JWLand has completed the final residential stage of its Lyneham precinct, Northbourne Village, with De Burgh now welcoming residents who have begun settling into their new homes.

A selection of the 350 studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments remains available within the two-building <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/de-burgh-at-northbourne-village-40-de-burgh-street-lyneham-act-2602">De Burgh</a>, which occupies a prominent position along Northbourne Avenue.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=359152]

The apartments at De Burgh have been configured to prioritise natural light, privacy, and usable outdoor space, with ground-floor homes featuring private courtyards and upper-level apartments opening to generous balconies. Double-glazed windows are standard across the development, supporting acoustic comfort and improved energy performance.

Kitchens are fitted with Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, while all residences include ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning integrated with app-based controls, allowing residents to manage lighting and climate remotely. These inclusions reflect a broader focus on durability, efficiency, and everyday functionality rather than short-term finishes.

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Shared amenity is delivered through a resident gym, rooftop garden, lounge spaces, parcel lockers, and landscaped communal areas that connect De Burgh to the wider Northbourne Village environment.

Nick Babic, Marketing Project Manager at JWLand, said the completion of De Burgh gives buyers a level of certainty that off-the-plan purchases cannot always provide.

“There’s no need to wait or play guessing games. You can come and see the spaces firsthand, and genuinely picture yourself living there today. That includes not only the apartments, but the amenities as well. It’s easy to imagine enjoying a coffee in the central courtyard or spending time with other residents in the lounge.”

The completed status of the project aligns with strong buyer demand for finished stock, particularly among first home buyers, young professionals, and downsizers seeking certainty around timing and cost.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=356282]

With pricing ranging from $463,000 to $1.588 million, much of the offering sits within reach of buyers looking to enter the Inner North apartment market.

De Burgh’s location underpins its buyer appeal, positioned approximately 600 metres from the light rail and three kilometres from Canberra’s CBD, with direct access to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lyneham-act-2602">Lyneham</a> wetlands, Sullivan’s Creek parkland, and the established hospitality and retail precincts of Lyneham and Dickson.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139989]

mikah.m@urban.com.au

Canberra's newest apartment building: JWLand completes De Burgh at Northbourne Village

One of Victoria’s largest private developers, Central Equity, has commenced construction on Palmera, its $1 billion luxury residential development at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast, appointing Tier 1 builder Multiplex to deliver the project.

The fast-track to construction is being undertaken ahead of Central Equity officially launching the project to market.

The company says the move reflects its confidence in both the calibre of its offering and the Gold Coast’s long-term fundamentals, underpinned by one of Australia’s strongest growing economies, continued population growth and sustained infrastructure investment.

A diversifying employment base across health, education, professional services and tourism has helped insulate the local economy from volatility, while limited new supply in established coastal locations continues to support demand from owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking long-term lifestyle value.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a> is being constructed in the prestigious Northcliffe residential neighbourhood on an expansive 3,239 sqm site. It is located at 18 Garfield Terrace near the Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club and the patrolled Northcliffe surf beach, situated between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361249]

Offering a mix of spacious three-bedroom apartments over 52 levels, Palmera is designed to deliver a full suite of premium residences to buyers looking for the ultimate coastal lifestyle that the Gold Coast has to offer.

The project’s premium apartments will deliver northern views across the Surfers Paradise beachfront and extending all the way around to Burleigh Heads and beyond.

Palmera will be crowned by its top four levels, being a limited collection of penthouses and skyhomes that further elevate the residential offering through generous proportions and uninterrupted panoramic views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361246]

The appointment of Multiplex as the builder represents a major milestone for Palmera and cements Central Equity’s commitment to the Gold Coast after delivering more than 85 residential projects over the past four decades. It will be the 20th project collaboration between Central Equity and Multiplex.

“The commencement of construction at Palmera marks a major milestone for the project, with Tier 1 builder Multiplex appointed to deliver the development in the highly sought-after Northcliffe residential precinct on the Gold Coast,” said Central Equity Executive Director Karl Kutner.

“Our commitment to commence immediate construction is in line with our resounding confidence in the Gold Coast over the long term. The city has evolved and proven to be one of Australia’s most dynamic and resilient property markets in recent years.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361250]

Multiplex, one of Australia’s largest builders, has been shaping skylines and delivering iconic projects around the world since 1962. In that time, the Tier 1 global contractor has delivered projects with a combined value of more than US$130 billion.

“Having worked with Multiplex on many previous developments, we are pleased to be extending our relationship further with Palmera,” Kutner added.

“Multiplex brings an unparalleled depth of experience to ensure that Palmera fulfils the vision we have laid out for this strategic location and is delivered to the highest standards,” he said.

Multiplex Regional Managing Director Michael Sinclair said Multiplex was delighted to be aligning with Central Equity yet again.

“Central Equity is creating a stunning new addition to the Gold Coast skyline, and we look forward to bringing their vision to life with a world-class construction team and program. We are proud to be working alongside Central Equity on our 20th project together.”

Palmera has been designed by Marchese Partners, with interiors by DBI.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361247]

Residents will have private access to extensive, state-of-the-art amenities, featuring two large pools including a generously scaled, family-friendly pool with safe shallow zones, and a 25-metre lap pool facing the western side, ensuring maximum sunlight all day.

Also available exclusively to residents is a sauna, magnesium pool, yoga studio, expansive gym, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ and dining areas. Residents will also be welcomed by concierge and luxurious entry foyer.

Located on Garfield Terrace in Northcliffe, Palmera enjoys a prime coastal position just moments from the patrolled Northcliffe beach and the G:link light rail, providing effortless connectivity along the Gold Coast’s beachfront suburbs, linking the Gold Coast University Hospital in the north with Nobby beach and Burleigh Heads to the south once the extension completes later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Joel Robinson

Central Equity unveils Palmera on Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise

The idea of a low-maintenance forever home located close to the city were the two driving factors behind a recent purchaser’s journey at Murcia, the under-construction East Brisbane apartment development by Sarazin.

Last year, Lois and her husband purchased a two-bedroom plus multi-purpose room (MPR) apartment in the new building, which is being constructed by Hutchinson Builders and is on track for completion in late-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=341638]

The couple’s number one priority was to remain within easy commuting distance of the city for work. Murcia is positioned alongside the new Cross River Rail, with Woolloongabba Station just 300 metres from the front door.

They are currently living in their Annerley unit, which they have owned for several years, after recently moving out of their inner-city apartment, located on the very same street as Murcia.

“We had watched the development for a long time, and when construction activity began, that’s when we felt confident to buy,” Lois said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=356540]

The timing also made sense. By moving back into their Annerley unit, they are able to save money ahead of settlement, while looking forward to returning closer to the city once Murcia is complete.

“We see Murcia as a forever home, as opposed to an investment, or something we need to appreciate massively in value and move on from in a few years,” Lois said.

“We secured an apartment large enough to grow a family, so we’re expecting to call Murcia home for a very long time.”

The couple plan to grow their family, but without the added maintenance demands of owning a standalone house further from the city. Working with Sarazin and architect HAL, they were able to slightly tweak the floorplan, converting the two-bedroom plus MPR layout into a functional three-bedroom apartment.

An added bonus was the recently revised communal space plans, which now incorporate a dedicated working-from-home area, complete with work pods, and shared desks.

“It means the third bedroom doesn’t have to become a part-time office and part-time bedroom,” Lois said, adding that residents have the benefit of working from home without actually being inside their apartment.

The rooftop wellness amenity was another standout compared to living in an established complex or a house. A signature feature of Sarazin developments, the rooftop will include a full gym, hot and cold plunge pools, a steam room and sauna, and a hotel-style pool with cabanas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=214682]

Buyer journeys can vary significantly, from purchasing in the established market to buying new, or choosing between houses and apartments. Lois said they knew immediately that buying off the plan was right for them.

“We wanted something new, with less maintenance, and we weren’t quite ready to make the full financial leap straight away. The timing and deposit structure gave us the flexibility we needed.”

Designed by HAL Architects and inspired by the Spanish city of Murcia, the development takes a Mediterranean-influenced approach to architecture and landscaping, with a strong emphasis on shared spaces.

“The design feels considered, the amenities support how we actually live, and the location keeps us connected to the city without feeling right in the middle of it.”

Murcia is Sarazin’s second development in the area, following the completion of Silk One just up the road in 2022. They have several more projects coming to market in Woolloongabba ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympics.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135094]

Close to the city, built for the future: Inside a growing family’s move to Murcia in East Brisbane

While most developers are aiming high across the Gold Coast, John Kearney’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/immerse-projects">Immerse Projects</a>&nbsp;has scaled back its plans for its Kirra Beach project.

As first reported by Apartments.com.au in April 2025, Immerse <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-immerse-projects-plan-new-apartments-at-kirra-beach">lodged plans for 105 apartments</a> on its 2,026 sqm Haig Street site.

The developer has now revised the proposal, reducing the 14-storey building to nine storeys and cutting the total number of apartments from 105 to 65.

The new scheme will also feature a broader mix of apartments. It will comprise 23 two-bedroom units, 17 three-bedroom units, and 25 four-bedroom apartments, the latter a configuration that was not included in the original proposal.

<img alt="Lot 11 C2859, 7 Haig Street, COOLANGATTA QLD 4225" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="972e3bbf-c3e6-4308-b098-5821e571f829" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Haig%20Street%20perspective%201.png?VersionId=3jkyNU0n7TW08DpkoEsY62bXWTb3UHxY" />

The building will rise to a compliant height of 29 metres, aligning with the Building Height Overlay.&nbsp;

The built form incorporates three basement levels accommodating 197 resident car parks and 13 visitor spaces, alongside storage and servicing areas. Level two is dedicated in part to communal amenity, including a lap pool along the western boundary, pool deck, spa and cold plunge pools, gym, work-from-home and meeting spaces, and landscaped areas designed to enhance privacy and outlook.

The typical floorplate will have eight apartments per level.

<img alt="Lot 11 C2859, 7 Haig Street, COOLANGATTA QLD 4225" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="002d2594-9cf4-4ee4-bb2a-9a0546ac1cc5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Haig%20Street%20site.png?VersionId=Qk.Cm0K9RziXrWu0Q4u2eOjEM3CwNhhC" />

The subject site is currently occupied by two 1970s-era walk-up buildings, Giraween and Caribbean, comprising 14 apartments.

Immerse Projects, led by building veteran John Kearney, who also heads construction firm Greyburn, has become increasingly active in the Kirra and broader southern Gold Coast market. The group recently completed Rhyhthm Kirra Hill on Garrick Street. They have another site locally, on McLean Street, which has approved plans for 58 apartments.

First Look: Immerse favours four-bed apartments in Kirra Beach switch

The development wave is continuing in the affluent suburb of Woollahra following last year’s planning reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government.

In early 2025, the NSW Government implemented significant changes to its Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, altering planning controls to allow greater density for new apartment projects within an 800-metre walking distance of stations and town centres in the Woollahra Local Government Area, overriding existing local controls. Buildings are now permitted to rise up to six storeys within 400 metres of a station or centre, or eight storeys where affordable housing is incorporated, and up to four storeys within the 401 to 800 metre radius, which can increase to six storeys with affordable housing.

Since then, a significant number of development applications have been lodged, and numerous sites have transacted, some at record highs, with the increased density provisions now working in favour of developers.

Lower North Shore developer Abadeen are behind the latest project. They are planning a six-storey residential building at 101–115 Edgecliff Road, on the border of Woollahra and Bondi Junction.

<img alt="First Look: Lindos Group plans six-storey adaptive reuse apartment project in Woollahra’s Fletcher Precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17a75a04-3ecd-4b0f-af9f-54514690721b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Edgecliff%20DA%20front.png?VersionId=r0MiKualBGqKrjVj6hJZHsEiwl9QzF0D" />

The proposal would replace a trio of interwar flat buildings on the amalgamated 1,514 sqm site, which has three street frontages to Edgecliff Road, Adelaide Street and Australia Lane.

Importantly, as noted in the documents, the project represents a 200 per cent increase in bedroom density, from 32 bedrooms to 66, rather than a significant increase in the number of apartments, which will rise only slightly from 28 to 29.

The scheme proposes four one-bedroom units, 13 two-bedroom units, and 12 three-bedroom apartments. The submitted planning documents note that, based on market research and background analysis, one of the primary target markets will be downsizers seeking to remain in the local area while moving out of larger freestanding homes they no longer require.

“This allows for new housing supply opportunities beyond just the subject site,” the Design Report by architecture firm Squillace states. The current unit mix comprises 24 one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom units.

The top level of the new development will feature a rooftop deck with a pool, barbecue facilities, integrated seating, and a communal vegetable and herb garden.

“Providing these facilities is beneficial in encouraging increased interaction between occupants, which in turn fosters a greater sense of community,” Squillace’s report notes. The firm adds that the vegetable and herb garden, in particular, offers social value, with volunteering opportunities creating further interaction among residents.

<img alt="First Look: Lindos Group plans six-storey adaptive reuse apartment project in Woollahra’s Fletcher Precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9619b7bb-291d-417a-a006-f36d14a97cb1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Edgecliff%20DA%20perspective.png?VersionId=PYeMKcgOnEV7XVztARQ_YVDlvHcuyZaW" />

Squillace describes the intent as delivering additional housing supply while maintaining the heritage character of the Fletcher Precinct.

“Our objective is to design a high-quality benchmark building that enables considered additions and the adaptive reuse of the existing three brick residential flat buildings,” the architecture firm states.

The site is located within a heritage conservation area, with all three existing buildings identified as contributory items in the Woollahra Development Control Plan. Rather than pursuing wholesale demolition, the proposal retains the primary brick façades and tiled pitched roof forms along Edgecliff Road and Adelaide Street. New upper-level additions are set back from the existing parapets and articulated with horizontal and vertical shadow lines to provide visual separation.

“The proposed design seeks to retain the primary brick façades and roof forms to the street, demonstrating how existing building fabric can be preserved while increasing housing density within conservation areas,” the report adds.

Prior to Christmas, around <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/rose-bay-apartment-market-fires-up-with-200m-in-new-developments-filed">$200m of new projects</a> were filed in Rose Bay alone, within the Woollahra LGA.

The suburb of Woollahra is subject to the most change in the Woollahra LGA, with the&nbsp;Minns Labor Government to deliver&nbsp;Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade, enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/woollahra-nsw-2025" target="">Woollahra</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/edgecliff-nsw-2027" target="">Edgecliff</a>&nbsp;stations.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/next-stop-woollahra-train-station-delivering-up-to-10-000-new-homes-in-the-heart-of-sydney">Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney</a>

First Look: Woollahra development wave continues as Abadeen plots six-storey apartment block

Urban Land Institute

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Members of Mirvac’s design team have claimed the top prize in the 2018 Urban Innovation Ideas Competition, organised by the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Bohan Jones, HJ Yoon, Will Cai and Linda Lin who conceived the winning scheme - dubbed 'Reflective Lane' - received $2,000 for their efforts and will travel to Shanghai to present their proposal at the ULI 2019 Asia Pacific Conference.

The 2018 Competition sought innovative ideas from students and young professionals within the industry which enhanced the streetscapes within the north-west corner of Melbourne CBD, bound by La Trobe, William, Bourke and Spencer streets. The Competition received 42 entries.

The area has experienced significant development with the completion of the Upper West Side development on the site of the former Lonsdale Street powerstation, and the neighbouring West Side Place across the road. Other projects include <a href="/new-apartments/204-king-street-melbourne">Amber</a>, <a href="/buildings/aspire-melbourne-301-king-st-melbourne">Aspire</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/melbourne-grand-560-lonsdale-street-melbourne">556-558 Lonsdale Street.</a>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/site_area_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Competition site in Melbourne's CBD. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="462" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/site_area_2.png?itok=qaILqgH8" title="The Competition site in Melbourne's CBD. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Competition site in Melbourne's CBD. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Reflective Lane proposes a public arts program in selected laneways that would seek to enrich them and unite members of various communities together by showcasing local stories and artistic responses across a range of social, cultural and ecological themes. 

According to the Competition Jury, Reflective Lane was awarded first place due to its ability to impact the area, which currently lacks activity and vibrancy, through new experiences, but also embodied the ethos of the competition and the organisation, which focuses on boldness, innovation and the sharing of new concepts. Further it also highlighted the importance of ideas and innovation from younger generations.

The announcement of the winner marks the end of Stage Two of the Competition which ran for the duration of October. As part of the Stage Two process <a href="/news/urban-innovation-ideas-competition-shortlist-announced-voting-now-open">the three shortlisted finalists</a> were required to further develop and refine their schemes. The two other finalists were ‘Welcome to Melbourne’ – Fabian Culican, Kavita Sonar, Shelley Black and Simon Zhao from Tract Consultants and ‘Mixed Collectivo’ – Lindy Huang, a student at University of Melbourne; and Marc Schmailz, a student at Technical University of Munich.

The submission ‘Mixed Collectivo’ was awarded the prize for best student entry at the conclusion of Stage 1 of the Competition in late September. The popular vote winner was also announced, as decided by the public, and was awarded to ‘Celebration: Park, Street, Laneway’ comprising University of Hong Kong students Wong Lap Man, Kam Destiny and Kwong Yuk Chun.

<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/example_-_visions_of_japan.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Reflective Lanes was the winner of the 2018 Competition. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/example_-_visions_of_japan.png?itok=dqMx9iCD" title="Reflective Lanes was the winner of the 2018 Competition. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reflective Lanes was the winner of the 2018 Competition. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say....</h2>

<blockquote>
The jury saw design-based propositions from the majority of entrants, but the winners took an experienced-based approach to enliven and enrich through stories and connections.

This submission stood out because it shows a singular cultural and creative approach to changing the experience and perception of this area. It recognised the power of creative activity, supporting artists’ place in their own communities and building international connectivity through the process.

The concept of Reflective Lane would uplift the community and create value to the urban fabric, highlighting the positive impact of arts and culture on cities and precincts. The ULI is about people who want to come together and share for the collective benefit of the cities in which we live.

The winning proposal stood out in emphasising that change was not just affected by urban design and built form but by the programming and activation you can apply within the built form.

- David McCracken, ULI Australia Executive Director and Jury Chair
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Through the competition we are interested in thought and the idea that something could actually happen. Deep critical thinking to us is the real essence of where the future may go and we are really proud of everyone’s efforts in the competition.

- Roger Nelson, NH Architecture (Competition sponsor)
</blockquote>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hl1ZyjgYN9A" width="560"></iframe>
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Laurence Dragomir

Winner announced for Urban Innovation Ideas Competition

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<a href="/news/urban-land-institute-invites-ideas-for-north-west-corner-of-melbourne-cbd">As covered on Urban.com.au last week</a>, the Urban Land Institute is now accepting entries in the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition which is seeking innovative ideas to reinvigorate the north-west corner of the Melbourne CBD.

The ULI's Executive Director David McCracken spoke to Apartments.com.au, providing insight into the competition and the benefits of young people getting involved in planning.

Apartments.com.au: What do you look for when selecting sites for ULI Urban Innovation Ideas competitions?

David McCracken: The Competition sites we select are less about the specific place but more to act as a catalyst or a canvas for expansive thinking and innovative thought, in the context of a real or perceived urban challenge.

The sites selected previously – George St in Sydney – a linear space in the CBD becoming car free and public, but perhaps without the character elements to stimulate it, and in 2016 – Centennial Place – a poorly used green knuckle between the CBD and vibrant Valley district in Brisbane – offer challenges for intervention that change the way these spaces may connect with their city context.

<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/uli_image_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uli_image_1.jpg?itok=65K-ywNB" title="The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI</figcaption></figure>In Melbourne this year, the site has been recognised as part of the CBD that perhaps does not live up to the image of Melbourne - vibrant, active, attractive and communal. We are seeking ideas that may not directly solve that challenge, but that, if implemented will add identity engagement and momentum to this part of the city fabric, and as an outcome, add value to those who live, work and visit the area.

U: What is different about the younger generation compared to older generations when it comes to urban planning and enhancing cities?

DM: What I have witnessed is perhaps a greater social conscience in the urban outcomes that shape our cities. There is a sense that what has gone before has not always delivered and that wider and more diverse voices need to be listened to as we plan our cities. ‘Green’, ‘active’, and ‘programmed’ are buzzwords perhaps more to the older generations and now taken as ‘business as usual’ for those with a younger perspective.

However, with the advent of social media, Pinterest and the like, we see the colour of our cities in more graphic detail and perhaps we don't experience and understand the grain and pulse of cities as much anymore. Our experiences are often quick and superficial rather than longer, deeper and more considered as they may have been in the past. The urban planning and development of our cities shapes the long-term impact and image of that city and we must understand that decisions made are there forever – timeliness over timeframe, authenticity over fashion.

U: What is the benefit of generating ideas from people outside of the sector?

DM: Our cities are shared by a great diversity of people and by giving a voice to all those who experience, contribute to and shape our cities, you reach a far better understanding of how to synthesise what is relevant and impactful.

For me, the skill in great design is not just the innovation or the idea – it’s how it responds to a need, desire or challenge in its own urban context or community.

Through the competition, the challenge is not only to solve the particular design issue or place issue at hand, but to promote new alternate ways of thinking. Along with traditional civic and municipal planning, these may improve the character and experience of the site area and ultimately its social, economic and environmental value.

U: What are the biggest issues facing Australian cities that you hope young people and their ideas can address in current and future competitions?

DM: The ULI Urban Innovation Competition is a forum for ideas – conceptual thinking around ideas that may stimulate new urban interventions and promote alternate ways of thinking in our cities.

The competition provides a forum for young professionals from multiple disciplines to come together and share ideas and approaches to key urban challenges in our cities.

The issue or challenge we are addressing is to engage young people in the urban debate, to share a variety of ideas with today’s decision makers, opportunities and alternatives to ensure that what has been done before is not what has to be done tomorrow. Through the competition, and the debates we engage around it, we try to teach or mentor competitors and their peer groups while helping them become better decision makers for tomorrow.

Entries in the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition close Monday 10 September.
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ULI's David McCracken on the 2018 Urban Innovation Ideas Competition

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The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Australia is inviting the next generation of industry professionals, including architects, developers and urban planners to propose novel ideas for the north-west corner of Melbourne's CBD.

The ULI is recognised internationally within the realms of urban design, development and built environment. It promotes youth leadership, urban innovation and collaboration in the property industry via its Urban Innovation Initiative program, with support from its Principal Sponsor, Mirvac.

The 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition provides a platform to investigate innovative solutions to issues affecting our cities – matching leading young professionals with mentoring from industry leaders and sector specialists.

The theme for 2018 is ‘Nurturing the inner city’s diversity and liveability’ and entrants are encouraged to consider the area’s context, and identify opportunities and challenges that will ultimately assist in informing their responses.

The site bound by La Trobe, William, Bourke and Spencer Streets will be the focus of this year's competition which is seeking ideas to revitalise this emerging precinct into a more vibrant, safe and liveable 24-hour neighbourhood.

It was selected due to its diverse mix of land uses, proximity to public transport, increased residential activity and a lack of definition and neighbourhood identity.

<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/uli_image_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The characteristics of the chosen competition area. Image: Urban Land Institute Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uli_image_2.jpg?itok=fnXtQqFs" title="The characteristics of the chosen competition area. Image: Urban Land Institute Australia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The characteristics of the chosen competition area. Image: Urban Land Institute Australia</figcaption></figure>According to the ULI, despite the significant transformation the city has undergone in recent years, the Competition site suffers from a lack of identity, limited on-street activity outside of business hours, little open public space and community amenity.

The ULI is hosting the ULI City Forum this evening (22 August) to launch the 2018 Competition. The event involves a panel discussion around the challenges and changes since the City of Melbourne’s Future Melbourne 2020 plan was developed over 10 years ago.

Panellists include:

<ul>
<li>Ian Briggs,Plus Architecture;</li>
	<li>Sarah Macklin from Urbis; </li>
	<li>Professor Donald Bates, the University of Melbourne; and</li>
	<li>Bec McHenry,The Space Agency.</li>
</ul>
Participants can enter individually or as a team of up to four, with the winners receiving a trip to the 2019 ULI Asia Pacific Summit on 4-6 June in Shanghai where they will present their idea at ULI’s Regional conference.

2018 marks the first year the Competition has focused on Melbourne, with support from the 2018 project sponsor NH Architecture and project partners Urbis, Plus Architecture and the University of Melbourne.

Registrations for the first stage of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition open on 24 August and close 10 September. For more info and to register click<a href="http://www.urbaninnovations.com.au/"> here</a>. 
 

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
ULI’s Urban Innovation Initiative provides a platform for young people and their ideas and brings together collaborative leadership, innovation and creativity to address topical issues in urban development.

In the Competition we are looking for ideas that are both practical and creative, adopting innovative approaches that will generate significant value across multiple channels. It’s important that entrants represent a new approach or way of thinking and synthesise urban practice from a number of different areas.

- David McCracken, ULI Executive Director 
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Whilst Melbourne’s CBD has been guided by a suite of targeted and innovative approaches – from the postcode 3000 policy, the renewal of its laneways, and the design of its streetscapes – the city’s north-west corner continues to face a number of prevailing issues that are impacting the vitality and appeal of this area

As such, this year we are seeking proposals that if realised would transform the north-west corner of Melbourne’s CBD into a locality that is diverse, liveable, vibrant, activated and resilient.

- Sue Say, Director at Urbis and Chair of the ULI District Council
</blockquote>
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