cox Architecture are delighted to work with Aurecon as part of the AirRail Melbourne consortium headed-up by IFM Investors. This market-led proposal envisages a new Airport Rail link for Melbourne that simultaneously provides substantial network capacity for Australia’s fastest growing city.  The Cox design for the Southern Cross Station interchange links directly into the fabric of Melbourne while providing a stunning new urban addition to the city.

The proposal will be considered by government over the coming months and the consortium has collectively proposed a compelling and integrated city solution that could have wide-ranging benefits far beyond expediting the air-rail-air commute.

- Cox Architecture
</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/airport_station.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The concept for the Airport Station. Image: AirRail Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/airport_station.jpg?itok=aY3_tnzp" title="The concept for the Airport Station. Image: AirRail Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The concept for the Airport Station. Image: AirRail Melbourne</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We’ve been working with AirRail Melbourne to develop the Airport Station concept design. Offering a distinguished sense of place, our design for the integrated underground station supports Melbourne Airport’s vision for a seamless passenger experience with world-class linkages between the airport, city and regional Victoria. 

Comprising IFM Investors, Melbourne Airport, Metro Trains Australia and SOUTHERN CROSS STATION PTY LTD, AirRail Melbourne’s plan for the city’s long-awaited airport rail link promises the fastest travel times, a premium around-the-clock service and enhanced access for regional Victorians.

- Grimshaw
</blockquote>

Although the <a href="/news/victorian-government-unveils-suburban-rail-loop-election-proposal">Suburban Rail Loop</a> has up until recently occupied much of the spotlight in terms of the Andrews Government's Public Transport strategy, should it be re-elected, Premier Daniel Andrews made it clear there will be further announcements regarding infrastructure investment in the lead up to the election.

It is the opinion of this Editor that any announcement regarding Melbourne Metro 2.0 will coincide with the release of the final Framework and Planning Controls for the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area. Currently two alignments have been canvassed - one through Wirraway; and another through the Employment Precinct.

<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/melbourne_metro_2_alignments.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Metro 2.0 alignments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_metro_2_alignments.jpg?itok=Of9hTtG9" title="Melbourne Metro 2.0 alignments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Metro 2.0 alignments</figcaption></figure>Detailed Precinct Plans - which will come later - will further refine the specific locations of station entries however, it wouldn't surprise me if the Employment Precinct alignment is adopted as that will serve the University of Melbourne's new $1bn Engineering Campus, which is set to occupy seven hectares of the former General Motors Holden (GMH) site.

The proposition of a direct connection from the Employment Precinct via the heart of what will become Melbourne's second commercial centre at Sandridge, in addition to the ability to interchange via a new station box at Southern Cross Station for the airport, seems for the most part, like a no-brainer to me.

Apartments.com.au's <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-32-the-greens-sam-hibbins-talks-all-things-transport">recent podcast with Greens MP Sam Hibbins</a> outlined that party's prioritisation of Melbourne Metro 2.0 in order to increase capacity on the network to cope with population growth and continuing to untangle Melbourne's dated rail network to become a true Metro.  Will the ALP and Coalition follow suit?

Melbourne Metro 2.0 will however result in increased patronage through Southern Cross Station particularly when combined with the AirRail Melbourne proposal - should it or a derivative proceed after the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and Suburban Rail Loop business cases are completed - putting further strain on the station and the precinct.

Further pressure on the precinct is also coming via increased high-rise development activity, again <a href="/news/the-rise-and-rise-of-melbournes-spencer-street">highlighted by Urban.com.au recently</a>, with sewer upgrade works currently underway to address the increased residential population in the area.

Already in morning and afternoon peak, the footpaths on the corners of Collins/Spencer and Spencer and Bourke are at capacity, with this also occurring during event mode at Marvel Stadium (formerly Etihad) particularly during the AFL season.

The connection from Southern Cross to Marvel Stadium via the Bourke Street pedestrian bridge is also struggling to cope during event mode, becoming a bottleneck as exiting fans attempt to enter the station. Developments around the stadium have attempted to alleviate some of the pressure however, despite best intentions have only really served to move the problem elsewhere.

With the <a href="/news/etihad-stadiums-redevelopment-to-improve-links-to-cbd-and-victoria-harbour">AFL and State Government working on a substantial upgrade of Marvel Stadium</a> - with Cox Architecture having previously developed concepts - there's an opportunity for a fully integrated Master Plan of the area bound by Collins Street, Wurndjeri Way, Bourke Street, Harbour Esplanade, LaTrobe Street and Spencer Street. 

<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/southern_cross_precinct_site.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southern Cross Station and the greater precinct should form part of a coordinated Master Plan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="463" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southern_cross_precinct_site.png?itok=G1Tp4Ul1" title="Southern Cross Station and the greater precinct should form part of a coordinated Master Plan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southern Cross Station and the greater precinct should form part of a coordinated Master Plan</figcaption></figure>This would allow for a reduction in redundant works as other projects in the area are delivered over the course of the next 10 years, with the potential to incorporate some of those outlined by Mayor Sally Capp with the two critical rail projects and the upgrade of Marvel Stadium to truly connect the Melbourne CBD down to Victoria Harbour. 

<h2>Key considerations:</h2>

<ul>
<li>AirRail Melbourne</li>
	<li>Melbourne Metro 2.0</li>
	<li>Marvel Stadium upgrade</li>
	<li>
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/city-of-melbournes-transport-strategy-refresh-its-time-to-walk-the-walk">City of Melbourne Transport Strategy Refresh</a> </li>
	<li>City of Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp's Highline Vision</li>
	<li>Harbour Esplanade Master Plan</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/projects_southern_cross_precinct.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Projects to consider "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="585" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/projects_southern_cross_precinct.png?itok=06QxclYr" title="Projects to consider " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Projects to consider</figcaption></figure>Look out for Part Two in coming weeks, which will be a high level study of what an integrated Master Plan for the Precinct might look like.

Lead Image: AirRail Melbourne (with a bit of Dragomir magic.)
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the airport - Part One

<html><body>
On this week's episode I chat to Sam Hibbins, the Greens Member for Prahran (my neighbourhood) and transport spokesperson for the Party, about the Green's commitment to delivering Melbourne Metro 2 and platforms for Melbourne Metro 1 at South Yarra.

We also discuss the first stage of works to improve access, egress and overall circulation at South Yarra Station after much lobbying from Sam and the Greens. He says it's a good start, but argues more can and should be done to upgrade the station to cope with increased patronage due to a surging population and further development activity in the area.

This follows last week's <a href="/guides">podcast with City of Stonnington Mayor Cr Steve Stefanopoulos</a>, in which we also covered the topic of Chapel Street and transitioning from a car-centric to a more pedestrian and cycling focused street that is well served by a reliable tram service.

Be sure to subscribe to our Weekly Podcast on iTunes. 

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 32 - The Greens' Sam Hibbins talks all things transport

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It was a case of <a href="/news/forget-carnegie-murrumbeena-the-real-expense-in-expanding-the-dandenong-corridor-lies-elsewhere">hold your horses earlier today</a>.  A state election is around the corner and Melbourne's favourite infrastructure story honeypot is producing the goods but before the media frightens the locals, a much bigger issue needs to be sorted before anyone commits to property acquisitions in the level crossing removal zones.

The Rail Futures Institute's (RFI) 'Airtrain' concept has been profiled on Apartments.com.au and elsewhere and if you're reading about it for the first time, RFI is an advocate for an infrastructure future which sees a shift to rail when it comes to transporting ourselves around Melbourne.

The Airtrain concept builds on previous public studies that have identified the 'Albion corridor' - an existing rail route that sees freight and standard gauge passenger trains to Albury and Sydney run out to Sunshine then turn back to Broadmeadows - as the best route to get an airport rail line up and running in Melbourne.

RFI's difference is their focus on speed and the railway line hosting both metro and regional passenger services on its own corridor.  To get speed you need to remove obstacles and the Airtrain concept sees liberal use of tunnels to do just that.

There is a joint state and federal business case being conducted as we speak and the Prime Minister is reported to have said he wants to see it get done quickly so the $5 billion the Federal Government has promised to spend on an airport rail link can be put to use.  Recent <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/melbourne-airport-rail-link-preferred-route-emerges/news-story/a72dd26f055f8fb991a8d11544bbd2fe">reports</a> suggest the Albion corridor via Sunshine route is the frontrunner but whether city &amp; regional-focused Airtrain concept is what the business case has in mind will not be known until it is publicly released.

<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/rfi_airtrain_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Airtrain concept - image: RFI"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rfi_airtrain_0.png?itok=OVVqrL8p" title="The Airtrain concept - image: RFI" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Airtrain concept - image: <a href="http://www.railfutures.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/180530-Airport-Brochure_v7.pdf">RFI</a></figcaption></figure><h2>Extending the concept to the south-east</h2>

An extension of the logic contained within the Airtrain concept - new track either on the surface or in tunnels - could be one solution to providing a new corridor for express, regional and freight services to and from the south-east.

I have my colleague Laurence Dragomir to thank for the idea of centring any new fast line to the south-east on Southern Cross as he wrote back in <a href="/news/all-roads-lead-to-southern-cross-station">April</a>.

Southern Cross station would be expanded underground, to the west of the main station buildings and platforms in the Wurrndjeri Way median.  There would be two levels of platforms, much like the existing City Loop stations with Melbourne Metro 2 platforms on one level and the Airtrain/South East fast line platforms on the other.

The Airtrain tracks would enter a tunnel just north of Southern Cross Station's neck (Dudley Street) and then join with the station box.  The track would then continue south-southeast under the Yarra and then head directly for Caulfield where the tracks would then come back to the surface.

From Caulfield the tracks would run in parallel with the existing skyrail corridor and pass around the outside of each of the new stations - they're express tracks, no need to build platforms at them - this is a pattern that would be repeated in the other skyrail sections or on the surface through such stations such as Huntingdale, Westall, Sandown Park, Yarraman. 

The only existing stations that would see new platforms (for the express tracks) are Caulfield, Clayton and Dandenong.  The two express tracks would continue, built around the stations at Hallam, Narre Warren and Berwick where the four tracks would become two in a high-speed junction in between Berwick and Beaconsfield stations.

You'll need to zoom in on the map below, however back around North Melbourne, a connection to the docks would be made before the airtrain tracks head south of Dudley Street and a connection to the Frankston line would be built.

In both instances, this is to facilitate freight trains using the tunnel, specifically, the Port Rail shuttle concept: it needs a connection at the Port, the Frankston line and a connection beyond Dandenong to the Cranbourne line.  This would shift freight completely away from the slower inner-city traffic.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/embed?mid=1ivwaYdubpUKboGeS4flF2bRIr4MYWntr" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>The operations</h2>

Like with the Airtrain concept, the new tunnel and surface tracks between Caulfield and Berwick would be used for metro, regional and freight uses.

By linking the Airtrain tracks with the South-East fast line, we've created a path that could see the Bendigo and Gippsland lines 'joined' in an operational sense - a train starting in Bendigo/Echuca/Swan Hill would travel all the way through to Traralgon/Bairnsdale/Sale and vice versa.

The regional stopping pattern within metropolitan areas would be Melbourne Airport, Southern Cross, Clayton (for Monash NEIC), Dandenong, Pakenham.

The airport shuttles, which RFI says will run every 10 minutes, would simply extend all the way to Pakenham. A turnback/third platform built at Southern Cross on the Airtrain/South-east level can be used for balancing the needs of Pakenham commuter services (i.e run more trains to Pakenham in peak per hour than all the way through to the airport).

Stopping pattern for metro services would be Pakenham all stations to Dandenong, Clayton, Caulfield, Southern Cross, Sunshine, Melbourne Airport and return.  Cranbourne/Dandenong/Westall services would simply operate all stations to Caulfield then to Domain into the Metro 1 tunnel.

If we use the <a href="/news">2013 Network Development Plan</a> as a guide for frequencies, Pakenham &amp; Gippsland will eventually need paths for 10x metro trains and 2x regional trains per hour in peak.  The Airport line from the NDP shows 6x trains per hour - and the Airtrain concept calls for the same amount per hour - with terminating platform at Southern Cross, Pakenham metro services can increase without running trains all the way from the Airport.

With approximately 12x per hour in peak - if we use the NDP as a guide - there is both scope for increases in both metro and regional and no doubt enough space to run an hourly freight, even in peak hour.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/levelcrossings/photos/a.1989028387838503.1073741905.843601892381164/1989033024504706/?type=3&amp;theater">Level Crossing Removal Authority</a>.
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Alastair Taylor

Extending RFI's Airtrain concept to the south-east

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<h2>Comment</h2>

Since 2013 when the first contract for Sydney Metro Northwest was signed by the New South Wales Government, there have been two further announcements that deal with the new metro network's expansion.

Sydney Metro Northwest is phase 1, Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest is phase 2 and in the 2018 NSW state budget announced recently, $28 million will be allocated to finalise the business case for the Western Metro - let's simply call it phase 3.

The NSW Government has chosen to break the link with the existing railway network by selecting a rail technology platform that will operate independently of the Sydney Trains network.

The NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian has overseen, whether in her current role as Premier or in her former role as Minister for Transport, a very large amount of new metro lines either proposed or under construction - 66km of new or upgraded track for the first two phases and approximately 20-25km with the Western Metro / phase 3.

And it's no secret there's more to come based on the joint announcement with the Federal Government on the Western Sydney City Deal and new rail lines to the Badgery's Creek airport.

In 7 years, the NSW Government has almost completed the first phase; is advancing toward full-blown construction on the second phase, and is now even 'reserving' money for the third phase.

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The Andrews Government in Victoria had an election pledge to remove 50 level crossings across metropolitan Melbourne and has kicked off the Melbourne Metro tunnel and upgrades to the Pakenham/Cranbourne lines which includes an entirely new and separate fleet of trains.

The Level Crossing Removal program is vast and will occupy a lot of government time if the Andrews Government is re-elected in November (and you could also argue beyond the list of 50, if an ongoing program is set up and executed, that work will continue for another decade or more).

We first saw the second metro tunnel appear on maps under the previous Liberal Government, however, this year, we now see routes and stations appear on structure plans for Fishermans Bend.

Yet we've not had a commitment to the build, unlike the time when the Andrews Government announced $1 million for a Rowville Light Rail line.

The Prime Minister threw $5 billion into the mix for a Tullamarine airport rail line - and the planning work for that is expected to be completed soon, or at least, the Federal Government wants it done before the Victorian election in November.

Spring Street announced funding for a light rail business case from Caulfield through Monash and potentially out to Rowville and similarly there's a study on 'speedier' Geelong rail services on the cards as well.

Yet still no commitment to the second metro tunnel from Clifton Hill to Newport. 

Infrastructure Victoria gave it a negative BCR albeit with one giant asterisk that states there's no model for calculating the benefits of redeveloping the vast Fishermans Bend area (and thus, that benefit was not factored into the preliminary BCR) which the second metro tunnel will directly service.

It'd be remiss of me to not acknowledge the NSW Government has a 3-year head start on the Victorian Government when it comes to laying out a decade's worth of city-shaping rail projects however we're still left with one question in Victoria.

Where to next?

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NSW gets on with its new metro phase 3, VIC still stuck on phase 1

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<h2>Comment</h2>

As covered by Urban.com.au last week, the third discussion paper which forms part of the City of Melbourne's Transport Refresh Strategy has been released. Covering the topic of Transport, the discussion paper highlights a number of key projects to ensure Melbourne doesn't become a victim of its own success.

The Transport Refresh Strategy's discussion paper on Melbourne's Public Transport Network has identified Melbourne Metro 2 as the highest priority transport project, supported by both Infrastructure Victoria and the Rail Network Development Plan.

Melbourne Metro 2 would see a new rail tunnel proposed to link Newport to Clifton Hill via Fishermans Bend with interchange to City Loop services at Southern Cross and Melbourne Metro 1 at Parkville Station.

<blockquote>
This should be the highest priority major transport project for Victoria. The project was identified as a priority by Infrastructure Victoria and the Rail Network Development Plan.

The Melbourne Metro Rail Authority is in place with the skills and knowledge to deliver this project.

If planning commenced in 2018, Melbourne Metro 2 construction could begin prior to finishing Metro 1.

The vision for Fishermans Bend will not be realised without Melbourne Metro 2 to enable the transition to a world class urban renewal area.
</blockquote>

Further to this, the City of Melbourne has identified a Melbourne Metro 3 which connect Melbourne Airport to Ringwood also traveling via Southern Cross Station. This is on the back of the Federal Government's $5b commitment to delivering a rail link to the airport.

And if as Daniel Andrews says that planning on an airport link would be well advanced by the time Metro 1 is completed it would make sense that the station would be future proofed to allow for both projects, with a new station box likely required to service these new lines. This would be similar to what's happening at Parkville and North Melbourne (formerly Arden) stations.

<blockquote>
The next major transport project for further investigation, Melbourne Metro 3 would supplement a regional airport rail connection and open up urban renewal opportunities in the north-west. It will further increase capacity of the rail network and provide for convenient car-free cross city journeys.
</blockquote>

Both these alignments are illustrated in the map below:

<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/potential_concept_metro_train_map_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The future of Melbourne's rail network? Image : City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/potential_concept_metro_train_map_0.jpg?itok=36wNZJ81" title="The future of Melbourne's rail network? Image : City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The future of Melbourne's rail network? Image : City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>What these two potential projects highlight and reinforce is Southern Cross' role within Melbourne's transport network is about to take on even greater importance, possibly becoming Melbourne's busiest station in the process.

The station is already the juncture of a number of key modes of transport in addition to servicing both the Melbourne CBD and the Docklands Precinct, and with the recent announcement of <a href="/news/etihad-stadiums-redevelopment-to-improve-links-to-cbd-and-victoria-harbour">Etihad Stadium's redevelopment</a>, there is an opportunity to master plan not just the station but the entire precinct into a large transport node with improved connections from the station to its surrounds and safer interchange between modes particularly during peak times.

This could be achieved by closing off Spencer Street between Collins and Lonsdale Streets as discussed in <a href="/expert-insights/buying/city-of-melbournes-transport-strategy-refresh-its-time-to-walk-the-walk">last week's article</a> on improving the walkability of the CBD.

What it also highlights (Alastair and I briefly discussed it on <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-10-rowville-light-rail-and-melbourne-airport-rail-link">Episode 10 of the weekly podcast </a>) is the urgency to deliver at the very least Melbourne Metro 2 and the framework for Metro 3 post completion of Metro 1, utilising the knowledge and skills developed during the project to deliver the next stage and beyond. 

The Napthine Government's Melbourne Rail Link alignment included new metro platforms at South Yarra, with stations at Domain, Montague within Fishermans Bend, a new station box at Southern Cross, and station at Melbourne Airport so some of the ground work has already been done. 

It's also worth remembering that Southern Cross's redevelopment earlier this century was always done with an eye to the future and the station was always envisioned as the departure point to the airport, with material produced during the redevelopment describing how a visitor or local would drop their baggage off at the station and catch a train to the airport.

Already a coach terminal, underneath the Spencer Outlet shopping complex accommodates both Skybus Super Shuttle services to Melbourne Airport and Sunbus Shuttle services to Avalon Airport and there is scope to improve these facilities in the short term but they alone will not be adequate.

If Melbourne is serious about becoming a liveable global city with a world-class transport network it needs to provide the infrastructure for it to happen, it can't rest on its laurels post Metro 1 and City of Melbourne's Transport Strategy Refresh is a good start.

The State Government committing to Melbourne Metro 2 would provide the development industry and existing community in Fishermans Bend with confidence in the urban renewal precinct, acting as a catalyst for development similar to North Melbourne Station and the Arden precinct. 

Docklands wouldn't have developed or attracted the commercial tenants it has, had it not been for Southern Cross Station sitting at its doorstep.

As per the title of this piece, all roads lead to Southern Cross...

Lead image: Grimshaw Architects
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All roads lead to Southern Cross Station

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Laury's back this week and cover off a new planning application on Lygon Street in Brunswick East, how the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and Melbourne Metro 2 should have a coordinated planning response at Southern Cross and Clayton's new station &amp; the Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster.

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Lead image credit: Level Crossing Removal Authority.
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