Southern Cross Station anchors the western end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s CBD, connecting metropolitan and regional rail with tram and bus interchanges in one of the city’s busiest transport corridors.&nbsp;

Just metres away, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a>&nbsp;will place residents in the heart of the city, with immediate access to Spencer Street trams, a growing mix of retail, hospitality and cultural venues, and a neighbourhood evolving into a lively residential precinct.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>, the 68-storey project integrates a sculptural glass tower with the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley Building on a 2,765 sqm site.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the development replaces a previously approved scheme for 813 apartments with a refined offering of just over 600 larger-format residences, responding to a growing owner-occupier demand for spacious city living.

The location sits within a dynamic pocket undergoing significant transformation. Marvel Stadium and the Docklands waterfront are less than 10 minutes away on foot, offering both sports and leisure attractions.&nbsp;

Bourke Street Mall, Queen Victoria Market, and the State Library are all within walking distance, while Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne’s oldest park, provides a green escape just to the north.

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Proximity to some of the city’s largest employers and education hubs, including the courts precinct, legal chambers, RMIT, and major hospitals, makes 640 Bourke Street an appealing residential address for professionals, families and students alike.

Education opportunities span all levels. Nearby, Haileybury City Campus offers private schooling just a short walk from 640 Bourke Street. Just beyond the CBD fringe, Carlton Gardens Primary School, one of Melbourne’s oldest state primary schools, and Docklands Primary School provide convenient government schooling options.

Higher education is equally accessible. RMIT University’s city campus spans multiple buildings just a few blocks away, while the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus is easily reached via tram along Swanston or Elizabeth Streets.

Victoria University’s City Queen campus, focused on law and business, is also close by, positioning 640 Bourke Street within walking distance of three of Melbourne’s major tertiary institutions.

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The neighbourhood’s retail tapestry continues to evolve into something distinctly local and walkable. Just steps away, Woolworths Metro on Bourke Street ensures that everyday essentials are easily within reach.&nbsp;

For larger shopping trips, Spencer Outlet Centre on Spencer Street and QV Melbourne on the opposite side of the CBD broaden the offering with supermarkets, fashion, dining and specialty stores.

The lane-to-lane vibe unfolds beautifully in nearby arcades and alleys. Hardware Lane, with its European-style red-brick paving and alfresco dining, pulses with jazzy evenings and casual lunches.

A few minutes north, Howey Place and Centre Place offer leafy, boutique-lined lanes where hidden cafés and niche retailers congregate under historic glass-covered cloisters.

Completing this tapestry is the newly opened Mecca “beauty playground” on Bourke Street. Spanning 4,000 sqm over three levels, the flagship blends immersive retail within an art-deco heritage setting.

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This finely grained network of shops, eateries, arcades and service outlets defines the everyday lifestyle at 640 Bourke Street - further enriched by over 3,000 sqm of resident amenity including a Turkish-inspired pool, gym, co-working rooms and private cinemas.&nbsp;

Now selling from $640,000 to $3.95 million, with off-the-plan stamp duty concessions available until October 2026. Prospective buyers can visit the on site display gallery which has&nbsp;fully built one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

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Joel Robinson

640 Bourke Street: A heritage address at the heart of Melbourne

Lower North Shore development specialists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>&nbsp;has topped out its new local apartment development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-6-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective</a>.&nbsp;

Located in the tightly held suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/naremburn-nsw-2065">Naremburn</a>, Northcote Collective is a collection of just 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed by award-winning architects Rothelowman.&nbsp;

The building is just a five to 10 minute walk from the heart of Crows Nest and the new&nbsp;St Leonards and Crows Nest Metro stations. Abadeen has also brought doorstep convenience, with a ground-floor retail offering on Northcote Street.

Northcote Collective is being delivered by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode</a> — an iCIRT-rated construction company well regarded in the new development industry.

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“This is an important and exciting moment for Northcote Collective, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with our partners, consultants, and future residents,” said Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen.&nbsp;

“From the outset, our vision was to create something truly special for Naremburn — homes that respect the character of the neighbourhood while elevating the standard of Lower North Shore living. With connectivity to transport, retail on the doorstep and a true village lifestyle, this milestone also comes at a perfect time when buyer confidence is returning to the market. I am incredibly proud of our team and of Decode for their dedication in helping us bring this vision to life.”

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The development is two-tiered, with two rooftops for residents. The taller building has an impressive rooftop pool, a rare inclusion in the new Sydney apartment market. The level, with panoramic views, also includes an entertaining terrace with barbecue facilities.

Local downsizers and young professionals are showing the strongest interest in the development, with recent improvements in the property market — supported by three rate cuts in 2025 — boosting borrowing power and buyer confidence.

Auction activity across Sydney surged by almost 30 per cent in recent weeks, with clearance rates above 70 per cent — signalling a renewed wave of buyer demand.

Northcote Collective will welcome buyers in 2026.

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Abadeen tops out Northcote Collective in Naremburn

Sunshine Coast-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/devcon-property-group">Devcon Property Group</a> has acquired one of Maroochydore’s most prominent development sites for $12 million unlocking the potentialfor a mixed-use project in the Cotton Tree precinct.

&nbsp;

The 4,178 sqm site at 41–43 Aerodrome Road—well known locally as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants—was sold via an off-market expressions of interest campaign by Colliers agents Nick Dowling and Baydn Dodds. More than 70 targeted buyer groups were approached, resulting in multiple competitive offers for the property.

Devcon Property Group Managing Director Michael Kain said the acquisition was a strategic move in line with the company’s focus on delivering high-quality projects in prime coastal locations.&nbsp;

“We’re excited about the possibilities this site, in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic beachside &nbsp;communities, offers for a broad range of development outcomes,” Kain said.

“Its location, ocean view potential, and proximity to the Maroochydore CBD and beach make it an &nbsp;outstanding development prospect. Our plans are to refurbish the existing building and then review &nbsp;development options for the remainder of the site.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Aerodrome Rd site overlooking Beach (Large)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a29dc4ed-68c1-4bec-a4fc-283063dcde1e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Aerodrome%20Rd%20site%20overlooking%20Beach%20%28Large%29.jpg?VersionId=b0WxJWevmLoAfCP4YvGImZpR3rSCJJ9L" />

Colliers Special Projects Manager Baydn Dodds said the sale reflected the ongoing strength of the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s development site market, particularly for projects capable of achieving water views. &nbsp;

“Sites of this scale, in walkable beachside locations with ocean views, are tightly held and continue to attract significant interest from both local and national developers,” Baydn Dodds said. &nbsp;

“Holding a prominent position as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants and more recently occupied by Rashays, the prime site is located just 150 metres from Maroochydore Beach.&nbsp;

“With stunning ocean view potential, located in one of the Sunshine Coast’s best known iconic &nbsp;beachside communities, within steps of shops, cafes and the beach it is no surprise that there was strong interest in the site. The transaction highlights the ongoing depth of demand for well-located &nbsp;mixed-use sites across the Sunshine Coast.”&nbsp;

Colliers Sunshine Coast Managing Director Nick Dowling said the transaction reinforced the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s status as one of Australia’s most active development markets.&nbsp;

“The combination of strong population growth, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructure investment is &nbsp;driving demand for quality development opportunities,” Nick Dowling said. &nbsp;

“The Sunshine Coast is one of only three markets nationally to record an increase in crane numbers, &nbsp;reflecting the strength of the region’s construction pipeline.&nbsp;

“Opportunities like this are rare and continue to generate strong buyer interest in the region.”&nbsp;

The Sunshine Coast development market is booming, with several high-profile developers like Cube Developments, Gardner Vaughan Group, and RCQ, planning developments in the region.

Devcon buys Sunshine Coast’s former Sizzler site for new apartment development

Sydney House, the residential redevelopment of the landmark City Tattersall building on Pitt Street in the Sydney CBD, will officially launch to the market this month.

The $800 million development, a joint venture between&nbsp;Singapore-listed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/first-sponsor">First Sponsor</a>&nbsp;and leading Melbourne-based developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/icd-property">ICD Property</a>, will see a glass tower with 241 apartments and a 135-room hotel built above the restored heritage-listed podium.

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The apartments will offer&nbsp;rare northeast-facing views across the sparkling Sydney Harbour and Hyde Park, all positioned above a luxury hotel with exclusive access to premium amenities and five-star lifestyle services.

Internationally acclaimed architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bvn-architecture">BVN Architecture</a>&nbsp;handled the design for the residential component and the interiors for the hotel, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>&nbsp;focused on the heritage podium.

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First Sponsor’s CEO, Neo Teck Pheng, together with ICD Property’s CEO, Matthew Khoo commented that the joint venture team was ecstatic to bring this extraordinary project to market as the first opportunity for those looking to secure their ultimate CBD luxury residence elevated by premium hotel amenities, including select premium services designed for effortless living.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sydney-house-194-204-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney House</a> will offer a sophisticated expression of modern CBD living, capturing panoramic vistas to Sydney’s most beloved icons, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as Hyde Park out to the North and South Heads,” Khoo said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12428 project_image_fid=312146]

Mr Neo expressed that the reinterpretation of the heritage podium levels will feature an elegant heritage bar and restaurant, along with luxurious hotel and function facilities, enhancing the experience for residents. The historical features will be reborn, ensuring that these grand, opulent spaces will once again be enjoyed, appreciated and celebrated by residents, Sydneysiders as well as interstate and international visitors alike.

Managing sales for the project, SRM Residential Partner Tim Rees said that the team has received an overwhelming response to date, largely from local downsizers and upgraders looking for the ultimate lifestyle purchase.&nbsp;

“Once completed in late 2027, Sydney House will be Sydney CBD’s newest icon blending modern architecture with historic grandeur located in one of the most prestigious enclaves of the CBD,” Rees said.&nbsp;

“Pitt Street is arguably the most significant street in all of Sydney. Just a stone’s throw from Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, Hyde Park and Darling Harbour, Sydney House offers seamless connection with the CBD and beyond. Pitt Street Mall is literally across the road and there is an abundance of dining and cultural venues in close proximity. The outlook from Sydney House will be breathtaking with views of Hyde Park and Sydney’s famous iconic landmarks on offer.

“Following the trend of other global cities such as New York, London, Paris and Tokyo, luxury inner city apartment living with access to premium hotel amenities is the new ‘trophy home’ for wealthy downsizers or empty-nesters who aren’t looking to slow down, as they want to live in the heart of the action.”

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The project boasts a prime CBD location surrounded by the city’s most premium shopping centres including David Jones and Westfield Pitt Street as well as some of Sydney's best restaurants, bars,&nbsp;pubs, theatres, museums, art galleries, and parks.

Residents will be able to access the newly opened Sydney Metro Gadigal Station, located within a block from Sydney House. This station provides connectivity to Martin Place (one min), Barangaroo (three mins) and North Sydney (11 mins) as well as Chatswood and Macquarie University through to Castle Hill and Norwest. With services every four minutes during peak times, the Sydney Metro provides the ultimate convenience with 21 stations from Tallawong to Sydenham.

One of Sydney’s leading residential construction companies, particularly in premium off the plan luxury residences, Richard Crookes Constructions, will complete the project in late 2027.&nbsp;

Price guides at Sydney House include one-bedroom apartments from $1.5 million, two-bedroom apartments from $2.3 million and three-bedroom apartments from $5 million.

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Set to bring next level luxury to Sydney CBD’s prestige property market

Buyers set for first chance at Sydney House, Sydney CBD's newest landmark tower development

Joint venture partners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/amalgamated-property-group">Amalgamated Property Group</a>&nbsp;(APG)&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/base-developments">Base Developments</a>&nbsp;have kicked off construction&nbsp;on its second Gold Coast apartment tower, Affinity Broadbeach, which is due for completion in early 2028.

More than 50 per cent of the 180 two- and three-bedroom apartments have sold, with buyers particularly impressed by&nbsp;the spacious and functional floor plans, close proximity to the beach, premium inclusions, and expansive resort-style amenities.

APG has just released a new limited collection of three-bedroom skyhomes with three living rooms and four bathrooms.

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Graham Potts, Principal and Founding Director Amalgamated Property Group, said the strong demand for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/affinity-broadbeach-40-46-chelsea-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Affinity Broadbeach</a> highlights a genuine need for affordable luxury residential developments on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“It’s exciting to see construction kick off on this sought-after project which is set to create a new benchmark in luxe coastal living on the Gold Coast," Potts said.

"Buyers are attracted by the seamless blend of convenience and elegance that Affinity offers, together with the knowledge that our 20-years of industry experience ensures we continue to deliver homes to the same high standards our reputation has been built on."

Capital Construction Queensland, the inhouse construction arm of APG, is handling the building. Potts says having the internal build capability provides buyers with confidence in delivering a high-quality building, referencing Amaya Broadbeach which is nearing completion nearby.

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Carly Cottam, CEO of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/motiv">MOTIV</a> Group which is selling Affinity, says there's a clear undersupply of property across Southeast Queensland and an even greater shortage of well-designed, spacious residences.

"That’s why Affinity has attracted such strong demand," Cottam says.

"Every detail, from the intricate finishes to the intelligent spatial planning, has been crafted for the discerning owner-occupier. Beyond the residences, the amenity is designed as a true extension of the home."

&nbsp;

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Affinity’s superior amenities are resonating with buyers who are impressed by the range on offer, from the expansive outdoor heated pool, to the state-of-the-art gym, steam and sauna facilities, outdoor entertaining terraces, and a business centre.

"The offering reflects exactly what buyers are seeking when right-sizing or upgrading - spacious residences complemented by curated residential amenity, all within moments of the beach and vibrant retail and dining precincts,” Cottam added.

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Dennis Milin, Principal of Base Developments and Milin Builders, and Director of Capital Constructions Queensland, said the team is excited to deliver another collection of premium homes in the heart of Broadbeach.

"With more than three decades of proven success in construction and development, our award-winning portfolio across the ACT and NSW speaks for itself, now further demonstrated by the strong progress at Amaya Broadbeach on First Avenue in Queensland,"&nbsp;Milin said.

“In partnership with a highly regarded team of designers, engineers and trades, and supported by our experienced Gold Coast construction professionals, we remain committed to delivering projects defined by quality, timeless design and uncompromising standards."

Early works at Affinity are already advancing, with guide walls for shoring and bulk excavation underway.

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With a proven track record in large premium projects, APG has been developing residential and commercial property across Australia for more than 20 years. APG and Base Developments are the same duo behind the successful Amaya Broadbeach, currently under construction on First Avenue and due for completion in early 2026, as well as a number of other successful joint developments in Canberra, including Botanical in Turner, Kiara in Narrabundah, Ivy in Woden, and the three-tower Oaks precinct in Phillip.

APG is currently building The Eastbourne, 349 homes, a premium office building, and a retail and dining precinct at ANZAC Park East.

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Amalgamated Property Group and Base kick off construction at Affinity Broadbeach

Sydney Metro

Australian developer Third.i, and real estate private equity group Phoenix Property Investors have further expanded their partnership in Sydney, acquiring the last two of Sydney Metro’s Crows Nest over station development sites in the Lower North Shore.

The joint venture acquired the site via Private Treaty with Sydney Metro and the NSW Government, with the deal negotiated by&nbsp;Third.i’s Head of Acquisitions, Florian Caillon, and Sydney Metro’s commercial team.

The Crows Nest over station development is situated over the new Crows Nest Metro Station, which is due to be operational by 2024. As one of six new stations planned for the Sydney Metro City and Southwest regions, the new developments will extend the Metro Rail from Chatswood, under the Sydney Harbour and through the Sydney CBD to Bankstown.

The concept proposal for both over station developments was approved by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces in December 2020, with the first site, referred to as Lot A, set to deliver an innovative commercial and retail development above the station, with plans to have health and wellness at the forefront of design.

The second site, Lot B, will deliver a mixed-use site consisting of ground floor retail with an overhead residential offering, helping Crows Nest secure its place as one of the best areas to live, work and play on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

Co-founder &amp; Director of Acquisitions at Third.i, Bob Huxley said the project will be a legacy development for Third.i and will add significant value to the Crows Nest community.

“Third.i is extremely excited to commence a relationship with Sydney Metro and the NSW Government and work with them to deliver what will be an outstanding, market-leading project for the Sydney region,” said Huxley.

“We have an established network of retail operators, and have already had a number of world class businesses express an interest in pre-committing to space at the Crows Nest over station development, which is just incredible. It really demonstrates the demand and need for this type of development in Sydney’s Lower North Shore."

With the acquisition bringing Third.i's overall project pipeline to over $4 billion across Australia and the UK, the project will also mark the fifth joint venture for Third.i and Phoenix Property Investors.

Trent Winduss, Head of Australia at Phoenix Property Investors, said they were excited to continue their strong track record with Third.i, which has proven success especially across Sydney's North Shore.&nbsp;

“This includes the selling out of the major residential project Balfour Place in Lindfield as well as the sale of the Blue &amp; William commercial precinct in North Sydney to Lendlease that was acquired by Keppel REIT," Winduss concluded.&nbsp;

Read more on residences set for above new Sydney Metro stations:

<a href="/news/nsw/first-look-designs-revealed-for-towers-above-parramatta-metro-station">First look: Designs revealed for towers above Parramatta Metro Station</a>

<a href="/news/nsw/first-look-towers-planned-above-new-sydney-olympic-park-metro-station">First look: Towers planned above new Sydney Olympic Park Metro Station</a> 
&nbsp;

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Third.i and Phoenix Property Investors team up for Crows Nest over-station development

Originally all communication to and from Parramatta in the late 1700s was by river, before a rough track to Sydney was opened which loosely followed the route of Parramatta Road.

It took until the end of the twentieth century for the area to form a strategic role in the growth of Greater Sydney.

Now Parramatta is the second largest CBD in Sydney, and is set for its latest stage of redevelopment.

Positioned as part of Australia’s biggest public transport project, Bates Smart has prepared a design report on behalf of Sydney Metro to accompany a State Specific Development Application for a large city block in the heart of the Parramatta CBD.

The site will accommodate the future Parramatta Metro Station, part of the Sydney West Metro project which will double current rail capacity between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD when opened in 2030, along with three commercial office buildings, as well as one residential tower.&nbsp;

<img alt="Precinct Aerial View (Indicative Design Only)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a906d6c2-249c-48d0-9084-be2282072075" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-16%20at%2011.45.40%20am.png?VersionId=N0B5IvDLZnRkqfUYPibjK8XmEUZuoKUp" />Precinct Aerial View (Indicative Design Only)

“The Central River City will grow substantially capitalising on its location close to the geographic centre of Greater Sydney," Bates Smart noted in their statement.

"Unprecedented public and private investment is contributing to new transport and other infrastructure leading to a major transformation of the Central River City.

“The Sydney Metro West rail link will deliver faster and more efficient transport from the Harbour CBD to Greater Parramatta. Potential radial mass transit/rail services from Greater Parramatta will boost business-to business connections and provide access to a larger skilled labour force to support the growing metropolitan centre. The Sydney Metro Northwest rail link will improve the growth prospects for the north-west of the city by increasing the access to jobs.”

The site, held by Transport for New South Wales, is an amalgamation of multiple individual sites fronting Macquarie Street, George Street, Church Street and Smith Street in Parramatta, including the full extent of Horwood Place between Macquarie Street and George Street.&nbsp;

The four towers form part of the new precinct which will be fully integrated with the new below ground Metro station, a new midblock street, and a considerable new area of public domain, including a new urban plaza and pedestrian laneways.

The scope of Bates Smart services has been to undertake the integrated urban design and architecture roles for the new precinct, interfacing with Grimshaw Architects who are the station designers and Arcadia who are the public domain and landscape designers.

The use of bricks in the lower levels and laneways of the towers responds to the local heritage of the site, while the upper levels will be clad in materials that reference and relate to connection to country, with a mix of brown and sandstone hues.&nbsp;

<img alt="Laneway View (Indicative Design Only)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8b79aaff-24eb-42aa-b2a3-ffb451b106f1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-16%20at%2011.45.51%20am.png?VersionId=7YCyE1l_vTGzM8aBxpeNrr0Hs9cX8nH7" />Laneway View (Indicative Design Only)

Built atop the new Metro, Building B is the residential component of the development, with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments penned for the 33-storey tower. A total of 145 apartments will be delivered within the building, spanning from 58 sqm internally to 125 sqm, along with two floors of communal recreation space. With the building atop what will be the bustling Metro, careful structure and coordination has gone into reducing the potential negative impacts of the nearby station.&nbsp;

The remaining three towers will hold office and retail tenancies, ranging in height from 24 storeys through to 38-storeys.&nbsp;

Parramatta Metro is pitched to serve and support the growth of Parramatta as Sydney’s second CBD, including boosting jobs and improving connections to recreational and tourist attractions.&nbsp;

Despite being well served with perimeter parks and formal hardscaped urban town squares, there are no parks or public green spaces within a five minute walking radius of the central commercial core.&nbsp;

The Civic Link is a proposed new green, pedestrianised public space and cultural spine that connects from Parramatta Square to the Riverfront. Extending across four city blocks, the link will provide a pleasant and walkable pedestrian and cycle route from Parramatta Square and the current railway station to Riverside Park and the ferry wharf, passing through the proposed site and proposed new Metro station.

A significant number of current and proposed cultural and education facilities are located within a five minute walk of the site and proposed metro station. Immediately South lies Parramatta Square, the Train Station, and Westfield Parramatta. East of Smith Street lies the education precinct containing the new Arthur Phillip High School and Western Sydney University. Immediately West and North West lies ‘Eat Street’, a stretch of Church Street highly activated by restaurants and bars with extensive outdoor seating in the public domain. Further North and Northwest lies the proposed Powerhouse Museum, Riverside Theatre, and Bankwest Stadium, all anticipated to act as major destinations to customers of the Parramatta Metro station.&nbsp;

Quick Look: Sydney Metro&nbsp;

Metro North West Line (formerly the 36 kilometre North West Rail Link) - Services started in May 2019 in the city’s North West between Rouse Hill and Chatswood, with a metro train every four minutes in the peak. The project was delivered on time and $1 billion under budget.&nbsp;

Sydney Metro City and Southwest – The Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest project includes a new 30km metro line extending metro rail from the end of the Metro North West Line at Chatswood, under Sydney Harbour, through new CBD stations and southwest to Bankstown. It is due to open in 2024 with the ultimate capacity to run a metro train every two minutes each way through the centre of Sydney.&nbsp; 
Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest will deliver new metro stations at Barangaroo, Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Martin Place, Pitt Street, Waterloo and new underground metro platforms at Central Station. In addition it will upgrade and convert all 11 stations between Sydenham and Bankstown to metro standards.&nbsp;

Sydney Metro West – Sydney Metro West is a new underground railway connecting Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. This once-in-acentury infrastructure investment will transform Sydney for generations to come, doubling rail capacity between these two areas, linking new communities to rail services and supporting employment growth and housing supply between the two CBDs. Sydney Metro West stations have been confirmed at Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays, Pyrmont and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport – Metro rail will also service Greater Western Sydney and the new Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport. The new railway line will become the transport spine for the Western Parkland City’s growth for generations to come, connecting communities and travellers with the rest of Sydney’s public transport system with a fast, safe and easy metro service. Six new stations will be delivered at St Marys, Orchard Hills, Luddenham, Airport Business Park, Airport Terminal and Western Sydney Aerotropolis. The Australian and NSW governments are partners in the delivery of this new railway

Positioned as part of Australia’s biggest public transport project, Bates Smart has prepared a design report to accompany a State Specific Development Application for a large city block in the heart of the Parramatta CBD

First look: Designs revealed for towers above Parramatta Metro Station

Sydney Metro has continued to roll out how it envisions the development around and above the new Sydney Metro West line.

The state significant development, funded by the New South Wales Government, is Australia's largest public transport program. The NSW Government is investing $12.4 billion over next four years, including $3.2 billion in 2022-23 to support major construction.

The latest plans are for what is set to be built above the Sydney Olympic Park metro station, part of the precinct which has grown exponentially in recent years.

The proposed $585 million development will comprise of three new buildings, one commercial and retail tower and two residential towers, with retail and community space adjacent to Sydney Olympic Park metro station.

<img alt="Sydney Olympic Park" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7ed70885-df87-4251-ac12-8121b0dd0185" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202022-11-16%20at%209.10.43%20am.png?VersionId=zmk4WrxA4WmwtGhPPErXWkBtIBy76XwH" />

The commercial tower will be the smallest at 16 levels, not including the four-level podium, and will rise above the station. The smaller residential tower can hit 27 levels, and the largest 45 levels. The latter will have extensive views over Parramatta River towards the Blue Mountains from the higher levels.

Podium heights in the central precinct are limited to four levels through Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) Masterplan 2030 (Metro Interim Review).

The area in which the buildings are set to be developed has been identified as a "transitional zone", after Sydney Metro worked through a design and collaboration process with SOPA and other key stakeholders. There are now four zones, the high rise zone (45 levels), medium rise zone (20 and 30 levels), and low rise (8 levels).

No news on how many apartments will be on offer, but the documentation suggested the apartments will have smaller floor-plates to "provide prime apartments and allow for better sun access to ground floor plane."

<img alt="Sydney Olympic Park" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8439e53d-741f-4371-a1bf-a02a4b579bf4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202022-11-16%20at%209.09.58%20am.png?VersionId=XLTd5Bts3MgHEMAL_7Cx0Vr30w03YATS" />

Sydney Metro says the&nbsp;construction of Sydney Metro West represents an exciting opportunity to incorporate global best practice for placemaking and environmentally sustainable development, and to apply innovative thinking to create new city icons.

"The delivery of integrated station and precinct development enables Sydney Metro to be more than just a transport project, but also a defining city building opportunity that revitalises precincts and communities, helping to leave a lasting legacy and shaping Sydney for generations to come," the planning application documents read.

"The proposed development will create a great place-based outcome that successfully integrates transport infrastructure, open space, ground plane retail, commercial and residential land uses.

"The Sydney Olympic Park metro station will link new communities, support employment growth and diversity of housing supply.

"In addition, the proposed development will deliver community and social infrastructure with the inclusion of community facilities proposed within the Concept&nbsp;SSDA.

<img alt="Sydney Olympic Park" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="074f2c12-7191-4b71-acb8-fcc037316410" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202022-11-16%20at%209.10.35%20am.png?VersionId=UQ83iaoQrjhUfFMaCpnjTH44ll1vXnmA" />

"The Sydney Olympic Park metro station precinct acknowledges growth opportunities within Sydney Olympic Park and seeks to establish parameters to attract more businesses and residents in a well-connected location reducing reliance on private transport modes whilst continuing to ensure Sydney Olympic Park can operate and function as a world class event and sporting precinct."

In October works kicked off at the new Sydney Olympic Park Metro Station, one of nine underground railway stations on the future 24-kilometre Sydney Metro West line.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new Sydney Metro West line would provide a vital transport link to a growing Western Sydney and deliver world-class metro services to more communities.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Our Government is transforming the way that people move around Sydney, investing more than $76 billion in transport infrastructure across the state, including more than $16 billion in Western Sydney alone,” Perrottet said. 
&nbsp; 
“The centrepiece of this investment is Sydney Metro, the biggest public transport project in Australia. 
&nbsp; 
“Work is now underway to excavate 468,000 tonnes of rock and soil – the equivalent to 78 Olympic swimming pools – to make way for a state-of-the-art metro station at Sydney Olympic Park.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“This new transport link will further reinforce Sydney Olympic Park’s status as a premier events, sporting, and entertainment precinct, supporting the transit of more than 10 million people who visit or stay each year.” 
&nbsp;

The state significant development, funded by the New South Wales, is Australia's largest public transport program



First look: Towers planned above new Sydney Olympic Park Metro Station

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Just before Christmas, the NSW Government awarded a $299 million contract that will see the new Waterloo station on the second phase of the Sydney Metro line built along with a range of other uses on site.

Site preparation works have been ongoing, however, John Holland will build the new metro station on the block bounded by Cope Street, Raglan Street, Botany Road and Wellington Street in Waterloo and Mirvac will develop the 5 buildings set to rise on the site after the underground station is built.

Dubbed Waterloo Metro Quarter, the NSW government stands to benefit through capturing $106 million from the joint-venture partners for the rights to develop the station.  The development will include 70 social housing units and 5% of all other units will be set aside for affordable housing.

<blockquote>
Under the plan, at least five per cent of homes will be affordable housing and 70 apartments will be set aside for social housing.

There will be new community facilities, more trees planted, retail and office space and two new public plazas at Cope Street and Raglan Street.
<cite>Sydney Metro/NSW Government media release</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/syd_metro_waterloo_dec_19_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: Sydney Metro/NSW Government"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/syd_metro_waterloo_dec_19_2.jpg?itok=6fGH3u25" title="Image: Sydney Metro/NSW Government" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: Sydney Metro/NSW Government</figcaption></figure>The anticipated value of the development is $800 million and Mirvac intends to complete all components of the project within the next 5-6 years.

The integrated development will furthermore include office and retail spaces that Mirvac will manage long-term and the listed-developer will seek a 50/50 capital partner for the ownership of those project components.

<blockquote>
Our vision for this precinct extends beyond the bricks and mortar; we will be a long-term investor in Waterloo and we are wholly committed to realising the potential of this site to help drive meaningful social renewal and enduring value for the broader precinct.

The ability to deliver a progressive, urban development of this calibre, is underpinned by our wealth of experience at the forefront of the industry, together with our unique end-to-end capability
<cite>susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, CEO of Mirvac</cite>
</blockquote>

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/waterloo-nsw?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Waterloo is no stranger to new development with 23 projects currently on the Urban database.  Most of the existing pipeline is concentrated to the south and east of the new metro station site.

The second phase of the Sydney Metro project, also known as the Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest project, also hit a new milestone the first of TBMs reaching Barangaroo on Sydney CBD's northwestern flank. 

The TBM named Nancy breached the station pit wall at Barangaroo in mid-December after having started its journey in Marrickville 15 months earlier in September 2018.  The second TBM, named Mum Shirl, is on the final stretch of its journey approximately 250m from the Barangaroo station pit according to the <a href="https://www.sydneymetro.info/tunnelling">Sydney Metro TBM tracker</a>.

<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/syd_metro_waterloo_dec_19_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: Sydney Metro/NSW Government"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/syd_metro_waterloo_dec_19_3.jpg?itok=U6L0hHZi" title="Image: Sydney Metro/NSW Government" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: Sydney Metro/NSW Government</figcaption></figure>When complete, the entire line will stretch from Tallawong in Sydney's outer northwest to Bankstown in the middle ring, southwest of Sydney CBD.  The line will measure 66km in length, include 31 new stations and driverless trains will run on 4-minute peak and 10-minute off-peak frequencies.
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Alastair Taylor

NSW government awards $299 million contract for new Waterloo metro station and integrated development

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Construction is set to begin on the Western Sydney Metro, with seven station locations now confirmed.
The project will cut travel times between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD down to around 20 minutes when completed.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said construction work will begin next year, commencing at the Bays Precinct.
She said, “we’ve successfully delivered the North West Metro Line early and $1 billion under budget, the next line from Chatswood to Sydnenham and Bankstown is on track to open in 2024, and now the next Metro project is underway.”
The locations of seven proposed Metro stations have been confirmed at Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock and the Bays Precinct.
The NSW Government will also fast-track work to investigate the feasibility of building a Metro station in Pyrmont, while also assessing a potential station at Rydalmere. Further work is also underway to determine the location of the new Metro station in the Sydney CBD.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said “Western Sydney Metro will more than double the existing rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD and slash travel times between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD to around 20 minutes,” Mr Constance said.
The NSW Government has also announced that it is kicking off a global search for suppliers in what is expected to be the biggest tunnelling contract awarded in Australian history.
Suppliers wishing to vie for the tunnelling contract for Western Sydney Metro will be able to register their interest on the eTendering website.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Construction to begin on Western Sydney Metro in 2020

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Boring operations for the Sydney Metro project have broken through at North Sydney and entered the biggest underground cavern built so far.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance were present at the new Victoria Cross Station 25 metres below ground.
Ms Berejiklian said, “TBM Wendy has tunnelled 4.5 kilometres from Chatswood in eight months and only has another 1.7 kilometres to reach the edge of Sydney Harbour at Blues Point." 
“This is incredible progress on the next stage of Sydney Metro which will take the North West Metro, under the harbour, through the CBD and on to Bankstown,” she added.
Mr Constance said Sydney Metro is Australia’s biggest public transport project and will deliver turn-up-and-go Metro train services to 31 stations along a new 66 kilometre railway.
The cavern at Victoria Cross is 40 per cent bigger than both the cavern being built at Barangaroo and the cavern built under Castle Hill on the new North West Metro.
The 150-metre-long TBM Wendy is named after Wendy Schreiber, a volunteer at Bear Cottage.
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Sydney Metro boring operation breaks through in North Sydney

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GUEST OBSERVATION
A rail line to the northwest growth areas of Sydney has been proposed many times. In 2010, the state government and bureaucracy sought discussions with Infrastructure Australia and the Commonwealth about funding an extension of the heavy-rail system from Epping on a North West Rail—Hills District Line. In 2012, the new transport minister (and now premier), Gladys Berejiklian, changed the plan, opting for a single-deck robotic privatised metro similar to those proposed by property developer and rail operator Hong Kong MTR. The government decided to close the Bankstown line for <a href="https://www.sydneymetro.info/" target="_blank">Sydney Metro</a> conversion and upzone surrounding suburbs for “urban activation”.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/263282/original/file-20190312-86717-16i983z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
OpenStreetMap Contributors, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY</a>
Days before Christmas 2018, we transport analysts received a gift: an update to the station <a href="https://opendata.transport.nsw.gov.au/dataset/train-station-entries-and-exits-data" target="_blank">barrier counts dataset</a>. The government had not released this annual snapshot since 2014. (An interactive data visualisation tool is available <a href="https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiZGIxNjBiNTMtNjFiZS00NWExLTg1NjgtYWE4Y2FjN2FhZGZiIiwidCI6ImU4OTExYzI2LWNmOWYtNGE5Yy04NzhlLTUyNzgwN2JlODc5MSJ9" target="_blank">here</a>.)
The below analysis uses average workday (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) patronage to describe the changing demand across the Sydney rail network (<a href="https://www.railmaps.com.au/sydney.htm" target="_blank">click here for a map</a> of the network) and determine where the need for transport infrastructure investment is greatest.
The analysis clearly show that the metro conversion of the Bankstown line should not be Sydney’s top-priority investment. The numbers make clear the need to invest the state’s limited funds in the western and southern corridors with matching investment in the CBD. The Bankstown project should be deferred.
Demand on Sydney’s western and Illawarra heavy-rail corridors has surged since 2004 (when barrier counts began). These are two of the city’s most important transport trunks. The Bankstown line has much lower patronage with modest growth.
Every transport infrastructure investment must deliver value for money by reducing operating costs and improving mobility. If we fail to invest wisely, Sydney risks becoming uncompetitive as talent and businesses leave for better-connected and more liveable cities.
The Bankstown decision from a 2012 perspective
To determine if the Bankstown conversion was the highest priority in 2012 we need to consider the information available to the minister at the time. Let’s start with the obvious questions: in 2012 was the Bankstown line or its major stations under significant load or growing quickly?
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZAzc9/2/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
The above chart shows five of the top 20 stations were in the CBD, six were on the Eastern-Illawarra line, and nine were on the West and North lines. Bankstown line stations were not especially popular: Bankstown station was 27th most popular, Campsie 35th, Lakemba 53rd and Marrickville 63rd.
Another reason to justify the Bankstown line conversion would be rapid growth. However, in 2012 the ten stations with the fastest growth since 2004 were in the CBD and on the West, South, North and Airport lines.
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/7mOg9/1/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
From 2004 to 2012, Parramatta grew by 4,600 passengers on an average workday, and Hurstville by over 4,100. Growth at Campsie and Lakemba was a mere 1,000 passengers a day, and only half of that at Bankstown.
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1aTzv/2/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
So when the development decision was made the Bankstown line stations were not major stations, nor under significant load, nor growing quickly. This raises questions about the Metro conversion investment.
The Bankstown decision from a 2018 perspective
Passenger demand grows on a train line for many reasons. In 2012, Berejiklian might have been aware of a coming surge in patronage on the Bankstown line. In 2018, have we seen such a surge?
Sydney railway patronage has indeed surged overall, growing by over 450,000 people on an average workday since 2004. By 2018, the distribution of these passengers had changed significantly. Ashfield, Epping, Hornsby and Kogarah slipped out of the top-20 stations to be replaced by Mascot (17th), Auburn (18th), Lidcombe (19th) and Museum (20th).
Bankstown line stations had become less important:
<ul>
<li>Bankstown slipped to 33rd most popular</li>
<li>Campsie rose to 35th</li>
<li>Marrickville was steady at 62nd</li>
<li>Lakemba plummeted to 67th.</li>
</ul>
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0paex/1/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
From 2012 to 2018, Town Hall ranked first for patronage growth with a workday increase of 28,900 passengers. Parramatta was fourth with 15,400 and Hurstville 16th with 4,600.
On the Bankstown line Campsie ranked 33rd with growth of 2,000 and Bankstown 49th with 1,400. Estimated patronage at four of the stations – Wiley Park, Yagoona, Lakemba, Regents Park – actually fell.
After land around Canterbury was transformed into many massive apartments, patronage at the station grew by 1,300 workday passengers since 2012. Even with the development, it still had only 3,200 workday passengers, leaving the station 91st in the whole sprawling network.
Comparing sections of the network
Multiple stations operate in concert and to be thorough we also need to consider how sections of the network compare.
The ten Bankstown line stations from Marrickville to Bankstown had 36,800 workday passengers in 2012. By 2018 this had grown by 7,000 to 43,800 workday passengers. It is still a relatively quiet line.
The North line from North Strathfield to Epping had eight stations with 36,100 workday passengers in 2012. By 2018, this had grown by 12,700 workday passengers to 48,800.
Over the same period, the 13 stations on the Illawarra line from Arncliffe to Sutherland grew by 15,600 to 79,400 workday passengers.
The three Eastern Suburbs line stations from Kings Cross to Bondi had higher patronage in 2012 than the Bankstown line with 40,200 workday passengers. Patronage on those three stations alone also grew much faster, by 17,600 in six years to 54,800.
Patronage on the Western corridor (Macdonaldtown to Blacktown) has grown by 58,000 to over 225,000 workday passengers. On the Illawarra corridor patronage grew 25,000 to over 103,000.
Remember, patronage on the Bankstown line grew by only 7,000 in this 2012-18 period.
Looking at key stations between 2004 and 2018:
<ul>
<li>Bankstown patronage grew by 25%</li>
<li>Stanmore, which doesn’t have a lift and gets only one train every 15 minutes, grew by 33%</li>
<li>Burwood grew by 64%</li>
<li>Parramatta by 79%</li>
<li>Newtown by 100%</li>
<li>Homebush by 125%.</li>
</ul>
In the Illawarra corridor:
<ul>
<li>Hurstville station grew by 66%</li>
<li>Erskineville by 97%</li>
<li>Banksia, Carlton and Allawah stations all had over 100% growth.</li>
</ul>
The City Circle from Redfern to Circular Quay and back grew by 159,000 workday passengers from 236,000 in 2004 to 395,000 in 2018 – a 67% increase.
In 2012, the city’s first transport priority was another north-south harbour crossing. However, it was decided instead to build the Sydney Metro under the harbour and then take both of the CBD’s north-south heavy-rail corridors. This significantly increased the cost and complexity of expanding the heavy-rail system.
Sydney’s second transport priority was always a western relief line. Every transport investigation since the 1971 Sydney Area Transport Study has identified this need.
What next?
On February 11, the state Labor opposition <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/labor-commits-8-billion-to-fast-track-sydney-metro-west-20190211-p50wyi" target="_blank">promised $5 billion</a> for the Western Metro, in addition to $3 billion previously promised by the federal Labor opposition.
On March 4, the state Coalition government <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nsw-premier-says-construction-of-metro-west-line-to-begin-2020-20190303-p511g6" target="_blank">announced $6.4 billion</a> for a Western Metro, with the construction date to be brought forward.
The government announcement was made after the caretaker period for the March 23 state election had begun, so no technical or financial documentation was released. The government statement said the final business case was not complete, indicating that the Western Metro project was still in the early planning stages.
With a slowing economy and falling house prices there will be a post-election reprioritisation of NSW project spending. When this happens, the next government should give higher priority to the western rail corridor than the Bankstown corridor.
Postscript
Any discussion of infrastructure decisions should note the affected electorates. The seats around the Bankstown line and their <a href="http://pastvtr.elections.nsw.gov.au/SGE2015/la/state/tpp/index.htm" target="_blank">vote tallies</a> in the last state election are:<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/111844/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<ul>
<li>Summer Hill (Labor 70.13% two party preferred in 2015)</li>
<li>Canterbury (Labor 65.69%)</li>
<li>Lakemba (Labor 71.56%)</li>
<li>Bankstown (Labor 63.97%)</li>
<li>Auburn (Labor 55.93%)</li>
<li>Fairfield (Labor 67.79%).</li>
</ul>
Mathew Hounsell, Senior Research Consultant, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/which-lines-are-priorities-for-sydney-metro-conversion-hint-its-not-bankstown-111844" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Which lines are priorities for Sydney Metro conversion? Hint: it’s not Bankstown

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North Sydney will be transformed with a $476 million contract awarded to deliver a new Sydney Metro railway station and the landmark building above it.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said it’s another way metro is transforming Sydney.
“The new Victoria Cross metro station will be a landmark in the heart of North Sydney, giving customers more and easier public transport options as part of our plan to improve transport,” Constance said.
The NSW Government has awarded Lendlease the contract to deliver the station component of the new Victoria Cross Station in North Sydney, which will include new retail spaces and improvements to the public domain.
As part of a value capture agreement on Sydney Metro, the NSW Government will receive more than $200 million from Lendlease for the right to develop a 40-storey commercial building above the station’s southern entrance portal, and for the retail spaces delivered as part of the station.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/12/21/Lendlease1.jpg" alt="">
This is the second integrated station development on the Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest project. 
“The new integrated station development will help shape North Sydney’s future, adding to the vibrancy of the area,” Constance said.
“New employment and retail opportunities, improved pedestrian connections and high quality outdoor spaces will add to a growing commercial and residential precinct.”
“As the new Victoria Cross Station is largely built underground, the integrated station development can be built at the same time, minimising disruption to the community.”
Work is already underway on the new Victoria Cross Station, with roadheader tunnelling machines working to excavate the new metro station cavern under Miller Street.
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The NSW Government has awarded Lendlease a $476
million contract to deliver a new metro railway station and the building above it.
Victoria Cross Station will be a landmark in the heart of the North Sydney business district – and will include retail spaces and office space across 40 floors as well as improvements to the public domain.
Victoria Cross will be delivered by Lendlease’s Building and Property businesses. Theproject will form part of Lendlease’s growing portfolio of transport hubs in gateway cities that leverage the company’s integrated development and construction capabilities. Lendlease is currently delivering 18 major urbanisation projects in Australia, Asia, Europe and the US.
Detailed planning for the development is expected to be lodged for approval in May 2019.
“Fit-for-purpose transport infrastructure like Sydney Metro will help ensure Sydney retains its spot as Australia’s number one gateway city by creating the connectionsfuture generations will need," CEO of Property, Australia at Lendlease, Kylie Rampa said.
The CEO of Building, Australia at Lendlease, Dale Connor said the new Victoria Cross Station will transform North Sydney by providing increased transport links and new open spaces, employment and retail opportunities.
“Given north west Sydney is expected to grow to twice the size of Canberra, Victoria Cross Station will create a vital link to the Sydney CBD."
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

North Sydney set for new Sydney Metro railway, Victoria Station

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EXPERT OBSERVER
In my <a href="https://theconversation.com/re-imagining-sydney-with-3-cbds-how-far-off-is-a-parramatta-cbd-102197">article</a> yesterday showing how far Greater Parramatta is from hosting one of <a href="https://www.greater.sydney/metropolis-of-three-cities">three metropolitan CBDs proposed</a> by the Greater Sydney Commission, the verdict was clear:
The Sydney metropolis has a very long and bumpy way to go before we can re-imagine it with more than one CBD. Visionary and bold decision-making, supported by significant investment, is required for the Central City to transition to a metropolitan centre.
Today, I introduce a bold proposal to build a Central CBD for metropolitan Sydney, as a real complement to the City of Sydney CBD to the east.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240968/original/file-20181017-17668-17wqj4q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240968/original/file-20181017-17668-17wqj4q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Figure 2: An overview of Central City 2048. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
Central City 2048 is a 30-year strategic plan, which builds on the Greater Sydney Commission’s <a href="https://www.greater.sydney/metropolis-of-three-cities">Greater Sydney Region Plan</a>. Central City 2048 presents a vision for a dynamic, connected and sustainable CBD at the heart of the Greater Sydney metropolitan region.
Employment, transport and housing targets to be achieved by Central City 2048 are listed in Table 1.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240970/original/file-20181017-17686-1it5pst.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240970/original/file-20181017-17686-1it5pst.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
<h2>Economy</h2>
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240971/original/file-20181017-17671-12ph3dt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240971/original/file-20181017-17671-12ph3dt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Figure 3. Key economic actions – Central City 2048. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
Central City’s economy is supported by two pillars: Parramatta CBD and the Westmead health and education precinct. There is a key strategic challenge to attract finance, tech, education and creative industries, while supporting existing health and government sectors. Essential to economic growth is the provision of dedicated commercial and retail floor space, and regional access to it.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240972/original/file-20181017-17692-tb2iz3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240972/original/file-20181017-17692-tb2iz3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
<h2>Connectivity</h2>
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240973/original/file-20181017-17674-184qprn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240973/original/file-20181017-17674-184qprn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Figure 4. Key connectivity actions – Central City 2048. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
Currently, commuter travel time to Central City from most strategic centres exceeds 30 minutes during morning and afternoon peak periods. By 2056, the number of trips to Central City is predicted to triple during these periods.
Without more investment in public transport, <a href="https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/sites/council/files/inline-files/pdf%2019%20-%20Parramatta%20CBD%20Strategic%20Transport%20Study.pdf" target="_blank">forecasts suggest the travel-to-work mode split will remain the same, increasing Central City’s congestion problems</a>. Regional mass-transit connections and reliable local transport options are a priority for Central City’s future.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240974/original/file-20181017-17668-1flq7wu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240974/original/file-20181017-17668-1flq7wu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Figure 5. Central City 2048 regional connectivity map. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
In terms of digital connectivity, existing infrastructure is limited to copper wire infrastructure. Only small pockets are connected to the National Broadband Network. A more reliable network with increased capacity is essential for Sydney’s next metropolitan centre.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240975/original/file-20181017-17677-g40y8j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240975/original/file-20181017-17677-g40y8j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
<h2>Liveability</h2>
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240976/original/file-20181017-17686-p9vc43.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240976/original/file-20181017-17686-p9vc43.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Figure 6. Key liveability actions – Central City 2048. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
At 41.5 people per hectare, Central City’s residential density is much lower than the Harbour City’s 64.8 people/hectare. Highly liveable cities such as Vancouver and Copenhagen, with residential densities of 167.64 persons/hectare and 61.8 persons/hectare respectively, suggest high-density cities can be liveable too.
To support increased densities, Central City 2048 proposes increased employment opportunities and investment in transport, social and cultural infrastructure. It capitalises on Central City’s cultural diversity, heritage and landscape to create a vibrant and liveable city. Affordable housing targets of 30% are proposed to ensure Central City is an equitable city.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240977/original/file-20181017-17671-1vtzi6p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240977/original/file-20181017-17671-1vtzi6p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
<h2>Invest in city shaping</h2>
Central City 2048 proposes one new rail line, three metro lines, just under 300,000 additional jobs, and a 30% affordable housing target for all new dwellings. This looks ambitious, if not shocking, to many. But it portrays a compelling image of what it takes to build a metropolitan CBD at the geographical heart of the Greater Sydney Region. This is what city-shaping, and indeed nation-building, looks like.
The decision is now ours: are we willing to invest what it takes to make it happen?
This article is inspired by the work of the students enrolled in the <a href="https://sydney.edu.au/courses/units-of-study/2018/arch/arch9093" target="_blank">Integrated Urbanism Studio</a> for the Master of Urbanism at the University of Sydney. I specifically would like to acknowledge the significant contributions made by Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal and Kun Fan.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/102198/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tooran-alizadeh-377838" target="_blank">Tooran Alizadeh</a>, Senior Lecturer, Director of Urban Design, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/reimagining-sydney-this-is-what-needs-to-be-done-to-make-a-central-city-cbd-work-102198" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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What needs to be done to make a central city CBD work?

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The Sydney Metro Northwest upgrades have resulted in a variety of retail spaces on and around five of the new railway stations.
This follows the previous appointment of Savills Australia to conduct an expressions of interest leasing campaign for retail spaces at 12 of the Sydney Metro Northwest stations, which closed on June 1, 2018.
Now, phase two will differ by instead offering long-term retail opportunities in purpose built buildings on the station unpaid concourse.
Sydney Metro in partnership with Landcom are also offering on the land reserved for future development surrounding the station a 3,000sq m (approx.) ground lease opportunity and short term pad sites within “Interim Activation Areas” suited to a variety of uses, for example food and beverage trucks, pop up retail and events.
Savills Australia executive of retail services, David Kleiner has been appointed to conduct a new expressions of interest leasing campaign and said he has received an overwhelming response since the beginning of the first release.
These new opportunities have become available at five Sydney Metro Northwest stations at Tallawong, Kellyville, Bella Vista, Hills Showground and Cherrybrook stations. Chcha
Sydney Metro is Australia’s biggest public transport project – 13 metro stations open in the city’s north west in the first half of next year, with metro rail to extend into the Sydney CBD in 2024.
The expressions of interest campaign will commence 19 September 2018 with the activation of a dedicated website being www.sydneymetroleasing.com.au and close 19 October, 2018.
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