<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

Perth Metronet

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Perth's new Forrestfield railway line that will also serve Perth Airport is expected to complete tunneling in the first half of 2020 as progress steps up a gear on building the new stations.

In an end of year news update, the project delivery team said 7600 tunnel rings have been installed and both TBMs - Grace in the lead, Sandy in pursuit - are nearing the end of the run under the Swan River broadly along the Tonkin Highway corridor toward the Bayswater tunnel diver and junction site.

Following the excavation of the station pit at Redcliffe - located to the east of Perth Airport's Qantas terminals - both TBMs arrived in the first half of 2019, underwent a one-month-long maintenance round and then were sent on the final leg of the journey towards Bayswater.

Meanwhile, early works have begun on the upgrade to Bayswater station that <a href="/news/wa-government-unveils-major-upgrade-for-bayswater-station-as-part-of-perths-metronet-program">Urban.com.au reported on in December 2018</a>, with an <a href="https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2020/01/Kurrajong-tree-relocated-as-part-of-Bayswater-METRONET-works.aspx">80-year-old Kurrajong tree</a> delicately relocated from the station worksite.  

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26734]

At Airport Central station which is located next to the Virgin and International terminals, in November the Skybridge linking the station to the terminals was completed with the longest single-span uninterrupted escalators measuring 35m long and 15 high being the noteworthy addition late last year.

The line's terminus at Forrestfield station reached the halfway mark during 2019 according to the end-of-year summary. The tunnel portal building, storage building as well as station's main concourse, platforms and vertical transport (escalators, stairs, lift frames) were all installed in 2019.

The Forrestfield-Airport Link is being delivered through a single-package "lump sum" Design and Construct Contract that was awarded to a Slini Impregilo-NRW Joint Venture in April 2016.  

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/bayswater-wa?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>Thornlie-Cockburn link contracts signed</h2>

In mid-December 2019 the Western Australia Government signed a contract to kick off construction on the <a href="/news/wa-cabinet-pushes-yanchep-extension-and-thornlie-cockburn-link-closer-to-start-of-construction">Thornlie-Cockburn link</a> which will create a suburb-to-suburb loop in Perth's southern and southeastern suburbs.

The Thornlie-Cockburn link is designed to connect the southern Mandurah line with the southeastern Armadale line.  Thornlie already exists as a branch off the Armadale line, the project will see existing track duplicated and then extended to Cockburn Central with two new stations located between Thornlie and Cockburn Central.

The price of the contract has come in at $716 million and is expected to be complete by 2023.  This compares to a pre-election commitment of $474 million and a start date of 2021.

The NEWest Alliance comprising CPB Contractors and Downer was awarded the contract.

<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/perth_metro_net1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The WA Government's METRONET heavy rail plan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/perth_metro_net1.jpg?itok=55o0mTHz" title="The WA Government's METRONET heavy rail plan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The WA Government's METRONET heavy rail plan</figcaption></figure>
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Alastair Taylor

Perth's Forrestfield-Airport rail link tunnelling expected to finish in first half of 2020

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WA Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, has announced the opening date for Perth's Forrestfield-Airport rail link will open one year later than originally expected.

The delay in opening has been caused by the need to undertake urgent remediation works back in September, when a leak developed in the tunnel-to-tunnel cross passage near the Forrestfield station site. 

The leak caused damage to 26 metres of tunnel and created a sinkhole on the surface. The WA branch of the CFMEU, through its Facebook page, was highly critical of the head contractor, pointing out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CFMEUWA/videos/2142060989457142/">tunneling shortcomings</a> as recently as early December.

According to a WA Government media statement, the damaged section of tunnel has been stabilised and made safe with solid temporary supports.  

Permanent solutions to fix the damaged section of tunnel include possibly rebuild the damaged section of tunnel either from the surface down or from within the tunnel itself. The WA Government has also <a href="https://www.perthnow.com.au/politics/state-politics/quality-controller-wanted-for-forrestfield-airport-link-ng-b881024438z?fbclid=IwAR3fuPJAmpVLPG2iv-ZzFHT2iD4lCXhZjQ_pGwxm7jEYd_dMAW1lMLfHj40">advertised a role</a> for a top-level scientist to oversee the materials and workmanship use on the Forrestfield-Airport link.

<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/forrestfield1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The flooded tunnel on the Forrestfield-Airport Rail Link (September 2018). Image: WA CFMEU"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/forrestfield1.jpg?itok=hJmejURH" title="The flooded tunnel on the Forrestfield-Airport Rail Link (September 2018). Image: WA CFMEU" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The flooded tunnel on the Forrestfield-Airport Rail Link (September 2018). Image: WA CFMEU</figcaption></figure>The WA Transport Minister said despite the delay and the tunneling bungle, the project has been designed with a useful life of 120 years.

<blockquote>
"Our primary focus is on safety and quality, and that is why today we have set a revised timeframe for the project. It is also to make sure we inform the public of the proposed timeframe as soon as practicable.

While the delay is unfortunate, this project is being built to last 120 years. I believe the time added to the construction schedule is a small price to pay to ensure we safely deliver this asset which will serve the people of WA for generations."
<cite>Rita Saffioti, WA Minister for Transport</cite>
</blockquote>

The Forrestfield-Airport Rail Link was initiated by the previous state government in Western Australia, and the present government has rolled it into its wider METRONet public transport strategy which will see multiple new lines built as well as the beginning of orbital rail links throughout metropolitan Perth.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPerthMETRONET%2Fvideos%2F709974509343157%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>
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Perth's Airport Rail Link delayed, now set to open in 2021

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Perth's Forrestfield-Airport rail link charges on and the Western Australian government has unveiled concept images which relate to a major upgrade to Bayswater station, the point where the new rail line will join the main Midland line in Perth's eastern suburbs.

Already a grade-separated road/rail crossing, the new station would see track raised, a new station built and the shallow road trench which currently runs underneath the railway line will be restored to its natural grade.  

Community engagement began in March 2018 with almost 1000 people completing online surveys and 300 people used the 'drop-in' centre to provide feedback on the concept.

According to the WA Public Transport Authority, the concept balances the community's feedback by providing new open space around the station precinct, creates a station structure and design that integrates with the Bayswater town centre, improves road traffic conditions and potentially will allow a second road underpass to be built.

The concept will be taken to marketing in early 2019 with a view to start construction in late 2019.  See <a href="https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/projects/bayswater">metronet.wa.gov.au</a> for more information.

<h2>Perth airport Central station to be linked with skybridge</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/perth_air_skybridge.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The new skybridge that will link the Airport Central station with the terminals"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/perth_air_skybridge.png?itok=c6xPFPRl" title="The new skybridge that will link the Airport Central station with the terminals" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new skybridge that will link the Airport Central station with the terminals</figcaption></figure>Late in November, Metronet released renders of the pedestrian structure that will link the Airport Central station with Terminals 1 and 2 at Perth Airport. 

The elevated and enclosed walkway will be 280 metres long and will include travelators and lifts will be present at both ends of the walkway. 

<blockquote>
The development of Airport Central Station and its link to the terminals via the Skybridge will provide a seamless passenger experience to our terminals, and will link the central airport precinct with the new rail line.

The Skybridge will connect the station with current and future terminal infrastructure, and we will be looking at opportunities to create a 'sense of place' in the walkway which will offer visitors a great welcome to Western Australia.
<cite>Perth Airport CEO, Kevin Brown</cite>
</blockquote>

The Tunnel Boring Machines that are constructing the tunnels have since cleared the main runway at Perth Airport according to Metronet.  To see an animation of the new Airport Central walkway, see <a href="https://www.perthairport.com.au/Home/corporate/planning-and-projects/projects/skybridge">perthairport.com.au</a>.
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WA Government unveils major upgrade for Bayswater station as part of Perth's Metronet program

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The Western Australian cabinet has endorsed two Metronet project definition plans which the WA government says construction in both cases is on track to start next year.

The Yanchep rail extension project will see the Joondalup Line extend northwards from Butler to Yanchep over 14.5km of new track.  The Thornlie-Cockburn Link will provide Perth's first east-west rail link outside the centre of the city, linking the Armadale and Mandurah rail lines through Perth's southern suburbs.

Metronet's extension to Yanchep will include adding three new stations to the Joondalup line at Alkimos, Eglington and Yanchep and the project will also include delivering 14km of new principal shared paths to connect the new stations to the community.

Butler station will see work as well to convert it from a terminus station to a through station so the 13.8km of new dual track passenger railway can connect to the rest of the network.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ZLLDbdW_o8" width="100%"></iframe>

The Thornlie-Cockburn link will see track duplication works carried out on the existing Thornlie branch, and the freight corridor between Thornlie and the Mandurah lines will see augmentation works to move freight rail lines and then two new passenger tracks will be added to the corridor.

Two new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road, effectively bookending the Canning Vale employment area, will be added to the corridor and the line will then join the Mandurah line and run in the Kwinana Freeway median into Cockburn Central Station.

Like Butler station on the Yanchep extension, Thornlie Station will be modified from a terminating station to a through station and Cockburn Central will have a third terminating platform added to the existing configuration for trains coming from Thornlie, allowing passengers to interchange with the Mandurah line. 

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LIdksjI_MIE" width="100%"></iframe>

$1.056 billion has budgeted for both projects of which the Federal Government will be funding $700 million jointly with the WA government's $356 million.

A WA Government media release states both projects returned positive benefit-cost-ratios, a prerequisite for Commonwealth funding, and a briefing to the construction industry will be held on Wednesday, July 2018.

Metronet is a McGowan Government policy that will see greater integration of public transport and development throughout metropolitan Perth.  Metronet encompasses multiple projects including the <a href="/news/perths-forrestfield-airport-rail-link-completes-a-major-tbm-milestone">Airport-Forrestfield</a> rail link and <a href="/news/tenders-for-perth-metronet-armadale-to-byford-extension-released">Byford rail extension</a> project.

The suite of rail projects also includes a brand new line to Ellenbrook from Morley and several level crossing removals across the network as well as an eventual signaling upgrade and fleet renewal program.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Transperth">Currambine station/Wikipedia</a>.
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WA cabinet pushes Yanchep extension and Thornlie-Cockburn link closer to start of construction

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The Western Australia Government is seeking expressions of interest from a range of parties to undertake economic analysis and support business case preparation for the extension of the Armadale railway line to Byford which will possibly over the long term be further extended to Mundijong.

Expressions of interest are also being sought for engineering and land-use planning consultants who will undertake further work to inform the business case preparation.

The planning and engineering consultants will study the best station location and design options, potential land uses surrounding the station precincts as well as rail alignment design work, traffic and access analysis and creating a vision for how the extension will integrate with surrounding precincts.

The WA Government secured $750 million from the Federal Government to be used for projects under development and the Byford extension project also received $21 million in state government funding.

The WA Premier, Mark McGowan, said his government was getting on with their election commitment to move forward with its Metronet plan for metropolitan Perth.

"The Byford extension is a key component of Metronet stage one because it will link one of our fastest growing areas to the rest of our public transport system, providing access to jobs, schools, the airport and the CBD," the WA Premier said.

<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/render_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Whiteman Park station on the Morley-Ellenbrook line will see significant medium density development - image: Metronet"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/render_1.jpg?itok=7-PSaZt1" title="Whiteman Park station on the Morley-Ellenbrook line will see significant medium density development - image: Metronet" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Whiteman Park station on the Morley-Ellenbrook line will see significant medium density development - image: Metronet</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile, in late May the WA Government announced a partnership between the Department of Communities and Peet Brabham will be formed to see a new town centre and housing development occur along the Morley-Ellenbrook line.

The Morley-Ellenbrook line will be a greenfields railway that will branch off the from the Airport &amp; Midland lines near Bayswater and it will travel northwards to Ellenbrook.

The partnership announced by the WA Government is expected to construct 3000 homes as well as schools, retail and recreational facilities close to the proposed Whiteman Park train station - about halfway along the proposed Morley-Ellenbrook line.

WA Housing Minister Peter Tinley said "Brabham will be a major transport oriented development linking the Swan Valley to Perth, and provide a significant boost to the State's stock of affordable housing in Perth".

<a href="https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/">Metronet</a> is a WA Government program that will see multiple rail extensions and new lines across Perth including the new Airport &amp; Forrestfield link, the Morley-Ellenbrook line, the Byford extension and the Thornlie-Cockburn link which will create an outer eastern and south-eastern orbital rail line in metropolitan Perth.

The program also includes station upgrades, an upgrade to the rail system's signalling system and level crossing removals.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armadale_railway_station,_Perth">Wikipedia</a>.
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Tenders for Perth Metronet Armadale to Byford extension released

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Both tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that are building the new Forrestfield-Airport Link in the WA capital have smashed through into the Airport station pit having travelled 1.9km thus far.

In common with tunnel projects around the world, the TBMs are named - Grace and Sandy.

Grace, the frontrunner, pierced the Perth Airport station box earlier this month with Sandy smashing through on May 21st. 

The Forrestfield-Airport Link project began life under the previous WA administration and has since been subsumed into the wider Metronet program which the new WA Government run an election platform on.  

The new line will branch off from the existing Midland line to the east of Bayswater and include three new stations, two underground and the terminus, Forrestfield, will be on the surface to the east of Perth Airport.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fforrestfieldairportlink%2Fvideos%2F1708872085871404%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>

A new flying junction is being built at Bayswater where the new tunnels will head under the Swan River and toward a new station to be named Redcliffe that will be located approximately 500m from the old Domestic and now dedicated Qantas terminal at Perth Airport.  

The second new station will be known as Airport Central, to be built nextdoor, to the south of the Perth Airport control tower.  This precinct of Perth Airport was traditionally the International terminal but has now morphed into a hybrid domestic (Virgin) and international precinct.  The Perth Airport masterplan from 2014 calls for consolidation of airport terminals in the vicinity of the Airport Central station.

The tunnels continue eastward from Airport Central and then surface just before the terminus station at Forrestfield where a major new bus/rail interchange will be built that will give residents living in Perth's east and hills district a 20-minute rail journey to the CBD.

<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/forrestfield-rail-route-diagram-updated-30-nov-2017.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Tunnel elevation diagram showing station locations and depths beneath the surface - image: Metronet"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="102" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/forrestfield-rail-route-diagram-updated-30-nov-2017.png?itok=seLUNhuN" title="Tunnel elevation diagram showing station locations and depths beneath the surface - image: Metronet" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tunnel elevation diagram showing station locations and depths beneath the surface - image: <a href="https://www.forrestfieldairportlink.wa.gov.au/">Metronet</a></figcaption></figure>The wider Metronet program was a policy platform the new Western Australian ALP Government took to the last election and includes a large array of public transport projects that would see multiple new rail lines and extensions.

Perth's existing rail network has 33 level crossing across the metropolitan area and a level crossing removal program is included in the wider Metronet platform.

There is a project to extend the Thornlie branch which is a small branch of the south-eastern Armadale at present, to Cockburn Central on the southern Mandurah line.

Perth looks set to join Melbourne in beginning to convert existing electrified rail lines over to automatic train control which the Metronet <a href="https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/projects/automatic-train-control">website</a> states will occur over a 12 year period.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/forrestfieldairportlink/">Forrestfield-Airport Link / Metronet on facebook</a>.
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