Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Urban Renewal

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Campbelltown has announced itself as the latest Australian city to pursue a high-density future.

The Re-Imagining Campbelltown strategy which was formed jointly by Council and Deloitte was handed down this week before the New South Wales parliament. In Sydney's southwestern suburbs, Campbelltown is well positioned to leverage off the forthcoming Western Sydney Airport.

Under Council's vision, Campbelltown would become the nation's greenest city, underpinned by the target of generating 200,000 new jobs across the immediate region, which includes a new 400-hectare health and education precinct.

For the most a low-rise city centre, Council's plans to transform Campbelltown into a high-density enclave revolves around the following transport and built form principles:

<ul>
<li>Continuing to facilitate urban renewal along key transport corridors to accommodate population growth and reduce sprawl and isolation</li>
	<li>Realise the expansion of the local street network by creating new streets where development lots can be broken down to provide greater connectivity and walkability</li>
	<li>Realise Over Station Development (OSD) that provides greater connectivity and access to services across the rail corridor</li>
	<li>Locate major university campuses to within the CBD</li>
	<li>Encourage diversification of residential stock in and around the CBD to increase affordability and choice, including shop-top housing typologies</li>
	<li>Ensure technology is embedded in all urban transportation creating an interconnected network of mobility and seamless connections with other modes</li>
	<li>Decouple car parking from new developments to encourage less basements</li>
</ul>
The facilitation of increased density across Campbelltown will see towers up to 20 levels mandated.

<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/r7_0_2993_1687_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mawson Park with a revamped Campbelltown to the rear. Image: Campbelltown Council"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/r7_0_2993_1687_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg?itok=XppEOKss" title="Mawson Park with a revamped Campbelltown to the rear. Image: Campbelltown Council" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mawson Park with a revamped Campbelltown to the rear. Image: Campbelltown Council</figcaption></figure>Hand in hand with Council's bid for increased urban density comes an understanding of the need for heightened sustainability. Further key environmental initiatives have been identified that would allow increased density to occur, they include:

<ul>
<li>Continuing to implement Blue and Green Grid projects supporting the revitalisation and naturalisation of the existing canal network</li>
	<li>Encourage buildings to continue to be retrofitted to provide sustainable energy solutions, evacuated waste systems and green façades to become a carbon neutral CBD</li>
	<li>Encourage greening and activation of roofs to provide facilities and open spaces for residents and workers</li>
	<li>Continue to retrofit and widen streets, create storm-water creeks along footpaths to facilitate greening and improve canopy cover and activation strategies throughout the CBD</li>
</ul>
Council's vision would boost Campbelltown Centre's present population from 11,500 to a forecast 35,500. For this to occur dwellings would balloon from a current 5,000 to 16,000.

<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/image2si.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Campbelltown is set for change. Image: Sydney Images"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2si.jpg?itok=hcCyt1EA" title="Campbelltown is set for change. Image: Sydney Images" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Campbelltown is set for change. Image: Sydney Images</figcaption></figure>Peak industry body Urban Taskforce Australia's response to the Campbelltown's rebirth was positive, citing the proposed Western Sydney Airport as the catalyst for change:

<blockquote>
Clearly Campbelltown Mayor, George Brticevic, and General Manager, Lindy Deitz, are responding to the recently announced City Deal for Western Sydney and the economic stimulus that is flowing from the proposed Western Sydney Airport.

It seems that the proposed Aerotropolis related to the Western Sydney Airport will not be a city centre in the traditional sense but more a centre for jobs. This will then drive a competitive approach from surrounding centres like Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown to each establish themselves as urban centres with their own jobs and with significant urban living in apartments.

The re-imagine Campbelltown model that creates sufficient urban density to generate cafes, restaurants, amenities and jobs all located in walking distance to the railway station is likely to be taken up by other centres around the proposed airport but each will develop its own character.
<cite>Urban Taskforce Australia CEO, Chris Johnson</cite>
</blockquote>

Further reading on Campbelltown's proposed transformation can be seen <a href="https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/Business/ReimaginingCampbelltown">here</a>.
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silvermb

Campbelltown takes its urban future into its own hands

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Burbank Group is in the process of making good the opportunity to bring urban regeneration to Werribee.

As part of Wyndham City Council's push to <a href="http://www.starweekly.com.au/news/werribee-cbd-facelift/">redevelop key sites around Werribee under a $250 million transformation</a>, Burbank Group has taken to planning a scheme for what is currently an at-grade asphalt car park. The developer joins the Pelligra/Citinova partnership in claiming the right to develop three separate central Werribee sites: Riverbend, Cherry Street and Gateway.

Riverbend is the subject of Burbank's planning application, with the requested outcome the right to create 100 new apartments adjacent to the Werribee River.

<h2>3 Comben Drive application summary</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/image13_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rothelowman's generated renderings for 1 Comben Drive."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="265" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_21.jpg?itok=mguFaVSR" title="Rothelowman's generated renderings for 1 Comben Drive." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rothelowman's generated renderings for 1 Comben Drive.</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site: Council owned public car park</li>
	<li>Proposed: 10 level residential building at 34.57m in height</li>
	<li>100 apartments: 16 x 1BR, 81 x 2BR, 3 x 3BR</li>
	<li>2 retail tenancies: 175.6sqm &amp; 192.5sqm </li>
	<li>82 vehicles across ground, 1st &amp; 2nd floor bays</li>
	<li>Provision for 34 bicycles</li>
	<li>Level 9 communal outdoor space of 116.6sqm</li>
</ul>
Project architect Rothelowman talks of the want “To create a vibrant retail laneway network through the middle of the Precinct centred on Barnes Place and Comben Drive, to connect the planned Riverbank Promenade with Station Place, the Werribee Train Station, Watton Street and Cherry Street” within the planning documents.

Under the <a href="https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2016-06/Werribee%20City%20Centre%20Structure%20Plan%20-%20June%202013.pdf">Werribee City Centre Structure Plan</a> higher density development will be encouraged throughout the Werribee City Centre.

Buildings of up to 20 levels were envisaged during the 2016 tri-site announcement, although the sought after 10 level outcome would still comfortably exceed the preferred precinct height limit. A taller tower may still be in the pipeline as 1 Comben Drive accounts for only a portion of the Riverbend at-grade car park site designated for redevelopment.

<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/image16_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rising on Werribee River."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="292" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_10.jpg?itok=GsCEzlvf" title="Rising on Werribee River." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rising on Werribee River.</figcaption></figure>A multi-faceted business generally focusing on home building, Burbank Group has pushed further into Melbourne's apartment sphere over recent years. Mosaic Dandenong on Cheltenham Road represented the developer's first genuine push into apartments.

Further to 1 Comben Drive, Burbank Group is also working toward realising a high-rise project across 96-102 Franklin Street in Melbourne's CBD as well as future stages at their sizeable Cheltenham Road land tract.

Rothelowman carry on their website imagery of the latest potential stage of the Cheltenham Road development which sees both apartments and low-rise townhouses forming the dwelling mix.

<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/burbank.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A Rothelowman scheme for Dandenong."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/burbank.jpg?itok=JXmUuqPP" title="A Rothelowman scheme for Dandenong." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A Rothelowman scheme for Dandenong.</figcaption></figure>
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Burbank advances plans for Werribee's Riverbend site

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Inner-city development opportunities the size of the Alphington Paper Mill site are not common occurrences. At 16.5 hectares the suburb-sized land parcel corners Heidelberg Road and the Chandler Highway, and fronts Yarra River on its southern boundary.

Developer Glenvill Group has begun the process of redeveloping the massive tract of land which is now dubbed YarraBend, envisaging a mixed-use enclave encompassing medium and high density living, retail, offices, open spaces and community facilities. The process of development will be guided by a site-specific Development Plan which was solidified after more than 18 months of planning.

At the heart of the development plan are key community-based outcomes such as 4.5% of the site being seeded to open space and at least 1,700sqm of space being made available for community facilities.

<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/ybend2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yarra Bend will include masses of open space. Image: Glenvill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ybend2.jpg?itok=W9i2jUQ7" title="Yarra Bend will include masses of open space. Image: Glenvill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yarra Bend will include masses of open space. Image: Glenvill</figcaption></figure>Glenvill Group has chosen to exceed the minimum community-based requirements of the development plan, in an effort to position YarraBend as Melbourne's premier example of what an amenity-driven development can achieve. Len Warson, Chairman and CEO of Glenvill Group spoke to Apartments.com.au this week regarding the merits of the sharing economy model that explores the merits of sharing communal spaces with neighbours.

Approximately a year before the first sod is turned for construction, Glenvill Group has bedded down a wide-ranging amenities plan. Len Warson explains that YarraBend will have the best possible amenities in place for future buyers, likening them to hotel/resort style experience.

"People want convenience, they want to maximise the use of their time" Warson states, asserting that buyers will be provided with a wealth of amenities within YarraBend, allowing residents to enjoy the best of Yarra Bend and surrounding Alphington.

This, in turn, fosters an inclusive, connected and socially adaptive community. Len Warson also believes that dwellings over the site will increase in value due to the mass of amenities on offer.

<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/ybend4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Open space and gym facilities within Yarra Bend. Image: Glenvill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="175" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ybend4.jpg?itok=vMFTCAt8" title="Open space and gym facilities within Yarra Bend. Image: Glenvill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Open space and gym facilities within Yarra Bend. Image: Glenvill</figcaption></figure>YarraBend's development plan incorporates five separate green spaces which will account for roughly 30,000sqm of parkland onsite, including direct access to the Yarra River. 

Len Warson refers to YarraBend as 'Tesla Town' due to its advanced use of technology. A charge point suburb, Glenvill Group has moved to eventually secure a 6 Star Green Star Rating for the suburb, whilst future residents will also be able to utilise a dedicated YarraBend app that will aid in day to day activities within the suburb.

Indeed technology is one of the 'pillars' that YarraBend's amenity is based upon, with other such as health, arts &amp; culture, education and gastronomy taken into consideration.

A shopping centre and 2,000sqm artisan gastronomy precinct are planned, as is an outdoor cinema. It is five level glass pavillion that Len Warson explains will be the design showpiece for YarraBend's amenity credentials. A theatre and sports recreation area are included, as are meeting rooms and  a rooftop bar.

<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/ybend5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Parkview is Yarra Bend's initial apartment release. Image: Glenvill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="225" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ybend5.jpg?itok=mmeagSIU" title="Parkview is Yarra Bend's initial apartment release. Image: Glenvill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Parkview is Yarra Bend's initial apartment release. Image: Glenvill</figcaption></figure>As for Parkview, YarraBend's initial apartment release, Len Warson makes note of the project's strong sales uptake. Sold as an entirely retail project in order to attract owner-occupiers, the DKO Architecture-designed building achieved 50% sales in the opening 6-8 weeks of its campaign.

It too will be heavy with amenity and includes a rooftop terrace with pool and heated onsen spa, residents’ lounge with fireplace, private dining room accompanied by a wine cellar and a gym.
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Glenvill positions YarraBend as Melbourne's premier amenities-driven development

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To be fair, there isn't a particularly large number of genuine skyscrapers planned for West Melbourne, yet should a new structure plan for 3003 be ratified, the likes of 420 Spencer Street seen below will be the exceptions and not the norm.

The West Melbourne Structure Plan (WMSP) last night went before the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee at City of Melbourne with the intent of seeking endorsement prior to a period of community and stakeholder consultation during July and August. The new plan will go some way to alleviating Council and community concerns regarding the arrival of skyscrapers within West Melbourne; the tallest reaching 38 levels to date.

Consultancy Urbis has provided a concise <a href="https://urbis.com.au/insights-news/draft-west-melbourne-structure-plan">explanation</a> of the WMSP.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_3391.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="420 Spencer Street is a new high point for West Melbourne "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3391.jpg?itok=coSqWadg" title="420 Spencer Street is a new high point for West Melbourne " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>420 Spencer Street is a new high point for West Melbourne</figcaption></figure>According to Urbis, key takeaway points from the proposed WMSP include:

<ul>
<li>Height and Floor Area Ratio for Spencer, Flagstaff, Adderley and Station Precincts, and retaining mandatory height controls in other areas. Built form controls are also proposed to apply.</li>
	<li>Rezone key land to Special Use Zone, and require 1:1 employment to residential floor area in Spencer, Station and Flagstaff precincts and 0.5:1 in Adderley Precinct.</li>
	<li>Establish new activity centres to support new local convenience, and support community and creative infrastructure.</li>
	<li>Create new open space and high-quality green streets.</li>
	<li>Require 6% affordable housing as part of developments.</li>
</ul>
These changes are proposed with the intent of maintaining West Melbourne's character whilst promoting feasible growth.

<blockquote>
West Melbourne will play a complementary role to the more intensive areas of development which will surround it into the future. It will retain its identity, diverse areas of character and mix of uses as it evolves.

Its heritage buildings and wide green streets will provide high amenity for residents, as well as commercial and retail opportunity in this distinct, inner urban neighbourhood.
<cite>West Melbourne Structure Plan – Draft for Consultation</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image46_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed changes to the Design and Development Overlay’s in West Melbourne. Image: WMSP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="397" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_9.jpg?itok=DKFoCiru" title="Proposed changes to the Design and Development Overlay’s in West Melbourne. Image: WMSP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed changes to the Design and Development Overlay’s in West Melbourne. Image: WMSP</figcaption></figure>The graphic above demonstrates the new height limits expected to become reality across West Melbourne.

16 levels within the blue shaded Flagstaff Precinct is the maximum height allowable under the proposed changes; a substantial cut in heights relative to a number of towers which currently hold approval in the precinct. Beyond 420 Spencer Street, Deague Group's soon to be built Melbourne Village at 83 Batman Street is the next tallest at 27 levels.

From a development perspective, there are implications for a number of large sites which have been earmarked for development or have yet to head to planning. A lesser development yield can be expected for sites such as the JLL-marketed <a href="http://rca.jll.com.au/property-land+development-vic-west+melbourne-502066978">404-418 Spencer Street</a>; 16 levels is a far cry from the neighbouring 420 Spencer Street at 38 levels.

<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/image24_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plus Architecture's 407-415 King Street was refused during April"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image24_11.jpg?itok=0-JU0tad" title="Plus Architecture's 407-415 King Street was refused during April" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plus Architecture's 407-415 King Street was refused during April</figcaption></figure>This planning working being undertaken by the City of Melbourne appears to go hand in hand with the council's recent commentary on the West Gate Tunnel project, and the council's belief that it will increase traffic in the CBD.  The West Gate Tunnel project, based on publicly available plans, is to have an intersection/exit with Dynon road which eventually becomes Spencer Street.

Whilst skyscrapers look likely to have no further impact upon West Melbourne's skyline, the suburb is still a major development hot spot relative to other locales.

Urban.com.au's Project Database is tracking 26 separate residential projects within West Melbourne, with many more thousands of apartments yet to be delivered. These for the most will come in the form of mid-rise projects of between 6-9 levels.

The expectation is that post last night's Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee meeting, the WMSP will be subject to a six week engagement period from today Wednesday 5 July through to Sunday 18 August 2017. 

Further details on the WMSP and the opportunity to provide your feedback is available on the dedicated <a href="https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/westmelbourne#overview">Participate Melbourne</a> page.
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Is this the end of the West Melbourne skyscraper?

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<a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra’s</a> latest development is about to strike a blow for excellent and inclusive urban realm design...and not before time.

As far back as <a href="/news/prime-time-in-forrest-hill">2014</a> and <a href="/news/add-another-to-south-yarras-emerging-forrest">2015</a>, Apartments.com.au has highlighted the runaway success of South Yarra's Forrest Hill urban renewal precinct. Unfortunately though as skyscrapers sprouted throughout the precinct, the ground plane and its importance to the success of the overall development was in essence lost.

Scant few recent apartment projects have provided a meaningful expression at street level, and the precinct is the poorer for it.

South Yarra's latest apartment release, <a href="/buildings/yarra-one-16-22-claremont-street-south-yarra">Yarra One</a>, will well and truly buck the trend though by way of a new open-air atrium fronting Claremont Street. Apartments will be set above the grand atrium within the <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis Architects-designed</a> project, which is on behalf of developer <a href="/developers/ecoworld-international">Eco World</a>-Salcon Y1 Pty Ltd.

An extension of the narrow and poorly lit Yarra Lane directly opposite, Yarra One's atrium will continue the mid-block pedestrian thoroughfare to Daly Street. Long term it is possible then a new entrance to South Yarra Station would see pedestrians disembarking and transiting Yarra One's atrium through to Chapel Street and by default Forrest Hill.

<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/v05_interior_precinct_lookup_copy_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v05_interior_precinct_lookup_copy_0.jpg?itok=pAlUS6-H" title="Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
There has been a true commitment to making a positive contribution to South Yarra’s growing community with the creation of this atrium.

The atrium is an example of placemaking at its best and will transform the Forrest Hill precinct with its diverse range of amenity for both residents and the wider community.
<cite>Andrew Leoncelli, managing director for residential projects at CBRE</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Positioned in the centre of the area’s pedestrian traffic between the train station and Chapel Street, the atrium has been designed to be used and embraced by the community.
<cite>Karl Fender, founding director of Fender Katsalidis Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Cafés, restaurants, and retail spaces are set to act as the atrium's drawcards, with the expectation that Yarra One will become a meeting place. The structure itself also continues Fender Katsalidis Architects' penchant for incorporating trellis-like structures into their high-rise designs; other notable examples include <a href="/news">Republic Tower</a> and <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a>.

The timber trellis structure includes draped greenery whilst also allowing ample natural light penetration. Tiered seating is also incorporated as is a stage, allowing for small performances.

The pending excellence of Yarra One's public atrium brings into focus the shortcomings of many surrounding developments in creating a pleasant, interactive and genuinely usable street level interface. It can be argued that planning provisions should have been implemented across the Forrest Hill prior to the precinct's renewal in order to facilitate similarly impressive urban realm outcomes.

Although no one is ever wrong in hindsight, it is nonetheless highly encouraging to see both architect and developer deliver a project that includes much foresight.
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Yarra One finally strikes a blow for Forrest Hill's urban realm

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Last week's announcement of funding for various Broadmeadows infrastructure projects has cast the often maligned suburb back into the urban renewal spotlight.

Designated a Major Activity Centre on the Metropolitan Planning Authority's citywide <a href="http://planvic.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Viewer/index?appid=b9ac624e3b344a4db2cefaa7a39bea2d">interactive project map</a>, the heart of Broadmeadows is set to receive $14.3 million from the State Government in order to continue its revitalisation, with Broadmeadows Train Station and Boadmeadows Town Hall accounting for the lion's share of funding.

More specifically the funding will:

<ul>
<li>Add $7m toward the $20.2 million refurbishment price tag for the Broadmeadows Town Hall, creating a community focused hub</li>
	<li>Contribute $4m to a new Broadmeadows Station northern entrance, concourse and toilets, and partial pedestrian subway upgrade</li>
	<li>Allow beautificalion works to commence along Pascoe Vale Road with $1 million for tree planting and improved crossings</li>
	<li>Add a further $2.1m to Meadowlink, the 3.2km bicycle, pedestrian and open space link that traverses Broadmeadows town centre</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image67_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Broadmeadows town centre from above. Image: MPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="627" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image67_1.jpg?itok=whyfOC56" title="Broadmeadows town centre from above. Image: MPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Broadmeadows town centre from above. Image: MPA</figcaption></figure>Whilst not necessarily a startling figure, the $14.3 million investment set aside in the 2016/2017 Budget does confirm the State Government's ongoing commitment in pushing Broadmeadows through as an activity centre. The measured flow of capital into Broadmeadows does carry similar traits to the Revitalising Central Dandenong project where the heart of Dandenong received considerable State funding in order to upgrade infrastructure.

Thus far, both the State Government and Hume City Council have already invested heavily in Broadmeadows, with projects such as Hume Global Learning Centre, the Hume School Regeneration project, the state-of-the-art basketball stadium and the local aquatic centre recent additions.

All vested parties will hope that Broadmeadows will follow a similar path as Dandenong in that the south eastern suburb has since managed to attract a considerable level of private investment post public expenditure, with both commercial and apartment developments flowing into the suburb.

<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/image70_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Future Broadmeadows and surrounds. Image:MPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="528" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_3.jpg?itok=3n_MUPGN" title="Future Broadmeadows and surrounds. Image:MPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Future Broadmeadows and surrounds. Image:MPA</figcaption></figure>On a grander scale, redevelopment surrounding Broadmeadows' town centre will eventually encapsulate areas known as Northmeadows and Eastmeadows. With up to 60 hectares of underutilised industrial land on the agenda, the prospects for the creation of new urban villages is high.

Northmeadows is situated east of Broadmeadows proper and according to planning documents has scope to include essentially the full gamut of uses - namely housing, employment, commercial, recreation and leisure. Eastmeadows is potentially a long term regeneration area with a mixture of housing options and diverse employment earmarked for the area.

It is likely that both zones will incorporate a higher degree of housing density.

The Metropolitan Planning Authority and Hume City Council are calling for public feedback during the initial Community Engagement Phase, with the intention of creating a structure plan for Broadmeadows and surrounds which accommodates public expectations.

Information on Broadmeadows' regeneration can be found <a href="http://www.shapevictoria.vic.gov.au/broadmeadows">here</a>, with an associated <a href="http://shapevictoria.vic.gov.au/broadmeadows/survey">public consultation survey</a> also available.

<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/image74_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A conceptualised new Broadmeadows. Image: MPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="256" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image74_0.jpg?itok=tEIj0K3Q" title="A conceptualised new Broadmeadows. Image: MPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A conceptualised new Broadmeadows. Image: MPA</figcaption></figure>
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Broadmeadows receives a boost as urban regeneration beckons

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The ACT government has appointed Ray White Commercial to market the Kingston Arts Precinct, an urban renewal project in Canberra’s oldest suburb.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the project offered developers the opportunity to transform the four-hectare area around the Canberra Glassworks into a arts and creative hub.
The 40,295 square metre site would include about 22,000 square metres of commercial space, 7,000 square metres of arts amenity, apartments and public space.
A master plan for the Kingston Foreshore was approved last year, and an independent feasibility study into the arts hub came out in June.
Ray White Commercial Canberra director Andrew Smith expects developers - local, national and international - to express interest. 
“The staging of the project will be proposed by developers in their tenders, but the public realm and arts deliverables are expected to be delivered in the first stages,” he said.
Expressions of interest have been sought by early December and the preferred developer is expected to be announced in mid-2016.
“It will be a place where artists, cultural organizations and creative businesses make, teach, exhibit, perform and sell their work,” Barr said.
“The area is already home to leading arts organisations the Canberra Glassworks and Megalo Print Studio + Gallery, and the Old Bus Depot markets.
"We expect others will relocate to the precinct."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Ray White to market Canberra's Kingston Arts Precinct

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Urban.com.au recently came across an article published on <a href="https://inheritanceorg.wordpress.com/">Inheritance</a>, a blog devoted to deriding all things development. Listed under the news section, the article provides insights into how and why individuals and communities maintain a certain disdain for urban regeneration and by default higher density living.

Published earlier during 2015, here are some of the dot points taken from the article titled <a href="https://inheritanceorg.wordpress.com/2015/03/01/20-reasons-i-hate-urban-renewal/">20 REASONS I HATE ‘URBAN RENEWAL'</a>

<ul>
<li>Urban Renewal is the reason I have to sit in traffic for 25 minutes just to get from one side of my suburb to the other. By car.</li>
	<li>Urban Renewal is the reason I have to stand on the edge of the road for 10 minutes and then play chicken to get from one side to the other.</li>
	<li>Urban Renewal is why I am forced to look up at overbearing nondescript cheaply constructed boxes of up to 10 stories high in suburban growth ghettos with inadequate parking, natural lighting and open space. Meanwhile affordable blocks of land and perfectly good houses are being swallowed up and kids have to make do with honing their ball skills on Sony Playstations.</li>
	<li>Urban Renewal is the reason my favourite row of Federation shops has just been chewed up by bulldozers and reincarnated as some ugly monolithic drab grey box with concrete cancer and render peeling off like snakeskin after only its first full year of inception.</li>
	<li>Urban Renewal is a quick way of propping up the local and state economies by giving people the false impression that it is boom time in the building industry and consumers have got way too much money to burn on housing.</li>
	<li>Urban Renewal is the reason there are no more backyards in my neighbourhood. No more trees, no front yards, no side yards, no sparrows, no fairy wrens, no caterpillars, no Green Grocers, no Brown Bakers, no Black Princes, definitely no Yellow Mondays and no butterflies. There is a lot of concrete though, and concrete cancer, and the odd dwarf shrub for border embellishment.</li>
	<li>Urban Renewal is the reason property developers cruise my suburb in black Audi Q7s eyeing off their next blue ribbon investment that will make them another big brown envelope full of money.</li>
	<li>Urban Renewal is a sweeping term that demands blanket slash and burn mentality. Nothing is left of my old neighbourhood – no heritage, no community, no environment, no funky warehouse conversions, no links to the past, no resonating cultural vibes, nothing.</li>
	<li>Urban Renewal is the reason I try and stay away from driving anywhere on weekends now. It’s just not worth the effort.</li>
	<li>Urban Renewal is why I am too scared to invest all my hard earned savings into the house of my dreams, as who knows what will be built next door to the house of my dreams the minute I move in.</li>
	<li>Urban Renewal is a fallacy that would have us believe the only way to make our suburbs pretty and safe is to knock everything down and build everything new again, this time with dinky shops on the bottom and multiple stories of residential dwellings on top (and lots of basement parking to store our black Audi Q7s). That way we can all be proud of our suburbs. Give me a break.</li>
	<li>Urban Renewal is probably the reason why I have to put my child’s name down three years in advance to get her into some overpriced childcare facility. Same with school. It’s probably why I have to get to the train station at 5am to get the only parking available. It’s probably why I have to stand in the train too. And wait at the pharmacy, and the ATM. And get to the park three hours early to reserve a picnic table on a Saturday morning. And line up ten-deep outside the Vietnamese bread shop that does those special pork rolls I like. In fact it’s probably responsible for every little part of my life that I find shitty and annoying.</li>
</ul>
Clearly this is one small blog espousing a certain amusing, fanciful, and disturbing point of view… and of course it is their right to do so.

But is what has been published above representative of what a typical 'NIMBY' ("Not In My Back Yard") thinks to be the case regarding urban regeneration, urban renewal and higher density living? I hope not. Using Inheritance as an example, providing increased housing via differing housing typologies to cater for an increasing population is the root of the world's problems.

Surrounded by much fluff there are actually one or two salient points in the blog. One needn't look too far past Melbourne's CBD to understand that even recently heritage buildings of stature have disappeared in favour of new and shiny buildings, and unnecessarily so. The key though is finding middle ground and having appropriate heritage/design controls in place.

The above blog to my way of thinking reinforces my perception that NIMBY's are an inflexible lot incapable of seeing past their own nose: no middle ground, no understanding of the bigger picture and ultimately just concerned about their own interests!

Is the blog in question merely the rantings of a misinformed person or nailing a pertinent issue on the head. You, the reader can decide.

Lead image courtesy Inheritance.
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Delving into the mind of a NIMBY

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A website has surfaced in recent weeks which compares the Melbourne of today to that of 1945. The stark differences can be viewed at <a href="http://1945.melbourne/">Melbourne 1945</a> which provides contrasting aerial imagery using Department of Crown Lands and Survey photography mashed with current Mapbox capabilities.

<a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/a-birdseye-view-of-melbournes-transformation-from-1945-to-2015-20150227-13pd5v">Recently highlighted</a> in The Age, Melbourne 1945 provides a tangible resource that charts Melbourne's immense growth over a sustained period. While providing a visual glimpse at Melbourne's past, it also points toward what lies ahead for Melbourne if the current path is maintained. That is further suburban sprawl with implications for both sustainability and the environment.

<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/image92.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne's sports precinct then and now"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image92.jpg?itok=xjwRjrD5" title="Melbourne's sports precinct then and now" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne's sports precinct then and now</figcaption></figure>A description of Melbourne 1945 as provided by Nathan Jeffrey:

<blockquote>
The aerial map of Melbourne in 1945 was commissioned by the Department of crown Lands and Survey, and conducted by Adastra Airways. This is a snapshot of the city immediately following WWII, and preceding the suburban sprawl of the postwar period.

You'll notice that there are some missing portions in the 1945 map - notably the areas around Wantirna, Blackburn and Frankston. Unfortunately the original photos covering these areas seem to be lost to time.
<cite><a href="http://1945.melbourne/">Nathan Jeffrey, Melbourne, 1945</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image93.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Only a fraction of our population recall Doncaster during 1945"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image93.jpg?itok=_Rp-_mcE" title="Only a fraction of our population recall Doncaster during 1945" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Only a fraction of our population recall Doncaster during 1945</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

As the old adage goes, "You don't know where you're going until you know where you've been."

Melbourne 1945 is an intriguing glimpse into the past while also giving a fair indication as to how Melbourne has constantly expanded since the days of its founding during 1835. This in turn poses the question: will Melbourne continue its sprawl outward over the next 30, 50, 70 years or will suburban sprawl at some point be deemed counterproductive?

To think that Warburton is 72 kilometres from the CBD and still considered part of greater Melbourne is mind boggling! Will the greater Melbourne decades from now stretch beyond a 100-130 kilometre radius from the CBD? That sounds implausible, but I'm sure the equivalent was said during 1945 about locations we now consider middle and outer ring suburbs.

Replicating what has been done for the past 70 years by continually pushing Melbourne outwards is not the way forward, and the Melbourne 1945 website aides by providing an excellent visual representation of what has been. Build up in a responsible manner, not outwards!
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Melbourne: How you've changed in 70 years - but for the better?

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Does anyone doubt that Hopkins Street Precinct on the footstep on Footscray proper will be an unbridled success one day? I don't, but the total lack of action in materialising any of the many projects within the Urban Renewal Area is a concern and points to some fundamental issues within the precinct.

The impetus for this article is news this week the first major apartment project for the area (approved over three years ago) has been put on the market. Then design lead Architecton summed up both <a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-footscray-501317143">10 Moreland Street</a> and Joseph Road Precinct as follows:

<blockquote>
The precinct has historically been used for a mix of industrial activities which are no longer viable or appropriate in this location. The precinct benefits from unrivalled proximity to both the Footscray CAD and the Maribyrnong River environs, and enjoys excellent multi-modal connections to other parts of Melbourne.

The strategic vision is for the area to be revitalised through new and innovative mixed use development. This proposal has received the first planning permit and hence the first step in the revitalisation of the Joseph Road precinct. It is therefore considered a catalyst for change which will assist in the implementation of the State and local government's broader vision for Footscray.
<cite><a href="http://www.architecton.com.au/34556/341918/select-projects/moreland-street-footscray">Architecton: Moreland Street Footscray</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image196.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The current 10 Moreland Street. Image courtesy Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image196.jpg?itok=U2OI9YZQ" title="The current 10 Moreland Street. Image courtesy Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The current version of 10 Moreland Street. Image courtesy Colliers</figcaption></figure>Unfortunately there has been no catalyst for change within the 17 hectare precinct in recent years, and no prospect of there being so in the short to medium term. Fellow precinct permit holder <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a> is also currently for sale while <a href="http://www.8hopkins.com.au/">8 Hopkins Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">18-24 Hopkins Street</a> successfully <a href="http://www.maribyrnong.starweekly.com.au/story/1811715/footscray-mayor-grant-miles-slams-developers-over-quick-buck-sales/">found buyers</a> earlier in the year, although there are no plans to immediately develop.

<a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">4 Neilson Place</a> and <a href="/buildings/liberty-one-1-warde-street-footscray">1 Warde Street</a> are currently at planning with joint developer Urban Inc's Danny Ciarma indicating 1 Warde Street wasn't a priority development during an interview with Apartments.com.au during mid 2014. Whether at planning or approved, Joseph Street Precinct currently has approximately 3150 in just six projects listed on Apartments.com.au's Project Database.

At this point Joseph Street Precinct reminds me of an old adage, "All dressed up with nowhere to go."

<h2>The issues</h2>

From a laypersons perspective, these are the issues Joseph Street Precinct currently face:

<ul>
<li>The sites industrial heritage means it's little more than a decrepit wasteland. Which developer would be the first to deliver their project and have it site in total desolation, condemning residents to barren external environment?</li>
	<li>As evidenced the projects mentioned above, the average development to date in Joseph Street Precinct is huge. Understandable given the lot sizes on offer, but even in staged delivery these projects need to sell hundreds of apartments at a time which for a new residential precinct in this position is quite the ask.</li>
	<li>It seems no developer wants to be the first into Joseph Street Precinct. Taking into account the above and other factors it almost looks like game theory at play where one player is reactionary to other players. If one development is launched will the other immediately follow? Probably not, and therein lies part of the problem.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The solution</h2>

Forget Docklands as an example, in this instance, Dandenong's urban renewal program may just provide the blueprint to lift Joseph Street Precinct out of the development doldrums. <a href="/news/revitalising-central-dandenong-nothing-ventured-nothing-gained">Revitalising Central Dandenong</a> is an ongoing urban renewal project delivered by the State government via Places Victoria, in conjunction with the City of Greater Dandenong.

Critical infrastructure and extensive civic works continue to be delivered to Dandenong's CBD in order to stimulate private investment in the area - a ploy which to date has worked - with increased commercial and residential development the result. A similar program is precisely what Joseph Street Precinct requires in my view.

Joseph Street Precinct absolutely needs an initial infrastructure boost from the State government in order to promote the area as more than a current industrial wasteland. Implementing a road network and delivering some much needed civic works, particularly to Maribyrnong River, may just be the key to unlocking a flow of development that would begin the long sought transformation of the precinct.

Whether it be Places Victoria, City of Maribyrnong or both, Joseph Street Precinct is in desperate need of impetus by way of initial public works investment. To do nothing is to condemn the precinct to further dormancy.

So close to the CBD, yet so far from being reality!
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