Sun Property Group (SPG) has taken a major step to reinforce its commitment to consumer trust by securing Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) from Resilience Insurance for its nearly completed Willoughby development on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

The boutique project, Aurora, comprising 12 apartments and a ground-floor commercial space, is one of few in the region to adopt the forward-thinking insurance model—offering a point of difference in a competitive market.

For Cameron Johnson, General Manager at Sun Property Group, the decision to adopt LDI was rooted in the company’s long-standing philosophy of maintaining a highly personalised relationship with its end users.

“We’ve always taken ownership over our product,” Johnson said. “Introducing LDI is not just about peace of mind for the buyer—it’s about raising the internal bar. It becomes the baseline for how we do things going forward.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109919 project_image_fid=205006]

While hundreds of developers and builders have taken out an LDI policy from Resilience Insurance, the insurance is still relatively new to Australia. Johnson says he sees significant future potential with LDI nationwide, with both&nbsp;regulatory and market frameworks starting to evolve to support its wider use in class two buildings.

“When we started the Willoughby project, LDI was still just a concept being floated by the Building Commissioner’s office," Johnson says.

"Delays in the construction timeline gave us the unique opportunity to adopt it as the product became more available in late 2023."

That timing aligned with a shift in construction contractors on the project, which opened the door for a more collaborative and considered implementation of the insurance. According to Johnson, Resilience Insurance was proactive and solution-oriented.

“It wasn’t just about us buying a product off the shelf. It was a dialogue—how can we work together to deliver something that meets both of our needs?” he added.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109919 project_image_fid=5717]

LDI covers major structural defects for up to 10 years post-completion and offers an alternative to the traditional developer bond held under the Department of Fair Trading’s scheme. SPG prudently factor in a two per cent cost profile for such measures into its feasibility, treating it as “business as usual.”

“What LDI does is show the consumer that we’re front-ending our responsibilities—design, delivery, documentation, execution. That whole chain of custody is assessed and independently reviewed throughout construction. It’s a rubber stamp on quality,” Johnson said.

In a region where no other nearby developments currently carry LDI, the move also creates a market differentiator. While some projects may carry an iCIRT rating, few offer the depth of protection and oversight that LDI provides, especially outside of publicly listed organisations.

Aurora is being brought to market by Henry Burke of McGrath Projects. With the recent cut in interest rates Burke expects that many first home buyers and investors will jump at the chance to buy in Aurora due to its convenient location, fantastic retail amenity, picturesque parks with leafy walks, and excellent transport connections with only one stop to Sydney CBD. He expects a local owner-occupier to secure the standout penthouse which offers 175 sqm of internal space and further 200 sqm of outdoor space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109919 project_image_fid=205010]

Johnson says Aurora residents will not only benefit from the first right insurance policy, which means action is taken immediately rather than often long and complicated battles as developers and builders point fingers at each other as to who created the issue, but from how it can benefit the strata communities of the building.

Many buyers, especially first-time apartment owners, have limited understanding of shared infrastructure or the responsibilities of Owners Corporations. LDI adds an important layer of education, structure, and protection.

“People want to move in and enjoy what they’ve bought. But when things go wrong, that’s when emotions and stress levels rise. The insurance policy gives owners a clearer path to resolution—an assured, regulated compensation process. It also helps equip owners and managers with the knowledge they need to maintain the building properly.”

The insurance includes tools such as service penetration matrices and access documentation—going far beyond standard build drawings. Johnson says it’s about delivering not just a home, but a sustainable, manageable asset.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109919 project_image_fid=343670]

Sun Property Group continues to build on its strong track record across Sydney’s Lower North Shore, with an upcoming major development of its Bowen Street, Chatswood landholdings and additional projects underway in Melbourne. The team recently completed its debut Melbourne apartment project, The Brookville in Toorak, showcasing their commitment to delivering high-quality, design-led communities.

In a region where no other nearby developments currently carry LDI, the move also creates a market differentiator

Joel Robinson

Sun Property Group approaches completion of Willoughby's first apartment development with 10-year Latent Defects Insurance

Renowned developer-builder DASCO has unveiled its much-anticipated new development in the heart of Epping.

The architectural brief for Turner Studio was to “create a community where residents are completely immersed in a paradise for the senses.”

The result is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/senso-epping-242-244-beecroft-road-epping-nsw-2121">Senso</a>, a series of buildings that have been oriented around an unrepeatable 10,000 sqm-plus site to create a facility-laden, landscape-first precinct, something of which Epping and its surrounds have not seen before.

There are 479 apartments available in a variety of floorplans across the five buildings, a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in addition to a curated penthouse collection.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4553]

The apartments have been designed to appeal to the owner-occupier market, with generous floorplans, premium materials, and optional upgrades including integrated refrigeration, bespoke joinery, and motorised blinds.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>, who builds its own developments, is once again bringing peace of mind to its clients by taking the 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy offered by Resilience Insurance, which protects buyers against any structural or waterproofing issues for 10 years post completion of the building. This insurance can only be taken out by the builder or developer and not by individual apartment owners.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4552]

DASCO is known for creating more than just apartments — they create places where people connect. Senso will have over 4,000 sqm of resort-inspired communal amenity in the form of two rooftop pools, a celestial outdoor cinema, wellness club, sensory walk, and an observation deck, in addition to multiple BBQ and outdoor communal areas on multiple levels, intended to deliver a complete lifestyle offering within the residential environment.

There will be over 800 sqm of retail space on street level, which will likely be run as hospitality venues.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]

Located adjacent to the new Epping Town Centre masterplan, and just a five-minute walk from Epping Metro Station, Senso offers seamless access to Macquarie Park, Chatswood and the Sydney CBD. Families who are interested in the large two- and three-bedroom apartments are within proximity to several regarded educational institutions including Macquarie University, James Ruse Agricultural High, and Cheltenham Girls School.

The project also leverages Epping’s growing dining and retail precinct, proximity to Macquarie Centre, and access to natural assets including Terrys Creek walking trails and Boronia Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4399]

With a 33-year track record and over 7,000 dwellings delivered, DASCO continues to develop and build; a business model that enables integrated delivery and peace of mind, especially when Senso is backed by Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), providing 10 years of protection for buyers at no additional cost.

The launch of Senso Epping reinforces DASCO’s active pipeline of Sydney-based developments at a time when the market is increasingly focused on owner-occupier appeal, delivery confidence, and long-term quality.

DASCO is partnering on Senso Epping with leading Australian alternative asset management firm Metrics, which has more than $30 billion in assets under management.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134954]

DASCO reveals Senso, Epping’s first resort-style apartment development

Preliminary data by research giant Charter Keck Cramer reveals a 54 per cent decline in Build to Sell apartments across Australia's capital cities, while the Build to Rent boom continues with a 378 per cent increase over the last five years.

Charter Keck Cramer's upcoming National State of the Market Report - Key Metropolitan Areas, scheduled for release in September, will reveal&nbsp;a dramatic transformation in apartment supply patterns across Australia's capital cities between FY2016-2020 and FY2021-2025.

The Build to Sell (BTS) apartment sector has experienced a substantial contraction, with total supply falling by 54 per cent compared to the previous five-year period. The decline represents a reduction of 149,200 apartments across all capital cities.

<img alt="BTS Charter Keck Cramer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3db2ddf3-e7c0-481f-b8b9-63efb365cb80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-20%20at%2011.26.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bsQl8inhZA7FeiPamnGvw1tse0obBdSd" />

Sydney led the downturn with a decrease of 73,600 apartments, followed by Melbourne (-42,800) and Brisbane (-26,800). Perth and Adelaide also recorded significant declines of 6,400 and 2,400 apartments respectively. Only Gold Coast and Canberra bucked the trend, with modest increases of 500 and 2,300 apartments.

In stark contrast, the Build to Rent (BTR) sector has emerged as a major force in the apartment market, recording a remarkable 378% increase in supply. This growth added 8,590 apartments across the capital cities during FY2021-2025. Melbourne dominated BTR growth with 6,160 additional apartments, while Sydney contributed 2,100 units. Brisbane and Canberra also recorded growth of 800 and 330 apartments respectively. Gold Coast and Perth recorded minor declines, while Adelaide maintained steady levels.

<img alt="BTR CKC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca13ffd4-ab93-4828-afd2-4c3dccbd2b51" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-20%20at%2011.28.54%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=SXNnpcJuFD36ViWOwF6izBBqcQc3NWao" />

“These preliminary findings indicate a fundamental shift in Australia's apartment development landscape, with traditional Build to Sell models giving way to institutional Build to Rent developments,” said Richard Temlett, Charter Keck Cramer’s National Executive Director of Research.

"This transition reflects changing investor preferences, regulatory environments and housing affordability challenges across major metropolitan areas.”

The complete Charter Keck Cramer National State of the Market Report – Key Metropolitan Areas will provide comprehensive analysis of these trends, their underlying drivers and implications for developers, investors and policymakers when released in September.

Build to Sell apartment supply drops 54% in five years across Australian capital cities

Verso Development Group is seeking to bring over 1,100 apartments to the heart of Brisbane's Toowong, with plans filed for a $1 billion, triple tower development known as Toowong Central.

The landmark urban regeneration project "aims to reshape the core of Brisbane’s inner-west riverside suburb."

Covering over 1.4-hectares across&nbsp;Sherwood Road, High Street, and Jephson Street, Toowong Central has been designed by KHA and will comprise three towers rising 49, 55, and 58 levels.

<img alt="Toowong Central" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48611e3d-7123-4b99-b2cb-bfa4bc98024f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenities.png?VersionId=yKBexB.BgCkq4OET8fHDkWs0d3DjxOKJ" />

According to the Urban Context Report prepared by Urbis, Toowong Central is positioned as a “city-defining precinct reclaiming Toowong as ‘the best destination in the west’,” with a vision to deliver density differently, strengthen Toowong’s identity, and lead subtropical urban design.

There will be a wide range of apartment configurations, from one-bedrooms to five-bedroom penthouses, as well as short-term accomodation offerings. The design prioritises pedestrian permeability, with an activated public realm featuring a central civic plaza, laneways, and street-level retail and dining.

“The central square’s structure, programming, scale and location creates a social anchor - shaped by its edges, flexible for use, and animated by a diversity of experiences throughout the day and into the evening,” the Urban Context Report noted, reinforcing the project's ambition to become a vibrant community destination.

Design excellence was pursued through an international design competition, attracting entries from renowned practices such as UNStudio and BIG. KHA’s winning design distinguished itself with a ceremonial approach to the public realm, integrating terraces, tiered seating, and green infrastructure to promote social interaction and resilience.

The development builds upon two existing approvals: the 25- and 20-storey towers of the Aviary Toowong proposal, and a separate 25- and 24-storey approval at 88 Jephson Street. Consolidation of these fragmented landholdings under a precinct-wide approach allows for increased community value and cohesive urban integration.

Urbis Director Nicholas Stevenson said Toowong Central will bridge the gap in Toowong's current experience, unlocking the potential of the wider precinct.

"Overcoming experiential constraints and leveraging contextual advantages – Toowong Central will redefine Brisbane's inner west.”

<img alt="Toowong Central" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73f7a702-625d-452d-9df2-30a0863ac1e8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/master.png?VersionId=TZdh6wxGC_8IIroXpdkZfuhlS8mFZnea" />

Toowong Central’s ambition extends beyond residential and commercial outcomes. Uses under consideration include a world-class hotel, university facilities, a museum, and health and wellness services, reflecting its role as a western gateway to Brisbane’s growing innovation corridor between the CBD and the University of Queensland.

Urbis Managing Partner James Tuma said Brisbane has no greater opportunity to showcase the future of urban living than Toowong – a sustainable, economically vibrant, and people-centric place that embodies the best of Brisbane.

[The plans] gives us a glimpse into our future as a globally relevant, youthful, entrepreneurial, and distinctly subtropical city.”

$1 billion Toowong Central to deliver 1,100 apartments to undersupplied Brisbane market

In <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/runaway-bay-qld-4216">Runaway Bay</a>, new townhouse-scale waterfront residences are rare - but ones built to the standards found on Sovereign Island are almost unheard of.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/ocean-suites-on-jennifer-10-12-jennifer-avenue-runaway-bay-qld-4216">Ocean Suites on Jennifer</a>&nbsp;changes that, delivering a calibre of construction and detailing that places its seven villas well above the typical market offering in this northern Gold Coast pocket.

Ocean Suites on Jennifer will be move-in ready before Christmas this year, giving buyers the chance to spend the summer on the water in one of Runaway Bay’s rare new waterfront residences.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214444]

The development is a collaboration between <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/stuart-osman">Stuart Osman Design</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sand-side-developments">Sand Side Developments</a>, with construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/alroe-constructions">Alroe Constructions</a>.

Architect Stuart Osman says the intent from the outset was to create a home people would be drawn to. “When you build anything, the design is to make you want to go hang out in this house,” he says.&nbsp;

Ocean Suites on Jennifer’s design features a front façade softened with planter boxes, rear pool areas, and rooftop decks looking over the water.&nbsp;

Inside, voids and high skylights bring daylight deep into the centre of each home, while ceiling heights of 2.85 metres maintain a strong sense of volume.

Each four-level residence spans 345 to 388 sqm, with layouts accommodating multi-generational living - a ground-floor bedroom suite for older family members and upper levels for the rest of the household. A lift connects all floors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214435]

For Andrew Erwin, Director at NPA, the project’s appeal lies in both its location and the detail in execution.&nbsp;

"At Ocean Suites, you’ve got a canal-front setting with direct Broadwater access and a level of finish you’d normally only see in the city’s most prestigious addresses. The four-level layouts, the glass-framed living areas, the private pools, even the extended kitchens, every part of it has been designed with the buyer in mind,” he says.

Those buyers have so far been a mix of Gold Coast locals and interstate purchasers, many seeking a lock-up-and-leave holiday home or a downsized residence without sacrificing space for visiting family.&nbsp;

Older households with teenage children are a recurring profile, drawn to layouts that support multi-generational living and the ability to host extended stays.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214432]

Material selection reinforces the project’s quality-first ethos, with every home appointed to a premium standard. Kitchens and ensuites feature engineered stone surfaces, complemented by prestige oak engineered timber floors, Victorian ash hardwood staircases, and soft loop-pile carpet.

Premium lighting, statement pendants, ceiling fans, and Fujitsu ducted air conditioning elevate both comfort and design. Each residence also includes a suite of high-end appliances as standard - Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated fridges, Bosch ovens, induction cooktops and dishwashers, Vintec wine fridges, and Franke sinks.

Beyond the interiors, residents enjoy an enviable lifestyle with rooftop terraces, private plunge pools, fire pit areas, outdoor showers, smart home automation, laundry chutes, and private pontoons.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214452]

With no additional upgrade costs, Sand Side Developments underscores its no-shortcuts approach, delivering homes where luxury and amenity come as standard.

Osman adds that the kitchen has been designed as “the main hub of the house” with six metres high skylights above a galley-style layout that “makes it feel bigger, brighter, whiter” and “brings light into the centre of the home.”

Both architect and builder emphasise a shared commitment to delivering the intended design without compromise. “Working with Alroe’s structural team and their construction team, it’s been great to make sure that the look and feel that was originally intended is the result achieved at the end of the project,” Osman says.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214453]

Outdoor living has been given equal consideration, with rooftop terraces designed for entertaining with a fire pit and bar, and spacious undercover patios featuring private plunge pools.

The marine access is as carefully executed as the homes themselves. An eight-metre gangway leads to a six-metre private pontoon capable of mooring vessels up to 30 feet, just 300 metres by water from the Broadwater.&nbsp;

Even the orientation of each villa has been optimised to capture long views down the canal, across the Broadwater, and south to Main Beach.

With construction in its final stages, just three of the seven villas remain, priced from $3.365 million to $3.695 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138718]

Sovereign Island standards come to Runaway Bay with Ocean Suites on Jennifer

Urban Industry

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In the lead up to the end of the year and with one eye firmly on 2019 and beyond, Apartments.com.au is coming to you with a number of announcements from within the architectural fraternity. This follows on from <a href="/news/a-number-of-architecture-firms-make-key-leadership-appointments-ahead-of-2019">Urban.com.au's article earlier this month</a> detailing some key appointments around the industry.

Read on for news from i2C Architects and Architectus:

<h2 class="rtecenter">Experienced retail design firms merge, cementing position as leaders in national market</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/l2r_rod_rose_anthony_merlinbrian_jende-photographer_luke_marsden_4638.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="L-R: Rod Rose, Anthony Merlin, Brian Jende. Image: Luke Marsden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/l2r_rod_rose_anthony_merlinbrian_jende-photographer_luke_marsden_4638.jpg?itok=O6lekKZN" title="L-R: Rod Rose, Anthony Merlin, Brian Jende. Image: Luke Marsden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>L-R: Rod Rose, Anthony Merlin, Brian Jende. Image: Luke Marsden</figcaption></figure>Currently located in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, i2C Architects is set to expand up the country’s east coast, announcing its amalgamation with Brisbane-based TRG Queensland.

With a similar client sect in the retail, industrial, mixed-use, urban and build-to-rent sectors, the merger will now see i2C Architects offer an enviable skill set and expanded client database, with full coverage across Australia.

While in a coup for Queensland, the move will mean a truly international offering to the design and architectural market with i2C Architects providing an expansive global alliance and network of offices.

It is expected that the combined revenue of the merged entity will exceed $16 million per annum, with the i2C Architects team growing to over 100 members across the four locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

Following a reevaluation of the business and its brand after almost 20 years in operation, co-founder and Managing Director of i2C Architects, Anthony Merlin, said the desire to expand the company’s offer and value to clients was the motivator to merge.

According to TRG Queensland Managing Director, Rod Rose, who will become a third Director at i2C Architects, it is the larger scale projects the office can now take on that will bring a dynamic offering to clients in the Sunshine State.

TRG Queensland will officially transition into i2C Architects Queensland office effective 1 January 2019.

<blockquote>
“i2C Architects has been privileged enough to work alongside TRG Queensland on a number of projects over the past 18 months, and it became very apparent to my co-founder Brian Jende and myself, that the synergies between our two companies were almost identical, from the client base to our core values.

In the past we haven’t been able to service Queensland as much as we would have liked to, and in our vision to become a truly national firm, it was vital that we made a strategic move.

We now have an established office in Brisbane that is home to talented building designers and architects, and that is a very exciting prospect for the company.”

-  Anthony Merlin, co-founder and Managing Director of i2C Architects
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“From our inception 13 years ago, our focus at TRG Queensland was always on small to medium projects, the largest we’ve worked on is $30 million.

Joining i2C Architects allows us to offer our current and prospective clients additional services, and we will certainly be able to provide incredible value with our skill set particularly architectural documentation.” 

-  Rod Rose, TRG Queensland Managing Director
</blockquote>

 

<h2 class="rtecenter">Architectus welcomed to Perth by property and construction industry leaders</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/architectus_launchlaunch_qv1_perth_jillianmchughphotography_6674-edits.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Architectus Perth office launch. Image: Jillian McHugh Photography"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/architectus_launchlaunch_qv1_perth_jillianmchughphotography_6674-edits.jpg?itok=AjQdteUG" title="Architectus Perth office launch. Image: Jillian McHugh Photography" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Architectus Perth office launch. Image: Jillian McHugh Photography</figcaption></figure> 

Top-tier Australian design practice, <a href="/developments?architect=Architectus">Architectus</a>, has officially launched its Perth studio welcoming over 100 leaders from the WA property and construction industry to its fifth capital city workplace located at QV1 in central Perth.

On the back of sustained national growth and building on a portfolio of local Architectus-designed projects, Managing Director, Ray Brown said the Perth studio affirms the practice’s commitment to servicing clients nationally and strong belief in the Western Australian market.

Architectus’ growth has been driven by a number of key project appointments including the design of the Western Sydney Airport Business Park Master Plan; 505 George Street, Sydney - a landmark mixed-use residential tower; ‘Triplets’, a high rise office building in Brisbane; several education projects including for Macquarie University and the Growth Area Schools Project for the State Government of Victoria; Sydney Metro City and Southwest in collaboration with Foster + Partners as part of the METRON consortium; and as part of the Aurecon Jacobs Mott Macdonald joint venture (AJM JV) consortium, appointed as technical advisor to Rail Projects Victoria (previously the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority) for the Victorian Rail Infrastructure Program (VRIP), which includes amongst other projects investigations into the Melbourne Airport rail link and Geelong fast rail.

Providing services in urban design and planning, architecture and interior architecture, Architectus has experienced substantial growth over the last three years, comprising 400 employees across Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and more recently Perth.

With key senior hires already underway, the Perth studio is expected to grow to a team of around 30 under the leadership of Managing Principal Mark Mitcheson-Low, supported by well-known Perth design architect Paul Jones who has been working with Architectus for the last three years.

Perth projects designed by Architectus include multi-unit residential developments Waterbank Building J, The Islands at South Beach, and The Esplanade on the site of the historic Steve’s Hotel, Nedlands (in association with Kerry Hill Architects).

<blockquote>
“To be a truly national practice it is imperative that Architectus is in Perth,” Brown said. “Like all growing cities, the complexity and scale of projects is increasing which suits our skillset, whether across education, workplace, commercial, transport, or residential. It’s a great city with a really deep talent pool, which we’ll utilise not only for local projects, but to support our projects across Australia.”

- Ray Brown, Managing Director
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“Architectus announced its intention to open a Perth studio in August this year and we were thrilled to see so many of the industry turn out to celebrate the arrival of the practice with us.

The opening of the studio provides our national clients with access to the expertise they’re familiar with on the East coast, and our Perth clients with a long-awaited new national entrant to provide a fresh design offer into the market.”

- Mark Mitcheson-Low, Managing Principal
</blockquote>

<a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/">Lead image: Kerstin Thompson Architects </a>

 
</body></html>

urban.com.au

Around the Industry in 80 seconds

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Today's thought piece looks at how the Andrews Government’s policies are likely to affect planning and design outcomes, and the potential design opportunities for Melbourne, from the perspective of an architect:

<h2>Development controls to be relaxed to allow for commercial development to thrive</h2>

With the re-election of the Andrews Government, we anticipate a relaxation in the planning controls in central Melbourne, particularly as they relate to commercial developments. This should be achieved through an increase in incentives for good design that delivers better urban design and public realm outcomes.

During his time as the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne put a halt to the sort of residential towers that sprang up in the north western corner of the city. Many of these developments had little regard for the public realm. However, with only four planning applications approved since the introduction of the C270 planning controls two years ago, there needs to be a relaxation and a more granular approach to the controls.

For instance, if we assess the potential of a building 200m in height on a 3,000sqm site it could reasonably deliver about 75,000sqm of GFA. The relaxation of the controls such that either the side or rear setbacks were reduced from 6% of height to 5m could lead to a potential increase in area of about 20%. This additional area could be incentivised via the delivery of additional public space or public benefit. Whilst the current controls do contemplate additional area for public benefit, they are silent on the benefits associated with street activation. For example, if a loading bay or services are removed from the ground floor and relocated to a basement, where they are replaced with commercial space or retail or cafes, there should be an uplift in allowable area. This should provide an opportunity for an improvement in dialogue and greater collaboration between designers, developers, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), the City of Melbourne and other key stakeholders.

The Labor government should take the learnings from the past four years and adopt a greater relaxation of planning controls for mixed use developments, such as residential/ commercial, or commercial/ hotel developments. Greater rewards could be gained for those projects that are offering more interesting architectural and urban design outcomes.

Currently, commercial development opportunities are encouraged in the Docklands, Southbank and western half of the CBD by allowing additional area for commercial floorspace. Further investigation should be undertaken into stimulating commercial opportunities in other parts of Melbourne’s CBD particularly the eastern half. This is important in the context of the stagnating CBD residential market.

<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/171_collins_street_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The award winning 171 Collins Street for Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/171_collins_street_10.jpg?itok=pFRUyZcQ" title="The award winning 171 Collins Street for Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The award winning 171 Collins Street for Cbus Property</figcaption></figure><h2>Focus on creating polycentric cities that support communities and population growth</h2>

There needs to be stronger government support for the creation of polycentric cities. That is, those cities that have clusters of density located outside the CBD. London, New York and Hong Kong are all examples of successful cities of over 10 million people that have a series of clusters of density located outside of the CBD.

A polycentric approach allows for the more even distribution of resources and takes pressure from the roads and rail networks leading into the CBD. It also has the potential to allow for the wider distribution of capital, with the current lack of capital flowing into the CBD as a result of residential development opportunities slowing and commercial projects being constrained by planning controls.

The Andrews Government’s ring rail plan must be embraced as an opportunity for increased density around those new train stations which includes new public space as well as built form. 
Sydney has leapt ahead of Melbourne as a polycentric city with greater clusters of higher density around Parramatta and North Sydney.

The Docklands has outstripped the CBD in terms of growth on commercial floorspace and population in the last ten years, yet it lacks a focal point for its community. Community space needs to be provided within proximity to Spencer Street, such as public parks and recreational facilities to activate the area.

The redevelopment of Central Pier is a perfect opportunity with its proximity to Southern Cross Station and Marvel Stadium. There should be consideration given to providing new open spaces that have a connection to the water, with aquatic based recreation including new pools, food and beverage outlets and a market to be introduced. Multiple examples of similarly scaled successful water-front urban regeneration projects exist around the world including along New York’s waterfront at Pier 17, in Copenhagen at Paper Island and at San Francisco’s Ferry building marketplace.

<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/seaport1-jumbo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New York's Pier 17. Image: New York Times"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/seaport1-jumbo.jpg?itok=A0VTesvX" title="New York's Pier 17. Image: New York Times" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New York's Pier 17. Image: New York Times</figcaption></figure>Julian Anderson is a Director of architecture and interior design practice, Bates Smart. 

https://www.batessmart.com/bates-smart/studio/people/staff/directors/julian-anderson/
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Julian Anderson

2018 Victorian Election Outcome: An Architect's Perspective

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Brisbane-based landscape contractor Martin Brothers is shining a light upon the increased utilisation of rooftop spaces across a host of Brisbane-based apartment projects.

So much so, in release penned by the landscape construction and maintenance firm, they posed the question; is rooftop amenity the new standard inclusion for residential development? The fortitude Valley-based builder has extensive experience in a range of high density and detached residential, commercial projects, and has 40 staff on its books.

In an inner city residential context, Martin Brothers contend that the new Great Australian Dream is an apartment, particularly for young Australians looking to own their first home. The sustained growth in apartment living in Brisbane, and the continued differentiation of product in the market, has seen amenities, particularly useable rooftop space, take precedence.

<blockquote>
As apartment living becomes a standard choice for not only Millennials but also many downsizing retirees, developers need to think about how they improve their customers’ quality of high density living.

Especially in cities like Brisbane, that enjoy a temperament climate year-round, planning the inclusion of beautifully landscaped rooftop amenity can not only help developers capitalise on once-overlooked space, but also improve the capital value of their residents’ apartments over the long term.

Brisbane City Council’s ‘Buildings that Breathe’ guidelines have resulted in rooftop amenity being increasingly recognised for its potential, and for subtropical tailored infrastructure, developers are utilising rooftop space as an asset, which in turn becomes a major talking point for their development.
<cite>Jack Martin, co-founder and Director</cite>
</blockquote>

The prime example is Silk One who's recently launched marketing and sales campaign saw its rooftop terrace space become the primary selling aspect of the apartment project. Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/silk-one-secures-woolloongabbas-best-seat-in-the-house">covered the project last month</a>; it boasts Brisbane's only rooftop Skystand which will include tiered seating and unobstructed views over The Gabba.

<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/image32_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Silk One's Skystand. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_17.jpg?itok=SIIJuFfQ" title="Silk One's Skystand. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Silk One's Skystand. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Martin Brothers has recently completed three major rooftop amenity areas atop high-density residential projects in inner Brisbane. The lead image depicts the firm's build for Oxley and Stirling, a 16-storey South Brisbane project designed by Elenberg Fraser.

Atop the tower is a 1,300 square metre communal rooftop space which includes a pergola laden with greenery, a lap and plunge pool, al fresco barbeques, day beds and terraced seating areas. Martin Brothers describe the South Brisbane project's rooftop amenity as a national benchmark.

On the back of developments such as Oxley and Stirling, Martin Brothers are urging developers to capitalise on a huge opportunity to leverage what is traditionally a ‘second thought' on most projects.

<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/image33_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pinnacle@Duxton's rooftop garden. Image: ArchitectureLab"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="421" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_15.jpg?itok=hbb-YLRI" title="Pinnacle@Duxton's rooftop garden. Image: ArchitectureLab" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pinnacle at Duxton's rooftop garden. Image: ArchitectureLab</figcaption></figure>In terms of benchmarking, Mr Martin has found overseas projects particularly inspirational.

<blockquote>
Looking abroad to more densely developed cities such as Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore, developers have long leveraged the potential offered by rooftop spaces.

In Hong Kong, for example, the rooftop amenity at Skypark in central Kowloon is geared towards young professionals seeking a lifestyle balance, with developer New World creating a setting primed for socialising and relaxation, offering lawned gardens, a green clubhouse and park spaces with amphitheatre-style outdoor seating.

Mr Martin also singled out Singapore’s Pinnacle at Duxton building, winner of the CTBUH’s award for Best Tall Building Asia &amp; Australasia in 2010, which features the world’s two longest linear sky gardens at 500 metres each.

At 50 levels above ground, the higher sky garden features publicly accessible, tropically-landscaped recreation zones, separate green zones and children’s play equipment, which is prime greenspace for such a high-density urban area.
<cite>Jack Martin, co-founder and Director</cite>
</blockquote>

Martin Brothers has also had a hand in the emerging South City Square development in Woolloongabba. Once complete the project will include six rooftop gardens across five residential towers and a hotel building onsite.

<blockquote>
We worked closely with Pellicano and Oculus to rethink the boundaries of green space in a high-density urban area. Buyers are looking for apartments that offer state-of-the-art design, bespoke fittings and resort-style experiences.

A well-planned rooftop amenity is invaluable, especially in high-density areas that are lacking in green space and outdoor facilities.
<cite>Jack Martin, co-founder and Director</cite>
</blockquote>

 

Lead image: Aria Property Group
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silvermb

Martin Brothers sees the rooftop amenities area take precedence across Brisbane 

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The advent and continued adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) as a key design tool has made it easy for almost anyone to place virtual content in the real world.

This uptake has opened whole new markets for innovative software products across a range of industries with urban design and geospatial specialists, <a href="http://www.taylorsds.com.au/">Taylors</a> developing software to address the complexities of design and planning in the built environment.

Although there are many applications and devices that are AR capable, the real challenge, according to Taylors is the ability to place complex design objects into the real world effectively. The apps that will matter with respect to AR, will be those that are capable of effectively integrating location, AR and big data to deliver unique, captivating and useful experiences to clients and users. 

<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/taylors_bourke_street_ar.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bourke Street Mall augmented reality. Image: Taylors"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/taylors_bourke_street_ar.jpg?itok=dTeEsvG0" title="Bourke Street Mall augmented reality. Image: Taylors" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bourke Street Mall augmented reality. Image: Taylors</figcaption></figure>One of the main challenges in urban design is the ability for users to visualise the overall development, with traditional plans open for interpretation which then leads to variation away from the initial intent. Taylors’ mixed reality solutions allow stakeholders to essentially step into building plans and experience exactly what a project will look like once it’s completed.

Augmented and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are free from the limitations of existing design techniques and provide an immersive experience for clients. Current representations of the built environment utilise either two dimensional plans, sections and elevations, or computer generated imagery and physical models.

The limitation and downside of these types of representations is that the observer is always positioned outside the representation, rendering them as spectators instead of participants.

Taylors realised early on that addressing these challenges would require a solution focused approach incorporating the latest in survey and geospatial technology, with the company committed to paving the way for this technology to become widespread. 

The key differences between the software at Taylors and other virtual and augmented reality techologies are tools they call the 'hologram room' and the 'hologram table'. The ability to visualise a project from different angles is a huge asset for clients and can provide assurances to all stakeholders involved in a development. 

There is a belief that once clients begin using the hologram room and see the technology used in urban design, everyone will begin using it.

The next step for Taylors will be the development of its own software providing users with the ability to alter designs in real time. Ultimately Taylors want clients to enter the hologram room with a designer and be able to change elements of their designs instantly. 

The ability to customise a neighbourhood, for example will not only save clients time, but just as importantly according to Taylors, it will also make the process more dynamic and engaging and ultimately change the way people design, plan and build.

<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/ar_subdivision_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mixed reality visualisation of a subdivision. Image: Taylors"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ar_subdivision_plan.jpg?itok=61Dae2Hn" title="Mixed reality visualisation of a subdivision. Image: Taylors" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mixed reality visualisation of a subdivision. Image: Taylors</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Clients will walk into the hologram room and put on a pair of glasses, which allows them to interact with the scene. You can look under tables, around corners, see the view from an upstairs window and even bump into things. This is what it means to reproduce reality, and it has the potential to change the way the industry works.

There are a number of virtual reality companies and many urban design firms, however Taylors are trying to create the full package, where clients can not only visualise the project but also interact and alter designs in real time. Richard (Cirillo) is envisioning what the industry will look like in 10 years and pushing the company to grow in that direction and stay ahead of the trends.

Taylors’ new technology will allow clients to effectively step into building plans, walk around and see exactly what a project will look like once it’s completed. Not only that, but we’re developing software that will allow designs to be altered in real time. If a client wants to see what the neighbourhood looks like with more trees or a wider road we’ll be able to push a few buttons and change the plans instantly.

In 10 years, the use of Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies in urban design will be the norm. Once people see how effective it is in urban design, it will become standard across the industry, they won’t want to go back to the way it is done now.

- Anthony Emmerson, General Manager for the Infrastructure Team at Taylors.
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
We knew that this type of reality modelling would be the next frontier in spatial data. We identified that a number of years ago and made an effort to be earlier adopters of it.

Making changes during the design phase is relatively efficient to do, but if you need to make changes once construction has begun, there are huge time and cost implications. However, with augmented reality, you can see it before it’s made and identify any problems. You can’t do this with a plan or a video.

It really gives stakeholders a lot more control and flexibility in the way that they can understand and interpret a proposal. The power of this technology is giving the user the ability to go anywhere they like, and see a development from any angle.

This will revolutionise the way projects are completed, as it will no longer take weeks of going back and forth with the client to finalise designs.

- Alastair MacColl, Geospatial 3D &amp; Technology Manager at Taylors
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

Taylors looks to AR to create the Urban Reality 

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I have observed over the years, that the urban development process is often very siloed with a very conscious effort made to limit inputs from outside the developer’s core team. This may be seen as commercially and operationally astute and necessary to prevent budget, planning approval and program blow outs.

However, in an increasingly networked society and business world, successful and innovative developments are more often borne out of collaboration and partnerships than they are from keeping all of your cards close to your chest.

By their very nature, development sites do not exist in a vacuum but contribute to a much broader urban ecosystem that is brimming with opportunity for those who take the time to gather information and insights and are willing to cultivate useful partnerships in order to take advantage of certain market opportunities.

I believe there is a distinct commercial advantage to be gained by including local government in the core team, identifying key community and industry groups for consultation, and engaging with future residents as these steps can create a range of benefits. This level of engagement makes it possible to reduce risk; explore potential socially and commercially lucrative ‘what if’s’; create advocates for your project to assist with the planning approvals process; secure tenants and project partners early; and to develop a strong vision and value proposition for your project.

The core team usually consists of just the developer and one or two lead consultants. Alternatively, I am advocating that this core team should be expanded to include ‘place focused’ representatives from the local council. I realise that this is a controversial view as the relationship between developers and local councils is so often adversarial, however the council representatives could provide valuable insights into the local social and economic context, assist to identify service, housing and infrastructure gaps which could be potential market opportunities.

During my recent experience, working on Warralily Village, a new town centre in the growth suburb of Armstrong Creek, Victoria, the early visioning workshops included council officers from key departments such as Economic Development, Strategic Planning and Social Services. This allowed for productive discussion and debate on the most appropriate targets and outcomes for the new community.

The entire core team, including the council representatives, attended site visits to existing village centres to learn from what worked well and what could be improved. This was a valuable process as it allowed the design team to capture new ideas, provided council with a forum to table their concerns and desires from the outset, and provided the developer the opportunity to outline their commercial imperatives while gauging council support in the early design stages.

Involving the council to this degree from the early stages also enables discussion of potential council funded facilities, provides the opportunity to explore more creative and unique site specific design solutions and also ensures there are strong advocates for your project during the development approvals process.

In addition to this suggested change to the core team, it is also important to identify a network of potential tenants/operators/service providers from a mix of sectors. This may include potential stakeholders such as a supermarket operator, major medical group, medium density housing developer, office hub operators, council facilities representatives; through to site specific groups such as the local indigenous representatives or organisations like the local water or energy authority.

They will all be able to provide a different perspective and further inform the core team in the formation of the project vision. While liaison with these stakeholders may involve a mix of individual discussions and potentially larger workshops once a reference group is formed, seeking input from such diverse contributors enables an early understanding of their requirements, allows the feasibility of their inclusion to be explored and, where appropriate, secures their future involvement.

Finally, if we are aiming to create a place that people are proud of, where they can socialise and connect, walk or ride, or start a small business, then it is crucial that we involve those people in the process of creating a new place. By consulting with the community we have the opportunity to hear first-hand what is most important to them, and allow opportunities to capture some unique stories and historical references about the particular site which could be integrated into a broader place making approach.

The difficulty with this form of community consultation in growth areas is that in the very early stages of a development, there may be no residents to consult with. However, there are very often situations where adjacent existing neighbourhoods could be consulted, especially given the statistics that show up to 50 per cent of new residents will originate within a 5–10km radius of the new development.

Also, the delivery of the town centre is often occurring several years after the first housing subdivisions have been established, so there will in fact be an existing community in place that can act as representatives for the future residents that are still to come.

Going one step further, there is potentially a largely untapped opportunity for developers to integrate and thereby simultaneously enhance their marketing, sales and planning activities, by inviting potential residents to participate in consultation sessions in return for genuine pre-sales opportunities, building a network of potential buyers who are actively involved in the process of creating their new neighbourhood.

I am in the privileged position to drive many of these forms of engagement and collaboration in my work as an architect; however, I am keen to hear from others in the industry who are already broadening the traditional stakeholder engagement process to enable a more collaborative approach and whether this is generating positive results?

 

Dean Landy is a registered architect, urban designer, speaker and author for the recently published book, <a href="http://creatingvibrantcommunities.org/">Creating Vibrant Communities</a>. With 19 years experience in community development projects within Australia and overseas and as a partner at Melbourne based architecture firm <a href="https://www.chc.com.au/">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a>, he is actively involved in the design of many town centres across Australia.

Landy is also the founder and director of <a href="http://oneheart.foundation/">One Heart Foundation</a>, a unique 'for purpose' organisation breaking the poverty cycle in Africa by establishing schools and homes to care for orphaned and abandoned children.
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Dean Landy

The value in a collaborative approach to urban development

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As well as restricting supply to an already full rental market, the 50% foreign ownership restriction removes some of the competitive advantages overseas developers had over local developers.

Prior to this change coming into effect, overseas developers had a competitive advantage as they had no overseas sales limits whatsoever. Overseas developers using overseas banks could, if they so desired, have 100 per cent foreign sales, with 100 per cent en masse sales occurring overseas.

What Scott Morrison has done is even the playing field between local and overseas developers, with overseas developers now forced to generally work within the same FIRB sales metrics as local developers.

To commence a development, local banks require local developers to presell approximately 70 per cent of the apartments in a development and impose a 25 per cent Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) restriction on these presales. This means local developers require 52 per cent local sales prior to construction commencing.

Once the developer has achieved financial close with a local bank, they are free to sell the rest overseas. Meaning, under a 25 per cent FIRB presales limit, local developers using local banks can develop buildings with circa 48 per cent foreign ownership.

Banks are always looking at the FIRB presales limit and whilst many current developments are at 25 per cent, there is a more recent bank trend to constrict this further – more in the realm of 15 per cent. If this is the case, then locally banked projects can end up with 40 per cent foreign ownership.

It is also fair to say that overseas purchasers have settled better than local sales. Many pundits were nervous about large buildings settling this year, yet what we are seeing is that very few overseas purchasers are falling through when it comes to quality developments (just 1-2 per cent in fact), even against Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s (APRA) headwinds of overseas purchaser mortgage finance.

With the 50 per cent FIRB restriction placed across the whole market, coupled with APRA’s new powers across non-bank lenders, it means that the metrics by which local and overseas developers, local and overseas banks, and local and overseas non-bank lenders are becoming converged.

As a flow on effect of the overseas sales metrics now being similar, this policy change will result in overseas developers using local banks and non-bank lenders more readily to avoid foreign exchange risk, again levelling the playing field.

Perhaps this new measure may even narrow the gap between what an overseas and local developer can pay for a site, which sets the market and ultimately gets passed onto the (local) consumer.

As an unintended consequence however, this change will further constrict supply to rental markets, thus driving rental and housing prices further out of reach of local first home owners and owner occupiers. It is only state planning ministers that can affect real change by encouraging the supply side of the housing economic supply/demand pendulum.

 

Point Polaris Director, Andrew Hogan, has penned the above piece in response to the 2017 Federal Budget where foreign ownership of new developments is expected to be capped at 50 per cent.
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andrew.hogan@pointpolaris.com.au

How will the 50% foreign ownership limit affect developers?

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Walking around some of Melbourne’s best-designed apartments recently, I was struck by how much design could make a small space feel like a home.

I was on the Robin Boyd Foundation’s exemplary apartment tour, showing off the best in Melbourne apartments.

In Victoria, there are some exceptional examples of how clever spaces, light and ventilation can add to liveability, and how apartments built some decades ago still hold their own today.

Victoria’s property industry is brimming with experts in clever design, the very people I’m appealing to contribute to the draft apartment guidelines our government is working on.

In May, I launched a discussion paper, <a href="http://delwp.vic.gov.au/planning/policy-and-strategy/better-apartments">Better Apartments</a>, at the Planning Institute of Australia’s national conference.

The discussion paper was chosen as the best way to kick-start consultation. Rather than beginning with draft guidelines, I want the people who deliver apartments and the people who live in them to have their say from the start.

Developers are lured to Melbourne for its liveability and investment potential.

Record-low interest rates and a thriving property market have encouraged property investors and owner-occupiers to buy. These are some of the factors pushing up apartment approvals in the past few years.

While that is great news for the state’s economy and for our property industry, we need to make sure planning policy keeps pace with the surge in apartment living.

The rise in apartments has thrown up a red flag from local government, architectural and industry bodies around the standards of some apartments in Victoria.

While I’ve seen some great apartments, I have also seen some dogboxes - poorly designed with little access to natural light, airflow and storage.

The Better Apartments discussion paper raises those concerns and weighs up housing needs, market demands and building standards with the aim of improving liveability and affordability.

The government’s goal is to deliver sustainable housing outcomes, deliver on affordability, respond to the desire to live near jobs and services while also supporting investment.

The discussion paper’s focus is on internal amenity, as well as outlook and privacy.

While apartment sizes are a hot talking point, we must keep in mind that good design is the key. There are some fantastic small apartments offering good amenity, natural light and are affordable, just as there are plenty of poorly-designed large apartments.

We are working towards guidelines that give certainty but still allow for innovation and new ideas.

As well as Better Apartments, work has begun on a refreshed Plan Melbourne strategy and we have begun detailed work to plan the country’s biggest infill opportunity, <a href="/news/fishermans-bend-proposals-an-overview">Fishermans Bend</a>.

We aren’t starting from scratch. Rather, major issues left out of Plan Melbourne and Fishermans Bend plans to date, such as energy efficiency, housing affordability and climate change, will be included.

Future planning work will also factor in the major infrastrcuture projects the Andrews Labor Government has committed to, such as the Melbourne Metro Rail project.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can deliver innovative, robust, world leading policy in apartment design. We will be holding stakeholder forums and already, online submissons and survey responses are rolling in.

We will strive to deliver apartments to balance affordability and liveability, in buildings which enhance the city skyline and the streetscape.

Melbourne leads the world in liveability, let’s see that reflected in our aspirations for apartment living.

http://delwp.vic.gov.au/better-apartments

The Hon Richard Wynne is the member for Richmond and the Minister for Planning. <a href="https://twitter.com/rwynnemp">Follow the Planning Minister on Twitter</a>.
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