Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Tower Cranes

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Anyone thinking Melbourne's construction activity is slowing may want to consider the all-time high number of tower cranes currently in use across Melbourne.

This current instalment of the Apartments.com.au Crane Count sees 165 in use, propelled by strong commercial construction activity and the propensity of many smaller-scale builders to employ tower cranes across projects which in the past have not warranted such units.

The takeaway point of this count is the rise and rise of commercial construction activity, heralding the beginning of another peak in the commercial construction cycle. This is especially evident along Collins Street which has seen tower cranes pop up in strong numbers.

By pooling varied resources and conducting a physical count, we believe the census to be accurate to within 1-2 units.

<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/img_9999.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The CBD's west end is awash with new tower cranes."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="738" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9999.jpg?itok=awJHk2pq" title="The CBD's west end is awash with new tower cranes." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The CBD's west end is awash with new tower cranes.</figcaption></figure><h2>The rise and rise of Melbourne</h2>

The current record high mark for tower cranes across Melbourne continues the upward trend observed by Apartments.com.au that stems <a href="/news/the-cranes-have-it-a-melbourne-construction-overview">back to 2013</a>. In that year 97 tower cranes were in use across metropolitan Melbourne, and of those 65 were committed to residential projects. <a href="/news/the-biannual-urbancomau-crane-census-july-2014">2014</a> added another 10 units to reach at total of 107.

<a href="/news/the-biannual-urbancomau-crane-count-march-2015">March 2015</a> jumped to 131 in use (with 91 dedicated to residential), whilst <a href="/news/a-new-record-urbancomaus-october-2015-crane-count">later that year</a> the number rose further to 144.

<a href="/news/pulse-of-the-construction-industry-melbourne-tower-crane-count-march-2016">Early last year</a> another benchmark was achieved at 161, and whilst the number tapered off to 140 during <a href="/news/finger-on-the-pulse-metropolitan-melbourne-crane-count-march-2017">summer 2016/2017</a>, the current surge in commercial projects has once again propelled the tower crane count across Melbourne to new highs.

Earlier this year 10 of tower cranes were employed on commercial projects. Currently that figure stands at 21, with the prospects of it increasing over the next few months exceedingly strong.

<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/img_0823aa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Trilby in Collingwood received its tower crane during mid October"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0823aa.jpg?itok=isRsP1Zs" title="Trilby in Collingwood received its tower crane during mid October" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Trilby in Collingwood received its tower crane during mid October</figcaption></figure><h2>A sign of the times</h2>

Recent weeks have also seen first time tower cranes erected for two builders in a continuing sign of the changing dynamic at the lower end of the residential construction sector.

Aspekt Construction Group have a unit in service for Hawthorn Club Apartments whilst Atelier Projects have just seen the installation of a tower crane for the Grocon-backed Greenwich Fairfield. Having another builder deliver the 77 apartments sees Grocon a long way from its halcyon days of being the undisputed builder of choice in Melbourne.

In the weeks ahead tower cranes are likely to appear for boutique construction companies ARC3 and Marcus Group, whch are aligned with established builders Buildcorp Commercial and ABD Group respectively.

<h2>Ending on oddities</h2>

It's not all residential and commercial across Melbourne.

Two oddball projects are sporting tower cranes at the moment. Over the weekend MCG Cranes commissioned a tower crane for Hacer on their Waratah Place Zone Substation build in the CBD. Spanning Heffernan Lane to Waratah Place, the build will eventually see a CO-OP Studio-designed structure built with interactive facades to both laneways.

Another irregular project sees a tower crane in Marr Contracting colours plying its trade at the Mobil Altona Refinery. The Sydney-based heavy lift tower crane firm is a rare sight in Melbourne.

<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/heffernan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hacer sees another crane in the skyline with its markings. Images: MCG Cranes"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="431" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/heffernan.jpg?itok=-b_oxwpk" title="Hacer sees another crane in the skyline with its markings. Images: MCG Cranes" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hacer sees another crane in the skyline with its markings. Images: MCG Cranes</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Its a record! Metropolitan Melbourne crane count November 2017

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Melbourne's construction sector and the local development industry at large is showing a high degree of resilience, as tower cranes continue to populate the skyline in healthy numbers.

Despite predictions and warnings of an easing in the apartment sector in particular, Apartments.com.au has this city's tower crane count currently at a strong 140, just short of the October 2015 figure of 144 and well above the July 2014 figure of 107. Although holding strong at 140, the figure is well short of this city's high benchmark of <a href="/news/pulse-of-the-construction-industry-melbourne-tower-crane-count-march-2016">161 achieved during March last year</a>. 

This current instalment of the Apartments.com.au Crane Count also sees a number of firsts, with peripheral suburbs such as Mernda and Werribee South in the tower crane mix for the first time, as is Spanish tower crane manufacturer Saez who's units are beginning to appear across Melbourne.

By pooling varied resources and conducting a physical count, we believe the census to be accurate to within 1-2 units.

<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/img_7192.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Saez have landed in Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="417" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7192.jpg?itok=Un9Q_ZFi" title="Saez have landed in Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Saez have landed in Melbourne</figcaption></figure><h2>Residential...and then the rest</h2>

Apartments projects are as always dominant in the census - all bar 21 of the 140 units around Melbourne are devoted to residential builds.

The vast majority of tower cranes are perched above low and medium density residential projects; although not in the limelight relative to their inner city, high-rise equivalents, these smaller projects continue to be the unheralded driver of Melbourne's development scene.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 578px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 289px;">Purpose</td>
			<td style="width: 279px;">Number in use</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 289px;">High-density Residential</td>
			<td style="width: 279px;">119</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 289px;">Commercial and Civic</td>
			<td style="width: 279px;">10</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 289px;">Health and Research</td>
			<td style="width: 279px;">5</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 289px;">Student Accommodation</td>
			<td style="width: 279px;">4</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 289px;">Hotel accommodation</td>
			<td style="width: 279px;">2</td>
		</tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>The bulge continues</h2>

A trend that continues to intensify is the outward spread of tower cranes into some of Melbourne's newer suburbs. 

As touched upon earlier, Wyndham Harbour at Werribee South is sporting its first tower crane, as is Mernda (although the latter is doing precious little currently). Add the likes of Werribee, Wantirna South, Narre Warren, Berwick and Patterson Lakes, and the spread of tower cranes points to the intensification of development in many of Melbourne's outlying suburbs.

In terms of the middle/outer suburb with the highest tower crane count, there's no surprise that Box Hill takes that honour with 6 in use, and with more to follow.

<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/image13_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Werribee South, Berwick and Ringwood are part of the outer suburban spread"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_14.jpg?itok=IoG5h4Ht" title="Werribee South, Berwick and Ringwood are part of the outer suburban spread" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Werribee South, Berwick and Ringwood are part of the outer suburban spread</figcaption></figure><h2>Future intent</h2>

Caydon's Mason Square project on the former Moonee Ponds Market site looms as the single largest project by tower cranes employed. With three currently onsite, a further two will be installed according to provider MCG Cranes in order to deliver the project that will yield Caydon in excess of 1,000 apartments.

Melbourne's commercial construction scene is also due for a boost following a quiet period of construction activity. Projects such as ANZ's 839 Collins Street, Collins Arch and 477 Collins Street are all at early construction whilst 80 Collins Street may well be sporting tower cranes by the next census, as onsite works are progressing on the long delayed project.

Brunswick flanked by Brunswick East and West shape as a forthcoming suburban hot spot for tower cranes, with a healthy number of projects poised to begin construction, or well into their sales campaign.

<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/img_6510.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 of 5 tower cranes for Caydon's latest build"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6510.jpg?itok=gGtJIq0B" title="2 of 5 tower cranes for Caydon's latest build" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2 of 5 tower cranes for Caydon's latest build</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Finger on the pulse: Metropolitan Melbourne Crane Count March 2017

<html><body>
Has much of anything changed in the past six months regarding Melbourne's commercial construction output? 

There has been a spike in tower crane usage throughout Melbourne since the last census conducted during October 2015, contrary to the prediction made by Apartments.com.au. As of last week there were 161 tower cranes (give or take one or two units) plying their trade Melbourne-wide, a noteworthy jump of 17 relative to the October 2015 figure.

Whilst the top end of town remains steady and well served by incumbents such as General Cranes, MCG Cranes, Select Cranes and the like, the majority of growth has occurred in the suburbs where the proliferation of small and medium sized apartment development continues to flourish. Growth in the overall tower crane count is due to a new breed of smaller tower cranes employed to service this growing sector.

<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/img_1274.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Smaller cranes for smaller builds have become more popular"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1274.jpg?itok=xaf9mRUa" title="Smaller cranes for smaller builds have become more popular" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Smaller cranes for smaller builds have become all the more popular</figcaption></figure>Set aside the natural skew toward the City of Melbourne and the numbers reveal a relatively even spread of tower cranes throughout metropolitan Melbourne. Doncaster and Box Hill continue to be apartment hot spots as evidenced by the number of cranes in use through Manningham and Whitehorse. A notable mention also goes to Brunswick East with a handful of projects beginning their skyward path in recent months.

Of the cranes in use, a sizeable 85% are for residential use, including student accommodation and retirement living projects.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 314px;">Residential Tower Crane Location</td>
			<td style="width: 174px;">Tower Cranes</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 314px;">Melbourne CBD</td>
			<td style="width: 174px;">19</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 314px;">Docklands - Nth/West/East Melbourne</td>
			<td style="width: 174px;">23</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 314px;">Fishermans Bend/Southbank/Carlton/Parkville</td>
			<td style="width: 174px;">13</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 314px;">Port Phillip - Glen Eira</td>
			<td style="width: 174px;">12</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 314px;">Yarra</td>
			<td style="width: 174px;">12</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 314px;">Moonee Valley - Maribyrnong - Moreland</td>
			<td style="width: 174px;">19</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 314px;">Manningham - Whitehorse - Boroondara</td>
			<td style="width: 174px;">20</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 314px;">Wider metro Melbourne</td>
			<td style="width: 174px;">19</td>
		</tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>A period of firsts</h2>

The past six months have yielded a number of firsts, with the first tower cranes appearing within two urban renewal projects; Fisahermans Bend and Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct.

New logos mounted across Melbourne's skyline are evident with first time users of tower cranes continuing to flow through. The likes of Buildcept, Liberty Builders, AG Constructions and EyeQ Constructions all notching up the milestone of sorts since the last census.

The tallest hammerhead to be used in Melbourne also made its mark atop Brady Group's Vision Tower whilst a sorry MCG Cranes unit continues to sit forlornly atop 150 Queen Street. Achieving precious little over a two year period, the tower crane is a rather overt reminder of the legal struggles that CEL Australia have endured in realising Tower Melbourne.

<h2>Lend Lease powers ahead</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/25092494402_08124fb780_b.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The newest builds within Lend Lease's Victoria Harbour. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/25092494402_08124fb780_b.jpg?itok=JZasV5FT" title="The newest builds within Lend Lease's Victoria Harbour. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The newest builds within Lend Lease's Victoria Harbour. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Lend Lease is enjoying a purple patch with 12 tower cranes spread across two large residential developments and RMIT's New Academic Street project. The ever strong Victoria Harbour is currently sporting 6 tower cranes spread over a handful of residential towers which will accommodate near on 1,500 apartments upon completion

Toorak Park is also in full swing with five tower cranes delivering the residential enclave which holds an Orrong Road address. Lend Lease's 12 tower cranes in use sits behind the current 13 employed by Brookfield Multiplex, with residential builder Hamilton Marino in third place with 10 in use.

With Arup signed to Lend Lease's Melbourne Quarter, the developer also has another large-scale Melbourne project set to start.

<h2>High times ahead</h2>

The point at which the next Apartments.com.au Crane Count is conducted will invariably throw up two projects with newly installed tower cranes. Both Australia 108 and Aurora Melbourne Central are roughly tracking square with one another in terms of where they find themselves in construction progression.

The marquee projects will yield in excess of 2,000 private apartments between them and in Aurora's case an additional 200+ serviced apartments.

With build times out to 2019 and beyond, these two skyline defining projects will act as a visible 'backbone' for Melbourne's immense construction boom for some years to come.

<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/img_1573_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The current state of Aurora Melbourne Central"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1573_0.jpg?itok=QUNDmq6n" title="The current state of Aurora Melbourne Central" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The current state of Aurora Melbourne Central</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Pulse of the construction industry: Melbourne tower crane count March 2016

<html><body>
Since the inception of the Apartments.com.au crane count, the number of tower cranes has never failed to decrease on a period to period basis.

This remains the case once more, with the second and final count of 2015 revealing a record number of tower cranes dotted throughout metropolitan Melbourne. At our best assertion, the current number stands at 144. This compares to an October 2014 count of 110 and a <a href="/news/the-biannual-urbancomau-crane-count-march-2015">March 2015 figure of 131</a>.

The continual movement of the figure upwards points toward the exceptionally strong residential sector, which accounts for a massive 81% of all tower cranes currently in use.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%">
<thead><tr>
<th>Sector</th>
			<th>Tower cranes</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Residential</td>
			<td>117</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commercial</td>
			<td>17</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Education / student housing</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel use</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Demolition use</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Health and medical research</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Retail</td>
			<td>4</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total</td>
			<td>144</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>South east in form</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_7553.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Chadstone stands as a highly visible project under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7553.jpg?itok=-SN_aVgi" title="Chadstone stands as a highly visible project under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Chadstone stands as a highly visible project under construction</figcaption></figure>Traditionally an area which has lagged behind more established construction hot spots, Melbourne's south eastern suburbs have come into their own in recent months, with 17 tower cranes in use over and area bound by Malvern East to Dandenong, and all the bayside suburbs found in between.

Underpinned by larger projects such as Chadstone and Caulfield Heath, the remaining tower cranes are employed on an increasing number of projects in suburbs where apartment living has began to flourish. Oakleigh for example has not been without a tower crane for two years, as one completed high density residential project is replaced by another under construction.

Projects which have recently received tower cranes in the south east include Holmes Hill, Caulfield Heath, Drummond Rise, Gascoigne and Monash University Clayton with all bar the latter residential projects.

<h2>All bar one</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_7042.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marco Melbourne looking less precarious than in recent times"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7042.jpg?itok=0ckpIrno" title="Marco Melbourne looking less precarious than in recent times" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marco Melbourne now looks less precarious than in recent times</figcaption></figure>The count is of course minus one unit, owing to the removal of the General Cranes machine which <a href="/news/inside-marco-melbournes-tower-crane-collapse">suffered a malfunction</a> in August.

Over two months later, the remnants of both the tower crane and the crushed Lubeca jump form have been removed, with the exposed concrete lift well of the stalled western tower now set for a new jump form to be applied. Where the replacement tower crane will stand remains to be seen.

<h2>Future prediction</h2>

What can be said for the crane count heading into 2016? Aside from 80 Collins Street and the Rialto Towers Forecourt project, relatively few commercial projects are set for tower cranes over the next six months. The same can be said for health and retail uses as large-scale projects such as Monash Childrens Hospital, Chadstone and Eastland no longer requiring the use of tower cranes.

While residential projects will continue to absorb the majority of units, we predict the overall tower crane count employed throughout Melbourne over the next six months will remain steady or dip slightly.
</body></html>

A new record: Urban.com.au's October 2015 crane count

<html><body>
What better way to judge the health of the construction sector than by ushering in the first Apartments.com.au crane count for 2015. And the sector must be booming given the current number of tower cranes plying their trade, blitzing any previous count to set a new record at 131 units.

It's not necessarily the inner city shouldering the burden either with tower cranes spread far and wide. Ringwood for instance has seven in use while Werribee, Knox, Frankston and Melbourne Airport also add to the spread.

At our assertion there's currently 131 tower cranes in use, comfortably outnumbering previous periods where the count averages roughly 110. While a variance of a handful of units is always factored in, there's no doubt that at this point in time Melbourne has never seen so many projects under construction. The importance to the employment rate and Melbourne's overall economic health can be extrapolated from the very healthy current numbers.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th>Sector</th>
			<th>Cranes in use</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Residential / aged care</td>
			<td>91</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commercial office</td>
			<td>13</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Education / affiliated student housing</td>
			<td>8</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Health and medical research</td>
			<td>7</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Retail shopping centres</td>
			<td>10</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Demolition of existing structures</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Considered the wheel house of our city's property development sector, the City of Melbourne accounts for a relatively light one third of all the tower cranes currently in use, with the remainder throughout greater Melbourne.

As always crane use for residential projects is at the heart of the census, accounting for 70% of all tower cranes erected at the moment. While those dedicated to commercial use have seen insignificant change over recent years, the number dedicated toward student housing and retail purposes have served to spike the crane count.

<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/img_0453.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ringwood's Eastland development providing a boost"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0453.jpg?itok=Jf7gj9NV" title="Ringwood's Eastland development providing a boost" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ringwood's Eastland development providing a boost</figcaption></figure>Probuild are handling large-scale expansions of Eastland Ringwood, Chadstone and Pacific Werribee, which now account for ten tower cranes dedicated toward the retail aspect of these three projects. The combined monetary value of these three developments is about the $1.5 billion mark, with The Glen and Westfiled Knox also shaping up for regeneration during the latter part of 2015, which is valued at a combined $1 billion.

The high demand for cranes in Melbourne has seen new operators flood into the market in recent years. Latest to appear on the Melbourne skyline is Sydney-based Titan Cranes who provided cranes for Leighton Contractors' Melbourne Airport expansion, and are now present at Knox Private Hospital in Wantirna.

<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/img_0864.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Titan Cranes at Melbourne Airport during late 2014"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0864.jpg?itok=NwHIEM3b" title="Titan Cranes at Melbourne Airport during late 2014" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Titan Cranes at Melbourne Airport during late 2014</figcaption></figure>Peering into the next Apartments.com.au crane count toward the last quarter of 2015, a host of high profile apartment towers will keep demand for tower cranes buoyant. The likes of Lighthouse, Australia 108, Victoria One, Tower Melbourne and EQ Tower are set to receive multiple tower cranes each over the course of 2015, with the shortest of these five being EQ Tower at 200 metres.

Elsewhere a rash of projects in Docklands will see the precinct attract its fair share of tower cranes while Doncaster looks like a construction hot spot to watch in the latter part of the year.
</body></html>

The biannual Urban.com.au crane count - March 2015

<html><body>
It's time once more to take the pulse of Melbourne's development scene, with another installment of the Apartments.com.au Crane Census. Akin to the <a href="http://rlb.com/publications/rlb-crane-index-4th-edition-2014/" target="_blank">RLB Crane Index</a>, the Apartments.com.au version assesses the location of tower cranes throughout metropolitan Melbourne as opposed to the RLB Crane Index which concentrates on Melbourne's inner suburbs, hence providing a more comprehensive report of what is being built and where.

By pooling varied resources and conducting a physical count, we believe the census to be accurate to within 1-2 units.

<h2>By the numbers: The Apartments.com.au crane census</h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%">
<thead><tr>
<th>Locality</th>
			<th>All</th>
			<th>Residential</th>
			<th>Commercial</th>
			<th>Health/Institutional</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne CBD</td>
			<td>14</td>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne LGA / Docklands</td>
			<td>12</td>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne Southbank</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne Carlton/Parkville</td>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>5</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Port Phillip</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stonnington</td>
			<td>16</td>
			<td>13</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boroondara</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yarra</td>
			<td>15</td>
			<td>13</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Manningham / Whitehorse</td>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>North &amp; West</td>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>South &amp; East</td>
			<td>11</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total</td>
			<td>107 (100%)</td>
			<td>75 (70%)</td>
			<td>20 (19%)</td>
			<td>12 (11%)</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Highlights</h2>

<ul>
<li>Ten tower cranes currently on health related projects with five alone for the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.</li>
	<li>The equivalent count last year saw residential projects account for 67% or tower cranes in use.</li>
	<li>The current figure has increased to 70% as tower cranes become more common on smaller scale residential projects, and is expected to continue growing.</li>
	<li>Commercial tower crane use has risen marginally from 17% to 20% over the equivalent period.</li>
	<li>The breadth of tower crane placement has never been greater, from Tullamarine to Ringwood to Frankston.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_7325.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The most recent arrival, Caelli's Eastland lifter"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7325.jpg?itok=CuhM9NnP" title="The most recent arrival, Caelli's Eastland lifter" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The most recent arrival, Caelli's lifter for Probuild's Eastland redevelopment</figcaption></figure><h2>All in the timing</h2>

Melbourne's large crane count is a reflection of the success of relatively new tower crane operator, Clark Cranes. This half yearly census shows that in excess of 20 Raimondi tower cranes with Clark Cranes' blue and yellow trim are distributed throughout greater Melbourne, with only two of their tower cranes found within City of Melbourne.

Having been a mobile crane operator for some time, Clark Cranes evidently read the tea leaves perfectly and entered the tower crane hire market a few short years ago at a point when low and mid-rise residential projects were proliferating throughout greater Melbourne. The niche service they provide in smaller scale tower cranes for predominantly residential projects has clearly resonated with many of Melbourne's smaller builders.

<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/img_7363.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A typical Clark Cranes project - Blu Apartments Edithvale"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7363.jpg?itok=0ss0ReGw" title="A typical Clark Cranes project - Blu Apartments Edithvale" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A typical Clark Cranes project - Blu Apartments Edithvale</figcaption></figure><h2>Looking ahead</h2>

As has been the norm for some years there's no shortage of upcoming projects warranting tower cranes of all sizes. Over the months to come hubs of construction such as Doncaster, Box Hill and Fitzroy can expect additional cranes while Clayton can expect a potential count of 5-7 tower cranes by year's end due to imminent residential, education and health projects.

Within the CBD a number of cranes will continue their upward journey while a batch of new cranes will grace the cities skies for large-scale projects such as Light House, Victoria One Melbourne and 35 Spring Street. This new wave will emerge into the new year, just in time for the next Apartments.com.au crane count.
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The biannual Urban.com.au crane census - July 2014

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Tower cranes are always an excellent indicator as to the health of the local construction scene, and by extension the economy at large. Long gone are the gloomy days of the early 1990's when a tower crane was a rarity, replaced today by a brigade of new operators successfully carving out their niche fuelled by Melbourne's seemingly insatiable population growth.

Whereas four months ago we provided a static list of <a href="/news/the-cranes-have-it-a-melbourne-construction-overview" target="_blank">tower cranes operational in Melbourne</a>, included today is an active map highlighting tower crane locations throughout greater Melbourne.

<h2>Then and now</h2>

To understand today's state of play it's worth considering what has transpired post 2000. When the author began taking more than just a passing interest in Melbourne's development and construction scene, it was a different beast to what exists today. Boom Logistics, Verticon and Caelli Cranes were the dominant players of the day, erecting cranes on large build projects generally within a tight radius of the CBD.

While Caelli marches on, Vertigon fell by the wayside and Boom morphed into General Cranes. Joining these survivors though were a raft of new operators such as Active Crane Hire, Clark Cranes, MCG Cranes, Hudson Peat and Select Cranes who all required work for their fleet.

Perhaps the best example is that of Clark Cranes; call it luck or exceptional forecasting, but by concentrating on providing tower cranes for smaller scale project generally outside the CBD, the operator has successfully ridden the boom in suburban apartment living, something that was not plausible a decade ago.

<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/Upper-West-Side0094.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View from the top. Image © Hudson Peat "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Upper-West-Side0094.jpg?itok=-qoiEUa8" title="View from the top. Image © Hudson Peat" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View from the top. Image © Hudson Peat</figcaption></figure><h2>Far and wide</h2>

With a little help, we have devised the map below, providing a visual recognition of Melbourne's current large scale construction activity. Accurate to within one or two units, the map sees 84 tower cranes currently in use, with areas east of the CBD well represented.

Pascoe Vale, Ringwood, Hawthorn East and Doncaster East all sport projects between 3-5 levels, yet command tower cranes. These are relatively small projects but very much symptomatic of construction practices changing to meet the sustained surge toward higher density living in suburban Melbourne.

Where 70 cranes in the mid 2000's indicated boom times, it's now considered the norm. Of the 84 tower cranes currently operational, 70% are dedicated toward residential projects demonstrating how the attached dwelling sector has surged ahead in recent years.

<iframe height="480" src="https://mapsengine.google.com/map/embed?mid=zqdl6A2iXb4Y.kULlyqp67wXU" width="580"></iframe>

<h2>What lies ahead</h2>

We thought it worthwhile to include an additional map forecasting expected tower cranes within the next quarter. That is, projects where site works have or are about to begin, facilitating the installation of a tower crane in the near term.

The map highlights the further spread of tower cranes throughout greater Melbourne, with Dandenong benefiting in particular. Often maligned, the envisaged 'Second CBD' should kick ahead with four tower cranes likley on Mosaic Apartments, 27 Scott Street and the new ATO complex at 11-13 Robinson Street in the near term.

<iframe height="480" src="https://mapsengine.google.com/map/embed?mid=zqdl6A2iXb4Y.kCvQb5GjyV1E" width="580"></iframe>

While manufacturing in Victoria may be under the pump, it's worth noting that population growth is strong, apartment build starts are solid and commercial office requirements/construction remains fair. This in turn maintains momentum in one of the state's largest employment sectors; and not just held to the confines of the inner city.

As for when north and western areas of greater Melbourne will match the output of the south and east? That's near impossible to pinpoint although there's no lack of proposals ready to propel Footscray, Moonee Ponds and Sunshine onto the above maps.

By and large, Melbourne's construction sector remains resilient.
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February major construction activity mapped

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Articles have surfaced in recent weeks highlighting the number of cranes appearing throughout Melbourne and the implied construction/economic activity that follows. Yesterday yielded the most recent piece with the Australian Financial Review running an article titled 'Crane count a good construction indicator' where international property and construction practice <a href="http://rlb.com/" target="_blank">Rider Levett Bucknall</a> counted the number of cranes populating the skylines of state capitals - an index of construction prosperity if you will.

Quoting the article, "Melbourne has 43 visible cranes in the CBD, and 15 more within a ­five kilo­metre radius. Of that, 33 cranes are supporting residential developments. There are 13 on commercial sites, six are on health sites and the remainder are working on sport, retail and education projects."

<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/ntc%2020130221.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A snapshot of Melbourne early 2013"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/ntc%2020130221.jpg?itok=MtQTfoKo" title="A snapshot of Melbourne early 2013" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Using the resources at Apartments.com.au's disposal we've decided to take this index a step further, today providing a breakdown of greater Melbourne's crane count accurate to within one or two units. Melbourne first broke through the 100 tower crane barrier during November 2012, with the peak achieved during June 2013 where an impressive 108 tower cranes were plying their trade.

While a General Cranes unit was disassembled last weekend at Melbourne Star and Melbourne Sky within Melbourne's CBD, Clark Cranes erected a unit for a 77 apartment complex at 701 Barkly Street Footscray bolstering the current count to 97 cranes visible over greater Melbourne's skyline. Although many projects are in the construction phase, it's interesting to note that pre-sales for certain large residential projects commenced well over two years ago. Regardless the table below is gives a clear indication of Melbourne's current construction progression.

<div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th>Locality</th>
			<th>Total</th>
			<th>Residential</th>
			<th>Commercial</th>
			<th>Institutional</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne CBD</td>
			<td>26</td>
			<td>18</td>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne LGA / Docklands</td>
			<td>11</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Southbank / Carlton</td>
			<td>17</td>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>9</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Port Phillip</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stonnington</td>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boroondarra</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yarra</td>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Whitehorse</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>South East suburbs</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>North West suburbs</td>
			<td>11</td>
			<td>9</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>All</td>
			<td>97</td>
			<td>65</td>
			<td>17</td>
			<td>15</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

What can be deuced from this? Residential projects account for 67% of tower cranes in use. While a number of big ticket projects such as Richmond Icon, Central South Yarra and Vision Apartments will gain cranes in coming months, it's expected the overall number of cranes working on residential projects will decrease, mirroring current market sales. The suburban spread of tower cranes is healthy with localities such as Sandringham, Pascoe Vale and Glen Iris hosting sizeable residential projects, further bolstering the march of apartment living into outer suburbs.

Commercial projects are holding up well given the market is cycling out of its peak. Aside from KPMG anchoring a substantial office development within Collins Square relatively few office projects are in the pipeline. Institutional projects cover medical facilities, government buildings and education builds. The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Mercy Fernhill, Royal Children's Stage 2, Warringal Private Heidelberg and Carlton Wellbeing headline big ticket medical projects requiring tower cranes; always a good sign when money is invested into fundamentals such as health.

In the wider sense consigned to history are the boom and bust days that typified Melbourne during the 1990's where no cranes were visible in Melbourne's skyline for years on end. While any free market is susceptible to corrections, the cycle has flattened out considerably to the point where any project can commence subject to its own stipulations. Add the proliferation of apartment living and tower cranes will always be a part of Melbourne's vista, as they should be as part of any progressive city.
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