A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

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

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

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

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

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

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

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

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

Sydney Metro

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Macquarie Bank has finalised negotiations with the NSW Government for air rights above a new Metro station at Martin Place, clearing the way for the bank’s ambitious commercial proposal over the station to proceed. The proposal was previously approved as part of the Department of Premier &amp; Cabinet’s unsolicited proposals process but required the negotiation of these air rights.

The agreement marks a new era in the delivery of mass transit infrastructure in Sydney, demonstrating a form of value capture. It also puts on show the focus of Sydney Metro Corporation in strategically matching new metro stations with the leveraging of land use potential. This is part of a broader trend in Sydney and other global cities; London’s Crossrail project - a suburban-rail, rapid-transit line which alleviates constraints on the Tube Metro network - employs a similar commercial arrangement to construct some of its new city centre stations, most prominently at the financial district at Canary Wharf. 

Macquarie Bank has agreed to pay $355 million for the Martin Place station air rights and will proceed to build the metro station and two commercial towers, in partnership with Lend Lease.

<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/buildings_cut_thru_-_metro_martin_place.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A section diagram of the proposed integrated development. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="466" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/buildings_cut_thru_-_metro_martin_place.png?itok=R_I01QPf" title="A section diagram of the proposed integrated development. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A section of the proposed integrated development showing the complexity of the site. Source: Metro Martin Place</figcaption></figure>The distinctive northern tower design responds to the challenges of protecting sunlight access to Martin Place - in fact, both towers are fully compliant with City of Sydney solar access planes which protect sunlight access to Martin Place and Hyde Park.

The north tower is approximately 170 metres tall (38 floors) with almost 80,000 sqm of premium office space. The smaller south tower, amended to provide commercially viable floor plates of 1,100 sqm, offers 39,000 sqm of premium grade office space over 28 floors. 

As a result of the deal, the Government will foot little of the $378 million cost to build the new station and its associated connecting passages.

The new station is being compared in style to New York’s WTC and Hong Kong’s IFC stations; the station will become part of a new retail and social precinct that is envisioned to be an embedded, seamless part of its locality.

<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/atrium_look_down_-_source_macquarie_bank.png" rel="gallery-all" title=" Macquarie Bank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/atrium_look_down_-_source_macquarie_bank.png?itok=nMrSXMJ5" title=" Macquarie Bank" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The sunlight-filled atrium below the north tower, providing access to the station concourses and platforms. Source: Macquarie Bank</figcaption></figure> ​​​​​The scale of the precinct is impressive, and it should be noted the level of attention afforded to the quality, legibility and experience of the pedestrian environments, both in the underground concourses and at street level. 

Grimshaw in partnership with Johnson Pilton Walker and Tzannes, are the architects responsible for the design of the station and its commercial and social precincts. The firms have a long experience in crafting quality human-scale environments.

The station connects to the T4 Bondi Junction &amp; Illawarra suburban station; it is likely to also connect to a new CBD station as part of the mooted West Metro line. Collectively, this anticipates a northern CBD mass transit interchange, relieving overcrowding at Central, Town Hall, and Wynyard stations.

<blockquote>
Acknowledging the special role Martin Place Metro Station will play in Sydney’s transport system, and the nature and exceptional prominence of its location, Macquarie Chief Executive Nicholas Moore affirms; “We recognise that we have been entrusted by the NSW Government to deliver this once-in-a-generation opportunity for the community. We are committed to delivering a new transport-led destination that is customer-centred, inclusive and comparable with the world’s great integrated urban precincts.” He goes on to say, “As a long-time resident [of Martin Place], Macquarie Bank understands and respects the historic, cultural and civic significance [of Martin Place].”
</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/mmp-east.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Macquarie Bank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mmp-east.jpg?itok=_BrPU7cy" title=" Macquarie Bank" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The station will feature active street frontages, elevated terraces, and an architectural style in keeping with the heritage and grandeur of Martin Place. Source: Macquarie Bank</figcaption></figure>The development reinforces the role of the northern CBD as the financial hub of Australia and as a globally connected business precinct. The towers feature modern side-cores with large, uninterrupted floorplates ensuring flexible office design that can adapt to future needs. The proposed buildings have been awarded 6-star environmental ratings from the Green Building Council of Australia and will house workspace for 8500 people. Macquarie Bank will consolidate its operations in the northern tower, which will be connected directly with its existing heritage headquarters at 50 Martin Place. 

In the broader strategic context, this is just one - albeit prominent - example of similar projects in the pipeline; new metro stations at Victoria Cross (North Sydney), Pitt St (Town Hall), Waterloo, and Crows Nest are undergoing similar work to both embed them in their locality and leverage the transit capacity and connectivity they bring.

2500 new jobs will be created during construction and the office towers, social and retail precinct, and the station are expected to be completed shortly before Metro City &amp; South-West opens in 2024.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boiuhoRrxkA">Fly-through of Martin Place Metro Station Integrated Development</a>
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ModernBradfield

Martin Place Metro Station's Integrated Development Clears Final Hurdle

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Sydney Metro Northwest's Windsor Road rail bridge has taken the top gong in the Rail category at the <a href="http://www.globalbestprojects.com/">Global Best Project Awards</a> for 2018.

The awards "focus on the challenges, risks and rewards of designing and constructing in other countries" according to the Engineering News-Record who runs the annual event.

In what is Australia's only example of a cable-stayed rail bridge built on a curve, the bridge connects the skyrail section of the first phase on the new metro line to the surface section near the line's terminus at Tullawong and maintenance and operations centre in Rouse Hill.

The project's facebook page recently published a short documentary which tells the background and focuses on the design and the build of the bridge.

<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="464" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSydneyMetro%2Fvideos%2F2128441110776853%2F&amp;show_text=1&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="100%"></iframe>

"It's an amazingly challenging project because it's not a recipe.  There isn't another bridge out there that we can open a book and read a paper which tells us how to build the bridge," said John Anderson, lead designer for the bridge.

The bridge was built by Salini Impregilo who also built the skytrain section of the metro track and the bridge deck includes 88 concrete segments each weighing between 70 and 140 tonnes.  

The bridge deck is supported by 127 steel cables that if measured from end-to-end would measure 173 kilometres.  The bridge design solution came about after a community feedback round focused on ensuring the Windsor Road &amp; Schofield Road intersection could be upgraded with ease in future.

Elsewhere on the Sydney Metro project, the factory to produce pre-fabricated components for the City &amp; Southwest tunnels that will run from Chatswood to Sydenham has ramped up production.

130 people work at the factory in Marrickville and they produce a single four-tonne segment every six minutes.  The same factory supplied components for the Northwest tunnels.

The first phase, Sydney Metro Northwest, opens in 2019 and has caused a significant property boom in outer western Sydney.  Toward the end of the line, the Apartments.com.au project database is tracking over 6000 dwellings in the development pipeline.

Upwards of 14 projects in <a href="/developments/rouse-hill-nsw-2155">Rouse Hill</a> could potentially contribute up to 3111 new dwellings.  Next door in <a href="/developments/schofields-nsw-2762">Schofields</a> 7 projects could possibly yield a further 3400 new dwellings in future.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SydneyMetro/photos/a.1404688343152137.1073741828.1398640573756914/2127243340896630/?type=3&amp;theater">Sydney Metro on Facebook</a>.
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Alastair Taylor

Sydney Metro's Windsor Road bridge takes the top gong at Global Best Project awards

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Sydney Metro's first stage from Tullawong to Chatswood is set to purchase all its electricity needs from a new solar farm at Beryl in the Orana region of central northern New South Wales.

It was revealed through <a href="https://reneweconomy.com.au/beryl-solar-farm-power-nsw-trains-may-add-battery-storage-25337/">RenewEconomy</a> and the <a href="https://www.afr.com/business/energy/solar-energy/new-energy-solar-buys-beryl-project-in-nsw-20180723-h131c4">Fin Review</a> that Transport for NSW is on the other end of the power purchase agreement (PPA) that is underpinning the new solar farm's construction.

Transport for New South Wales is contracted to buy approximately 69% of the solar farm's output - 134,000 megawatt hours per annum - which in turn the NSW Government announced two weeks ago, to little fanfare, that that energy output will be used by the <a href="https://www.sydneymetro.info/article/beryl-gets-go-ahead-help-power-sydney-metro-northwest">Sydney Metro Northwest</a>.

The Beryl Solar farm's nameplate capacity sits at 87 megawatts AC and is located on a 332 hectare site approximately 5 km west of Gulgong.  The new owner of the project may also added an undisclosed amount of storage adjacent to the solar farm.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m17!1m11!1m3!1d69708.05616623066!2d149.45876360701553!3d-32.329430582782436!2m2!1f0!2f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6b0e955df1420589%3A0x40609b490435be0!2sBeryl+NSW+2852!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sau!4v1532484794621" style="border:0" width="100%"></iframe>

The lack of fanfare stands in stark contrast to how the Victorian Government announced its signing of a contract to source energy from renewable sources for Melbourne's tram network.

Back in January 2017 "Solar Powered Trams" was the phrase-du-jour when it was announced the state government had signed power purchase agreements with the owners of the <a href="http://www.bannertonsolarfarm.com.au/">Bannerton</a> and <a href="https://numurkahsolarfarm.com.au/">Numurkah</a> solar farms.

According to the projects' respective websites, Bannerton is expected to be connected to connected to the grid this month and Numurkah is still at a pre-construction phase.

Over the horizon, the Victorian Government is yet to announce the successful bidders in the Victoria Renewable Energy Auction Scheme which is seeking up to 650MW of new renewable energy generation.

The scheme is designed to aid in creating new generation so the state government can hit its legislated renewable energy targets: 25% of the state's electricity to be sourced from renewables by 2020 and 40% by 2025.

State Governments are some of the biggest customers in the electricity markets (think: schools, hospitals, electrified rail networks, government offices) and various states and territories around the country are using that market power to drive new investment despite the ideological roadblocks at the federal level.

<a href="https://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-could-be-at-86-wind-and-solar-by-2050-on-economics-only-34915/">Solar and Wind</a> are now some of the cheapest ways to generate electricity, and as fossil fuel generators - namely the coal plants on the east coast - reach the end of technical life, the state governments and big corporates and local councils are moving well ahead of the stagnation in Canberra.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SydneyMetro/photos/a.1404688343152137.1073741828.1398640573756914/2072802543007377/?type=3&amp;theater">Sydney Metro on </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SydneyMetro/photos/a.1404688343152137.1073741828.1398640573756914/2072802543007377/?type=3&amp;theater">facebook</a>.
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Sydney Metro northwest to be powered by new solar farm in Beryl

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Testing on the Sydney Metro Northwest has begun expanding across sections of the new line beyond the Tullawong terminus, storage, maintenance and operations depot area where testing has been limited to thus far.

Trains have begun rolling over the new Windsor Road bridge and onto the new Kellyville Station this week with the ultimate aim to move into the new 15km long tunnels between Bella Vista and Epping soon.

The NSW Government says so far there have been 10,000 journey kilometres of train testing contained within the Rouse Hill / Tullawong area, 44km of the project's catenary is now installed (out of a total 78km) and 9 out of the first 22 trainsets have been delivered.

Trains are limited to 60kph during the initial testing phase on the elevated track section through Kellyville and Rouse Hill, eventually, trains will be tested at 100kph before moving onto the underground sections.

Sydney Metro Northwest and the second phase City &amp; Southwest is Australia's first driverless railway that will provide passengers who sit at the front of the train a forward view - something that is not possible in any other Australian railway system.

The initial fleet of 22 trains will be expanded once the line is extended to Bankstown via the CBD as part of the Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest project.  Each 6-car train will seat approximately 400 people and the combined seating and standing capacity will be 1100 passengers.

When demand warrants it, Sydney Metro stations will be expanded to handle 8 car trains which coupled with up to 2-minute headways on the line could boost the passenger carrying capacity to over 45,000 passengers per direction, per hour.

<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_windosr_road2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Test train crosses the Windsor Road bridge - image: Transport for NSW"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="311" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/syd_metro_windosr_road2.jpg?itok=xu6XS8AE" title="Test train crosses the Windsor Road bridge - image: Transport for NSW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Test train crosses the Windsor Road bridge - image: Transport for NSW</figcaption></figure>The terminus and outer stations on the new Sydney Metro line are seeing significant planning proposals either proposed adjacent or within an easy walk of the new stations.

As Apartments.com.au reported on <a href="/news/tallawong-station-precinct-south-destined-for-intensive-urban-renewal">Tuesday</a>, NSW Government development agency Landcom will oversee staged development on a site located directly south of the Tullawong terminus station.

Upwards of 16 buildings scaled up to 8 levels in height producing approximately 85,000 square metres of residential space across 1,107 dwellings are on the cards.

A further 5 projects are currently before council, 3 have been approved and three other projects are currently under construction in the immediate area as well.

The first phase of the Sydney Metro is expected to begin operations in 2019 with the full line open to Bankston by 2024. 
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Sydney Metro Northwest train testing expands to Kellyville

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The new Tallawong Metro Station will be the catalyst for intensive urban renewal immediately to the station's south.

NSW Government development agency Landcom will oversee the staged development which aims to capitalise upon the new station. Tallawong Metro Station is situated between the rapidly growing municipalities of Blacktown City Council and The Hills Shire Council, and site at the southeastern edge of the Northwest Growth Centre.

Architecture firm Bennett and Trimble have devised the mixed-use concept plans for the precinct which adjoins Tallawong Metro Station, which is itself approaching completion.

Expected for the Rouse Hill site are as many as 16 buildings scaled up to 8 storeys in height. Those 16 buildings are slated to hold approximately 85,000 square metres of residential space or 1,107 new dwellings.

<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/image69_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tullawong Station and the expected apartment enclave. Image: Landcom"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image69_10.jpg?itok=ZXyfOv1b" title="Tullawong Station and the expected apartment enclave. Image: Landcom" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tullawong Station and the expected apartment enclave. Image: Landcom</figcaption></figure>In addition, some 9,000 square metres of supporting non-residential gross floor area is included, as is a 2,900 square metre central park.

The project which is 48 kilometres north-west of Sydney's CBD is one of a string of similar higher density developments looking to utilise land around the newly built Sydney Metro stations in Sydney's north-west. Landcom and Sydney Metro are working in unison with the end goal of creating approximately 11,000 new dwellings and 350,000 square metres of floorspace dedicated commercial and retail use.

Tallawong Station Precinct South is costed at $386 million.

Urban Taskforce Australia has applauded the development. Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson said the following of the project via a media release:

<blockquote>
The overall scale of development at Tallawong appears to be reasonable for the location at the end of the North West Metro line. The Urban Taskforce is supportive of large scale developments with a number of buildings, mixed uses and the provision of a park as this gives a sense of community and balances shared amenities with 1,100 apartments in this case.
</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/image71_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Conferta Avenue with the Metro station in the distance. Image: Bennett and Trimble"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image71_7.jpg?itok=ymNYlcJg" title="Conferta Avenue with the Metro station in the distance. Image: Bennett and Trimble" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Conferta Avenue with the Metro station in the distance. Image: Bennett and Trimble</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The concept plan for 1,100 new apartments with 5 percent as rental affordable housing along with a park and retail uses has the ingredients for a quality outcome.

It is good to see that Landom’s approach to providing affordable housing is based on NSW Government’s Affordable Rental Housing SEPP of 2009 that provides the affordable housing for a 10 year period.
</blockquote>

The Tallawong Station Precinct South concept application is on <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Assess-and-Regulate/State-Significant-Projects/Sydney-Metro/Tallawong-Station-Precinct-South">public exhibition</a> until 9 August 2018.

The concept State Significant Development is the latest step in the intended precinct's development process, covering aspects such as appropriate size, height, and use. Should the concept seek approval a separate set of detailed plans will be submitted for approval and subsequent construction.

Associated planning documents show Tallawong Station Precinct South is expected to be developed during the 2020-2026 timeframe.
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silvermb

Tallawong Station Precinct South destined for intensive urban renewal

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The proposed development of the Tallawong Station Precinct by Landcom and the Sydney Metro demonstrates how a new diverse community can be planned.
The concept plan for 1,100 new apartments with 5 percent as rental affordable housing along with a park and retail uses has the ingredients for a quality outcome.
It is good to see that Landom’s approach to providing affordable housing is based on NSW Government’s Affordable Rental Housing SEPP of 2009 that provides the affordable housing for a 10 year period.
The Urban Taskforce has promoted the use of the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP approach with reasonable uplift to fund the affordable component.
In the Landcom proposal there is no uplift as the cost will be reflected in the value of the land and the normal SEPP requirement of 20 percent affordable units has been reduced to 5 percent.
This is a reasonable economic approach to the delivery of affordable housing and signals government support for a 10 year rental approach.
The Urban Taskforce supports this flexible, sensible and pragmatic approach to the provision of affordable housing which takes into account the sensitivity of the property market.
The overall scale of development at Tallawong appears to be reasonable for the location at the end of the North West Metro line (pictured above).
The Urban Taskforce is supportive of large scale developments with a number of buildings, mixed uses and the provision of a park as this gives a sense of community and balances shared amenities with 1,100 apartments in this case.
When the concept plan has been approved we assume Landcom will call for expressions of interest from the private sector to undertake the project.
Urban Taskforce members will be interested in becoming involved.
Chris Johnson is the CEO of Urban Taskforce
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Tallawong Station development has created a diverse new community: Chris Johnson

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Sydney Metro's second phase through the city and inner south-west suburbs will soon begin tunnelling with the first of five TBMs on their way, according to Transport for NSW.

The first of the 150-metre long tunnel boring machines will launch in Marrickville later in 2018 and begin tunnelling towards Waterloo Station.  It will then continue through the Sydney CBD before completing its run at Barangaroo.

A second TBM will start in Marrickville at a later date and then start its run to create the second rail tunnel toward Barangaroo and another two TBMs will begin on their run on the north shore, kicking off the tunnel section from Chatswood to Blues Point.

The fifth TBM will work specifically on the cross-harbour section from Blues Port to Barangaroo.  In all after the 8.1 km Marriveville to Barangaroo tunnel, the 6.2km Chatswood to Blues Point and 1km cross-harbour tunnel are complete, Sydney will have another twin set of 15km rail tunnels underneath the city.

Transport for NSW says the TBMs are delivered in eight shipping containers as well as 23 pieces that are too big they can't fit in a container including the massive 115-tonne cutter head and the TBMs, when they're in full swing, are expected to complete 120m of tunnel per week.

<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/sydney_metro_tbm_csw_01_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: Sydney Metro"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sydney_metro_tbm_csw_01_0.jpg?itok=XnwMD574" title="Image: Sydney Metro" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: Sydney Metro</figcaption></figure>This second lot of TBMs for the overall Sydney Metro project are approximately 30m longer than those used in the first phase, Sydney Metro Northwest.

The contract for the Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest was awarded in June 2017 with an initial price tag set at $2.81 billion.

A joint venture between John Holland, CPB Contracts and Ghella will be responsible for:

<ul>
<li>Twin 15.5km rail tunnels from Chatswood to Marrickville.</li>
	<li>Civil works for six new metro stations at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Marin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo.</li>
	<li>Construction of the dive sites at Chatswood and Marrickville as well as a cavern for a rail crossover at Barangaroo.</li>
	<li>Excavation of a temporary shaft at Blues Point for TBM retrieval and a substation shaft at Artarmon.</li>
	<li>A precast facility in Marrickville that will create the concrete tunnel lining.</li>
</ul>
Transport for New South Wales is running a new consultation round on the Sydenham to Bankstown section of Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest.  Read our report <a href="/news/sydney-metro-city-southwest-enters-new-consultation-round">here</a> or to lodge a submission, see <a href="http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&amp;job_id=8256">majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au</a>
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Sydney Metro's second batch of TBMs on their way

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

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Landcom has partnered with Transport for NSW to develop government land around Sydney Metro Northwest stations to create new places for families, businesses and communities.
The Castle Hill site is the first within the Hills Showground Project.
Landcom is calling for expressions of interest to deliver a mixed use local centre next to the future Hills Showground metro station.
Landcom chief executive John Brogden said it was seeking suitably qualified developers to deliver the first mixed use superlot adjacent to the future Hills Showground Station.
The site is at 1-5 Carrington Road, Castle Hill.
“The broader project will see potential for more than 1,600 dwellings and 10,000m2 of retail, commercial, and spaces for community use right next to the new Hills Showground Station. 
“This will enable residents to live, work, shop and relax within the precinct," he said adding the development will include an Affordable Housing component.
The Hills Showground development was the second site of a wider program to transform government land around the new metro stations of Tallawong, Kellyville, Bella Vista, Norwest, Castle Hill and Cherrybrook.
An Expression of Interest was called for the Cudgegong Road Station South site, recently renamed Tallawong Station, in March 2018.
Sydney Metro Northwest Places is a 10-year program.
The development is being marketed through Knight Frank with offers due July 16. with an Invitation to Tender is expected to be issued late this year, with a contract to be awarded early next year.
Sydney Metro services start in Sydney’s north west in the first half of 2019.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Landcom calls interest for mixed use development at Hills Showground metro station

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A development application seeking concept approval has been lodged with the New South Wales Planning &amp; Environment department and is currently on exhibition via the department's Major Projects website.

The application seeks approval for a building envelope, maximum gross floor area, land uses, future subdivision and general development strategies to inform the future detailed design of the over station development on a site bounded by Miller Street, Berry Street, Denison Street and the heritage listed MLC Building in North Sydney.

The L-shaped site of the Victoria Cross station and over station development (OSD) concept slopes from a high point of 66.5 metres near the corner of Miller and Berry Streets downwards, in an easterly direction, toward the Denison Street frontage.  

The bulk of the of the envelope is massed within a 42 level tower setback from Miller Street, however, the Denison St frontage has a continuation of the envelope which reaches 15 levels.

Documents lodged with Major Projects shows an envelope that stands at 230m RL, producing a building envelope height between 163.5 metres and 171 metres above ground, depending on which street frontage you use as the ground level.  The application refers to the concept's nominal height at 168m.

Application proponent Transport for New South Wales says as a result of building the Sydney Metro and the Victoria Cross station, North Sydney will be "only six minutes to the heart of the city at Martin Place and four minutes to Barangaroo, North Sydney will be more connected than ever before."

<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/victoria_cross_concept2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Building envelope for the over station development concept at Victoria Cross - image: Transport for NSW"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="559" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/victoria_cross_concept2.png?itok=QOY6tcDi" title="Building envelope for the over station development concept at Victoria Cross - image: Transport for NSW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Building envelope for the over station development concept at Victoria Cross - image: Transport for NSW</figcaption></figure>The concept has a total of 67,000 square metres of gross floor area - 60,000 relates to the over station development, 2,500 square metres for the station operations and 4,500 squares for retail components attached to the station.

The 168-metre envelope seeks approval for 40 commercial levels and 2 for rooftop plant equipment.  The low-rise portion of the building envelope fronting Denison Street measures approximately 55 metres in height and can fit approximately 15 levels.

Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest is the second phase of the Sydney Metro project that will join the first phase at Chatswood and see trains run through North Sydney, Barangaroo, the CBD, Waterloo, Sydenham and then out to Bankstown. 

Phase 1 of Sydney metro will open in 2019 and see driverless trains run from Tallawong at Rouse Hill to Chatswood.  Services will operate every 4 minutes in the peak and the same operational frequencies are anticipated to extend through to phase 2 when it opens in 2024.

To view the concept's planning application, see <a href="http://www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&amp;job_id=8874">majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au</a> 

Lead image credit: TfNSW.
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