Developer Tian An LFD has been given the green light from the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority to go ahead with its new Chatswood apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hammond-greens-chatswood-5-9-gordon-avenue-chatswood-nsw-2067">Hammond Greens</a>.

The 35-storey mixed-use tower at 5-9 Gordon Avenue, on the edge of the Chatswood Bowls Club, will comprise 91 apartments, 22 of which will be affordable homes managed by Link Wentworth. They will sit above a two-level podium with retail and commercial space.

The plans were upsized from the early 25-storey scheme which proposed 64 apartments, following the Government's new planning provisions under the Housing SEPP that gave developers the opportunity to increase heights and floor place in exchange for an affordable housing component.

&nbsp;

The design by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>&nbsp;builds on the concept first presented when the firm won the site’s design competition, describing Hammond Greens as “a unique form of vertical living that belongs on the North Shore - drawing on the vernacular and materiality of suburban living, and integrating native landscaping between the narrow tower forms”.

At ground level, 1,500 sqm of retail and commercial space will activate the podium, supporting a hybrid work environment and creating a stronger connection with the local community. Residents will also have access to an outdoor pool deck, yoga room, golf simulator, and landscaped gardens designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sturt-noble-landscapes">Sturt Noble Associates</a>.

&nbsp;

Located less than 500 metres from Chatswood Transport Interchange, the project contributes to the suburb’s growing pipeline of high-density development. It joins the likes of Changfa's recently launched The Anderson and Billbergia's Chatswood Grand Residences.

Hammond Greens is the first of two towers Tian is planning in Chatswood. They have a sister project, dubbed Hammond Place, just one street away at 15-19 Nelson Street. That will have around 110 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142900]

Joel Robinson

Tian An LFD greenlit for Hammond Greens apartments in Chatswood as project launches

The sought-after Latent Defects Insurance policy, offering off the plan apartment buyers peace of mind for 10 years post-completion, has made its way to Sydney’s harbourside. Boutique developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/toohey-miller">Toohey Miller</a> has secured this insurance for its newly launched Elizabeth Bay development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/barncleuth-square-elizabeth-bay-4-4a-barncleuth-square-elizabeth-bay-nsw-2011">Barncleuth</a>. This marks the developer’s second project in the area, following the success of No. 1 Onslow Place.

Latent Defects Insurance, offered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Resilience Insurance</a>, provides cover for structural or waterproofing defects in new apartment buildings. It is a policy that only the developer or builder can take out, not the apartment purchaser.

Located just&nbsp;off Macleay Street, one of Sydney’s most desirable high streets, Barncleuth offers a rare collection of only 10 residences. With just two per floor, each oversized floorplan has been designed by SJB specifically for the owner-occupier.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140184 project_image_fid=356342]

The five-storey building captures views over Rushcutters Bay and Paddington, blending contemporary brickwork with the expressive silhouettes of its Art Deco neighbours.

Inside, the residences, designed by David Hicks, prioritise generous scale and enduring quality, with a mix of two- and three-bedroom layouts. Expansive terraces and cross-ventilated interiors maximise light and airflow, while sustainable features such as a green roof and locally sourced materials reflect SJB’s commitment to long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140184 project_image_fid=356341]

Developer Toohey Miller, led by Nick Couloumbis, says the design aims to bring lasting quality to an area long celebrated for its apartment heritage.

"It's a stone's throw from the best restaurants in Sydney. Some people call it the Soho of Sydney," Couloumbis told Apartments.com.au when the project was approved.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140184 project_image_fid=356337]

By securing <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Resilience Latent Defects Insurance</a>, Barncleuth joins a growing group of premium Sydney projects adopting the gold standard in building protection.&nbsp;

The cover, provided before construction begins, ensures any hidden structural or waterproofing defects are repaired immediately, without lengthy litigation or fault disputes.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent said the product has been a catalyst for renewed confidence in the off the plan market.&nbsp;

“Ultimately what we’re trying to do is build better buildings consumers can trust. When buyers take possession, they have full insurance protection from day one, for 10 years,” Nugent explained.

Unlike traditional policies such as strata or construction insurance, Resilience LDI is a first-resort, strict liability policy, meaning repairs are covered immediately without needing to prove negligence. Coverage extends to foundations, load-bearing walls, and waterproofing, the elements most critical to long-term structural integrity.

Regarded construction firm Jasara has been appointed to deliver Barncleuth. They are forecasting an early 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140184]

Toohey Miller brings 10-year Latent Defects Insurance to Elizabeth Bay as Barncleuth apartments launch

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/golden-sedayu">Golden Sedayu</a> has unveiled plans for the next phase of its landmark $4 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/burswood-point-saintly-entrance-burswood-wa-6100">Burswood Point</a> project, just 3.5km from the Perth CBD at the Belmont Racecourse site.

The Local Development Plan Application has been lodged for a world-class mixed-use hub (Precinct B) on the previously untouched 2.5km stretch of Swan River foreshore.

Designed by Skidmore, Owings &amp; Merrill (SOM), recognised for their work on the world’s tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the One World Trade Centre in New York, Precinct B will feature 15 buildings, offering a mix of residential and commercial spaces including a shopping centre up to 30,000 sqm in size.

Complementing this, an internationally acclaimed five-star hotel, and a high-end pedestrian-friendly retail boulevard with vibrant day-and-night retail, dining, and entertainment venues, will provide exciting new ways for Perth residents to connect with the riverfront.

This latest milestone signals continued construction and expansion momentum across Perth’s premier riverfront community, which is set to attract local, national and international visitors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142314 project_image_fid=263304]

The masterplan features 110,000 sqm of public open space, which is comparable to other Perth landmarks including inner-city Langley Park and South Perth foreshore. The riverside precinct will be brought to life through a visionary landscape concept by globally renowned architectural practice Grant Associates.

With an impressive international portfolio, including Gardens by the Bay and Funan Mall in Singapore and Barangaroo South in Sydney, the firm brings expertise in creating environments that harmonise with surrounding amenity.

At 38 hectares, Burswood Point is one of the largest urban development projects ever undertaken in Australia, and one of Perth’s most transformative mixed-use developments.

Golden Sedayu Managing Director Andrew Sugiaputra said the company was working closely with SOM, Grant Associates and the Government of Western Australia to ensure Burswood Point’s design responds sensitively to its surroundings, reflecting and enhancing the character, history, and natural features of the local environment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142314 project_image_fid=1817]

“West Australians enjoy a privileged outdoor lifestyle and the Swan River is central to their enjoyment,"&nbsp;Sugiaputra said.

"We’re proud to be creating something truly spectacular and unique for the city, a place that feels alive from sunrise to sunset, a place where people can stay, shop, dine, and celebrate life on the river."

Precinct B builds on the outstanding success of Burswood Point’s first residential stage, which has been met with exceptional market demand. Somerset Residences, a two- tower luxury apartment development, and the exclusive riverfront homes collection are under construction and selling fast. As the number of Perth houses listed for sale remain at or near record lows, Burswood Point will deliver 4,500 new homes over the next 10 years.

“Golden Sedayu is dedicated to delivering on our promises,"&nbsp;Sugiaputra added.

"Our clients can buy with confidence, knowing that the price is fixed throughout construction. In an industry that has faced challenging market conditions, we’re proud to provide our clients complete peace of mind and confidence in the value of their investment."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142314]

Golden Sedayu reveals next 15 buildings in Perth's $4 billion Burswood Point precinct

Rising at the base of The Remarkables,&nbsp;diversified New Zealand developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>'s Mountain Oak Apartments presents a foothold in Frankton, one of Queenstown’s most dynamic and fast-growing locales.&nbsp;

Surrounded by soaring alpine scenery and year-round tourism drawcards, Mountain Oak Apartments is a masterplanned precinct that perfectly balances accessibility with lifestyle amenity.

<img alt="Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district" 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://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Frankton has emerged as a strategic growth zone just seven kilometres from Queenstown’s CBD, popular among both residents and investors for its proximity to the airport, the region’s two premier ski fields, Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, and an expanding network of shops, services, and recreation options. The apartments enjoy immediate access to the popular Market Street dining hub, as well as Five Mile Shopping Centre and the seasonal Remarkables Market, where locals gather for fresh produce and artisan goods.

The location also places residents near the gateway to South Island adventures. Scenic trails, golf courses, and Lake Wakatipu’s edge are within easy reach, while the historic village of Arrowtown, renowned for its preserved gold rush-era charm and walking routes, is a short drive away. Local transport connectivity is supported by the nearby airport and arterial roads, ideal for frequent travellers and short-term guests alike.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" 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/313_Living_WEB.jpg?VersionId=3LglY20Jp_MAzQYdvwODRWvtjL.cZcqI" />

Tourism-driven demand underpins strong investment fundamentals in Queenstown, with a noted shortage of short- and long-term accommodation stock. Mountain Oak’s 365-day visitor accommodation consent directly addresses this need, offering a rare opportunity to serve Queenstown’s dual population of holidaymakers and hospitality workers.

Construction of the 141 residences began in June 2025, with completion anticipated by mid-2027. Apartments range from one-bedroom to penthouses, with pricing from NZ$639,000. Dual-key options and low-maintenance finishes support a flexible rental model with strong gross return potential.

Staff Writer

From slopes to markets: Mountain Oak connects residents to the best of Queenstown

Deicorp is doubling down in the Hills Showground Station Precinct, the rapidly growing area surrounding the Castle Hill Metro and one of the state’s largest transit-oriented urban renewal sites.

Having launched Hills Showground Village several years ago, and now about 70 per cent through its build, Deicorp has brought another mini-masterplan to market just a few streets away.

The developer has now released the first of 873 residences in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/showground-pavilions-castle-hill-3-andalusian-way-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Showground Pavilions</a>, five new buildings located just 500 metres from the Metro, which connects Castle Hill residents to Martin Place in around 37 minutes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150067 project_image_fid=351416]

The mix includes one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a limited release of garden terrace homes with studies.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner Studio</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a>, the residences are configured around a network of landscaped courtyards and podium-level gardens, with additional rooftop terraces offering views across the district.&nbsp;Communal amenities include a 3,500 sqm public park, playgrounds, shaded seating areas and walking and cycling paths.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150067 project_image_fid=351416]

Interiors feature flexible layouts with oversized living areas, deep balconies, SMEG kitchen appliances and floor-to-ceiling glass to maximise light and airflow.&nbsp;

Many apartments include a study space, while select residences offer private outdoor areas. A total of 44 apartments have been designated as affordable housing for key workers, such as nurses, teachers and police officers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150067 project_image_fid=351413]

On top of its strong connectivity to the city, Deicorp has delivered significant new amenity to the area. The developer recently opened the 9,500sqm, four-level retail precinct at Hills Showground Village, which includes 26 specialty retailers and a 1,400sqm public plaza, creating a new community hub for shopping, dining, fitness, and everyday convenience. Castle Towers, one of Australia’s largest shopping centres, is also just one Metro stop away.

Between Hills Showground Village and Showground Pavilions, Deicorp is delivering more than 1,300 new homes to the rapidly growing Castle Hill precinct, representing a $2 billion investment in the suburb.

Showground Pavilions is one of several Metro-linked projects in Deicorp’s pipeline, joining developments at Tallawong Village, Zetland, Five Dock, Macquarie Park and Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150067]

Deicorp expands Castle Hill footprint with Showground Pavilions launch

Victorian Election 2018

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Today's thought piece looks at how the Andrews Government’s policies are likely to affect planning and design outcomes, and the potential design opportunities for Melbourne, from the perspective of an architect:

<h2>Development controls to be relaxed to allow for commercial development to thrive</h2>

With the re-election of the Andrews Government, we anticipate a relaxation in the planning controls in central Melbourne, particularly as they relate to commercial developments. This should be achieved through an increase in incentives for good design that delivers better urban design and public realm outcomes.

During his time as the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne put a halt to the sort of residential towers that sprang up in the north western corner of the city. Many of these developments had little regard for the public realm. However, with only four planning applications approved since the introduction of the C270 planning controls two years ago, there needs to be a relaxation and a more granular approach to the controls.

For instance, if we assess the potential of a building 200m in height on a 3,000sqm site it could reasonably deliver about 75,000sqm of GFA. The relaxation of the controls such that either the side or rear setbacks were reduced from 6% of height to 5m could lead to a potential increase in area of about 20%. This additional area could be incentivised via the delivery of additional public space or public benefit. Whilst the current controls do contemplate additional area for public benefit, they are silent on the benefits associated with street activation. For example, if a loading bay or services are removed from the ground floor and relocated to a basement, where they are replaced with commercial space or retail or cafes, there should be an uplift in allowable area. This should provide an opportunity for an improvement in dialogue and greater collaboration between designers, developers, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), the City of Melbourne and other key stakeholders.

The Labor government should take the learnings from the past four years and adopt a greater relaxation of planning controls for mixed use developments, such as residential/ commercial, or commercial/ hotel developments. Greater rewards could be gained for those projects that are offering more interesting architectural and urban design outcomes.

Currently, commercial development opportunities are encouraged in the Docklands, Southbank and western half of the CBD by allowing additional area for commercial floorspace. Further investigation should be undertaken into stimulating commercial opportunities in other parts of Melbourne’s CBD particularly the eastern half. This is important in the context of the stagnating CBD residential market.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/171_collins_street_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The award winning 171 Collins Street for Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/171_collins_street_10.jpg?itok=pFRUyZcQ" title="The award winning 171 Collins Street for Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The award winning 171 Collins Street for Cbus Property</figcaption></figure><h2>Focus on creating polycentric cities that support communities and population growth</h2>

There needs to be stronger government support for the creation of polycentric cities. That is, those cities that have clusters of density located outside the CBD. London, New York and Hong Kong are all examples of successful cities of over 10 million people that have a series of clusters of density located outside of the CBD.

A polycentric approach allows for the more even distribution of resources and takes pressure from the roads and rail networks leading into the CBD. It also has the potential to allow for the wider distribution of capital, with the current lack of capital flowing into the CBD as a result of residential development opportunities slowing and commercial projects being constrained by planning controls.

The Andrews Government’s ring rail plan must be embraced as an opportunity for increased density around those new train stations which includes new public space as well as built form. 
Sydney has leapt ahead of Melbourne as a polycentric city with greater clusters of higher density around Parramatta and North Sydney.

The Docklands has outstripped the CBD in terms of growth on commercial floorspace and population in the last ten years, yet it lacks a focal point for its community. Community space needs to be provided within proximity to Spencer Street, such as public parks and recreational facilities to activate the area.

The redevelopment of Central Pier is a perfect opportunity with its proximity to Southern Cross Station and Marvel Stadium. There should be consideration given to providing new open spaces that have a connection to the water, with aquatic based recreation including new pools, food and beverage outlets and a market to be introduced. Multiple examples of similarly scaled successful water-front urban regeneration projects exist around the world including along New York’s waterfront at Pier 17, in Copenhagen at Paper Island and at San Francisco’s Ferry building marketplace.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/seaport1-jumbo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New York's Pier 17. Image: New York Times"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/seaport1-jumbo.jpg?itok=A0VTesvX" title="New York's Pier 17. Image: New York Times" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New York's Pier 17. Image: New York Times</figcaption></figure>Julian Anderson is a Director of architecture and interior design practice, Bates Smart. 

https://www.batessmart.com/bates-smart/studio/people/staff/directors/julian-anderson/
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Julian Anderson

2018 Victorian Election Outcome: An Architect's Perspective

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Yowser.  I think that accurately describes what happened on Saturday 24th at the Victorian state election.

The ALP under the leadership of Daniel Andrews will be returned with, what looks like, a minimum of 55 seats out of the 88 that exist in the Legislative Assembly.

Save for the seat of Bulleen, Matthew Guy's seat, and two northern suburbs peculiarities, all legislative assembly seats lying in the path of the ALP's Suburban Rail Loop switched from Liberal to Labor.

<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/srl_staging_options1_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Labor's Suburban Rail Loop"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="503" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/srl_staging_options1_0.png?itok=wVMvPwW7" title="Labor's Suburban Rail Loop" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Labor's Suburban Rail Loop</figcaption></figure>All seat-by-seat results discussed below were present on the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/vic-election-2018/results/list/">ABC's seat breakdown</a> as 12:30am on the 25th of November.

Starting on the eastern side of the bay and working our way anti-clockwise, Mordialloc &amp; Carrum (which share a boundary near Cheltenham - the foreshadowed terminus of the Suburban Rail Loop) have seen swings of 12% and 14% respectively.

The safe Labor seat of Clarinda now has a two-party-preferred of 70:30 (an increase of 4% to Labor), and the seat of Oakleigh which hosts Monash University's Clayton campus has seen an 8% swing to the Labor member.

Heading northwards we reach the seats that have flipped from Liberal to Labor.

The seat of Mount Waverley which will host the station at Glen Waverley has a 6% swing to Labor which the ABC are predicting will be gained by Labor.  Next door in the seat of Burwood - the seat which hosts Deakin University's campus - the ABC has given that seat to ALP with almost a 9% swing.

And then Box Hill - the seat that's already seeing rapid change and will be the northern terminus of the first phase of the Suburban Rail Loop, the ALP have picked up that seat from the Liberals as well with a 7% swing.

North of Box Hill is Bulleen - Matthew Guy's seat - and even though the opposition leader will hold the seat, he wasn't immune from the swings with the ALP candidate clawing 5% away from the Liberal leader.  Bulleen will host Doncaster's station.

Heading Westward, the second seat (after Bulleen) that would see the second phase of the Suburban Rail Loop - Ivanhoe (hosting Heidelberg's interchange station) - has seen an 8% swing to the incumbent. The seat of Bundoora which will host La Trobe University's station saw a 5% swing to the ALP.

In Labor heartland, Preston which will host the interchange station at Reservoir, there's been a 2.5% swing to the Greens against the sitting Labor member.  The two-party-preferred vote according to the ABC is 72:28 however.

Next door in Pascoe Vale where the Fawkner interchange is located (the station is more accurately just inside the seat of Pascoe Vale near the boundary with the seat of Preston), there's been a 10% swing away from Labor to an independent candidate.

Up in the seat of Broadmeadows, the incumbent has seen a 4% swing bringing his two-party-preferred to 82:18.

In the seat of Sunbury - hosting the Airport and the future station on the Suburban Rail Loop/Airport Rail Link - there was a 10% swing and in the seat of St Albans which takes in Sunshine, a 4% swing to Labor is registered.

The seats of Kororoit, Tarneit and Werribee which will see the other end of the Surban Rail Loop as well as the benefits of the ALP's Western Rail Plan all registered swings of 6%, 5% and 1% to Labor respectively.

<h2>Comment</h2>

There's already a tonne of commentary about the how, the why and the what on the bloodbath that has been thrust upon the opposition - much of it has tended to focus on Federal implications, how Victoria is now the unparalleled progressive leader in the country and how ineffective the law and order angle the Liberals pursued has been.  That might be true (or not) but the Premier said it himself in his victory speech.

Shit's getting done (I'm quoting Jon Faine from The Drum on Friday here) and despite the Suburban Rail Loop coming out of nowhere, voters have responded accordingly.  Mount Waverley, Burwood and Box Hill are now red with blue on two sides - as outlined above, they are the seats which the Suburban Rail Loop maps released to date pass through.

Regardless if it was a factor or not, an enormous responsibility to get it right now falls on the returned government.

We now know the Treasurer is on board with financing other projects through state debt - Airport Rail Link, North East Link and more level crossings removals were cited as the beneficiaries of the cheap finance - but what of the Suburban Rail Loop?

Interesting times ahead.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/suburban-rail-loop">bigbuild.vic.gov.au</a>.
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Alastair Taylor

Did the Suburban Rail Loop win the Victorian election for Labor?

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Regardless of which party is able to form government after this Saturday's Victorian election, Sunshine and Melbourne's west stand to win when it comes to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

Various media reports cite the Federal Government having informed the State Government that Canberra supports the Sunshine, also known as Albion, route for the rail link to Tullamarine.  Likewise the Federal Opposition has also expressed support for the Sunshine corridor option.

To have both major parties at both the state and federal level more or less in agreement on an alignment is an achievement in and of itself.  The question now, however, is what form will the rail link take?

The state ALP see the Melbourne Airport Rail Link as the start of the western side of its Suburban Rail Loop - an election policy that would see a 90km long rail line orbit metropolitan Melbourne through the middle ring of suburbs.

State Liberal and opposition leader Matthew Guy has also thrown support behind the Sunshine-Albion route and it's likely the link - the extra track between the city and Sunshine - would play a major role in the development of the Liberal party's election policy of higher-speed rail to the regions.

Sunshine is one of the Victorian Planning Authority's <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/sunshine-employment-cluster/#">National Employment and Innovation clusters</a>.  Draft framework plans were published in March 2017 and the VPA's website states finalisation of the plans are still ongoing.  

It is likely the rail services on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link will only have one intermediate stop between the city and the airport at Sunshine and coupled with the planning work from the VPA, Brimbank council, we're likely to see intensive development in and around Sunshine station.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/sunshine-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

The ALP have been referring to Sunshine as a future 'super-hub' with published renders depicting an airport-like experience for passengers who will be changing services in the region.

Already Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo line V/Line services pass through the station as well as metro services to Watergardens-Sunbury and if re-elected, the ALP as part of its Western Rail Plan, would study, as presumably build, extra track from Sunshine to Melton while electrifying one pair to enable metro services to run from Melton to the City.

Metro services from Sunbury - and if it proceeds, Melton - would stop all stations and the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, whether it turns out to be something similar to the unsolicited AirRail Melbourne proposal or not, will provide an express service to the city from Sunshine, and naturally to the airport.

In short, Sunshine will become one of the best-connected suburbs of Melbourne.

A business case is underway for the rail link to Tullamarine however given the rare political alignment across tiers of government and across the major parties on the transport side of the equation, focus should now shift back to the VPA and Brimbank council and what's in store for Sunshine in a wider planning-sense.
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Sunshine in the hot seat as federal and state political parties settle on Melbourne Airport Rail Link route

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With most of the major policy announcements by the major parties having already come and gone - as the thinking goes, to grab as many early votes as possible - we're unlikely to see any major announcements at this late stage in the state election campaign.

Besides the ALP's <a href="/news/victorian-government-unveils-suburban-rail-loop-election-proposal">Suburban Rail Loop</a> election announcement, that party also stated that it would expand its 2014 election policy of removing 50 level crossings to a list of 75.

At the time the policy was unveiled, 14 new sites were identified with the party explaining they would make further announcements in the proceeding weeks. At this stage, the ALP still have three more level crossings to identify before the state election.

The initial announcement included adding more Frankston line crossings to the list, specifically, one of the level crossings that includes a tram square - where trains generally have to slow right down to cross the road - in Glen Huntly.

The Glen Huntly Road level crossing will also knock out the adjacent Neerim Road, and further down the line in Chelsea, another three level crossings were added to the list.

The Pakenham/Cranbourne lines will see an extra eight level crossings removed with both the ALP and Liberal parties gunning for votes in the area due to retiring members and once-safe seats now marginal, littering the outer south-east edge of Melbourne.

Upfield and Mernda lines were also the beneficiaries of new level crossings added to the list, where Preston and Coburg will see multiple crossings removed at once that will likely kick off long-held plans to increase development in both suburbs.

Now that Union Road in Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Road in Mont Albert have been added to the list, once complete, all level crossings between the city and Ringwood will have been removed. Springvale Road and Mitcham/Rooks Road were started under the previous coalition government and since then Blackburn Road and Heatherdale Road have been removed during the term of the current government.

Sunbury and Werribee will see a new crossing from each of their suburbs added to the list but there are still three that have not been announced by the ALP.

In October the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) published its <a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/334914/Extra-Crossings_Prioritisation-Framework.pdf">site </a><a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/334914/Extra-Crossings_Prioritisation-Framework.pdf">prioritisation</a><a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/334914/Extra-Crossings_Prioritisation-Framework.pdf"> framework</a> which is guiding the selection of new sites.

Kooyong Station on the Glen Waverley line has another of the dreaded tram squares at its level crossing, likewise, Riversdale on the Alamein line has one. Gardiner Station was the first to be removed and Glen Huntly on the Frankston line brings it up to 50% of all tram squares to be removed or already completed.  

There are many aspects to look at for each site, as per the site prioritisation framework, and train operations (speed/efficiency) is one of them. This ensures that the tram square level crossings will likely be high priority given removing them will improve heavy rail and tram services.

Yet the Craigieburn line, as I've previously written, still stands out as one of the lines that's only had two level crossings on the original list of 50 and no announcements since the ALP decided to expand it to 75.  

<a href="/new-apartments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Moonee Ponds</a> will have thousands of new residents in the next few years and its on the line that will be seeing increased services once the Melbourne Metro tunnel opens up. 

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/off-the-plan/moonee-ponds-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

Over to you - can you name other high priority areas for level crossing removals?

Lead image credit: <a href="https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/buckley-street-community-update">LXRA</a>
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Stocktake: ALP level crossing removal election promises

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With the Victorian Election just over a week away, the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) has taken the opportunity to call for increased investment in green infrastructure, in an effort to improve life expectancy and liveability for Melburnians. 

The AILA’s Victorian Chapter has released a state election campaign statement with its president, Adrian Gray calling on all parties to prioritise green infrastructure as part of their policy platforms. 
Gray cites a study from Thomas Longden at University of Technology Sydney which showed Melbourne had the highest rate of heat-related deaths out of all Australian capital cities. Gray argues that the issue is not currently being addressed at the urban design and planning stages and this needs to change.

In the statement the AILA states that over half of the surfaces in Melbourne are heat absorbing materials including darker coloured roofs, car parks, roadways and footpaths despite research showing that cooler places enable people to live longer through improved air quality, reduced c02 emissions and the resistance to heat related deaths.

Other key areas of the election campaign statement are increasing active transport systems to promote a healthy city such as more walking and bike paths to promote active travel and healthy cities as well as the improvement of access to nature.

<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/skeleton_creek_bridges-lisbethgrosmann.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Skeleton Creek Bridges. Image: Lisbeth Grosmann"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/skeleton_creek_bridges-lisbethgrosmann.jpg?itok=6SgPr7Dp" title="Skeleton Creek Bridges. Image: Lisbeth Grosmann" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Skeleton Creek Bridges. Image: Lisbeth Grosmann</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
There is the need to prioritise landscapes and green infrastructure in the planning scheme to build a healthy, liveable city as Melbourne’s population grows steadily.

With Victorians dying from heatwaves due the high temperatures we experience, the topic of cooling the city is a must for the political agenda to save lives and improve liveability. Steps can be taken at planning, policy and urban design phases to lowering temperatures in Melbourne which include increasing the tree canopy cover across all of Melbourne, revising tree clearance guidelines and implementing planning scheme protection for all trees across Melbourne. 
The impact of heat ultimately needs to be managed where planning schemes must address community health. Victoria needs to become resilient to climate change and remain liveable by improving our urban landscape, where green infrastructure is needed for the long term.

Even those suburbs that are renowned as ‘leafy’ face the threat of losing that status with increased housing density, reduced backyard size with subdivisions and the rising number of cars driving down streets.Politicians from all sides of politics need to make a clearer commitment to developing best practice for green infrastructure projects and increasing the investment in water sensitive urban designed streets and tree planting. 
Melbourne needs to become less car-oriented with walking trails, bike paths and pedestrian access requiring improvement. Cities need to support human health and wellbeing and one way this can be achieved is by increasing investment via green infrastructure, urban design and improving mandatory requirements for green infrastructure in the planning scheme.

- Adrian Gray, Victorian Chapter president
</blockquote>

The full State Election Campaign Statement from AILA Victoria can be downloaded <a href="http://www.aila.org.au/imis_prod/documents/AILA/VIC/AILA%20VICTORIA%20-%20State%20Election%20Campaign%20Statement%20-%20SEP%202018%20_FINAL_%20(003).pdf">here</a>.
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Laurence Dragomir

Victorian Election 2018: AILA Victoria calls for increased investment in green infrastructure 

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Last week it was Pakenham, this week it's Cranbourne. In the long list of upgrades to the Pakenham/Cranbourne lines that have occurred, are underway or promised - including major level crossing removals, a new fleet of trains, a new signalling system and the metro tunnel - the Cranbourne line is set to become level crossing free and fully duplicated.

Both major political parties have been active in the outer south-east with both promising to either extend the Cranbourne line or duplicate the line and then extend metro services to Clyde.

As we highlighted last week, the last remaining level crossings on the Cranbourne branch are Webster Street in Dandenong, Greens Road in Dandenong South, Evans Road in Lyndhurst and Camms Road in Cranbourne. Today's ALP announcement will see all of them added to the expanded list of 75 level crossings.

According to a party media release, Evans Road and Camms Road will be removed using road bridges, Webster Street in Dandenong will likely see a road underpass built and at Greens Road, a rail bridge will be built in a similar fashion to Abbotts Road which is one of the two level crossings currently being removed on the Cranbourne line.

In August the ALP promised to spend $750 million on duplicating the track from Dandenong to Cranbourne and spend a further $7 million on a business case for the extension of the Cranbourne Line to Clyde.

The Liberal opposition promised to first extend the Cranbourne line to Clyde and then commence duplication of the single-track railway after the extension.

<h2>ALP promise: 6,500 new hectares of parkland</h2>

Costing $150 million, the ALP have unveiled a new policy to increase the amount of green space within metropolitan Melbourne to the tune of 6,500 hectares of new parkland.

Many of the mooted parks are around the fringe of Melbourne's suburbs however the ALP policy announcement includes $35 million to be spent on creating 25 new pocket parks in inner areas.

Some of the bigger parks on the fringe to be created include Upper Merri Park near Craigieburn (2,778 hectares), Jackson Creek Park near Sunbury (1,008 hectares) and the Frankston greenbelt which will link together multiple reserves between the Seaford Wetlands and Mornington (1,881 hectares).

$10 million will be spent on upgrading existing suburban parks.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://railgallery.wongm.com/thompsons-road-level-crossing-removal/F123_2921.jpg">Marcus Wong</a>.
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ALP promises more Cranbourne line level crossing removals and over 6,500 hectares of new parks

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Opposition leader Matthew Guy has announced that if the Liberal party are able to form government at this month's state election then his government would introduce mandatory height limits across multiple bayside suburbs.

Nominating the height limit of 8 metres - the equivalent of two levels, the opposition leader and previous state government Planning Minister said he'd work with local governments to introduce neighbourhood residential zones with mandatory height limits of 8 metres.

The Liberal leader said the new neighbourhood residential zoning will apply to the area from Mentone to the Kananook Creek in Frankston in residential areas between the foreshore and the railway line.  Local councils will be involved with the process according to a Liberal party statement.

Likewise, the opposition leader announced within the proposed changes to the neighbourhood residential zone, a two dwelling cap will also apply to the land along the foreshore.

The Liberal party claim the ALP's level crossing removal programme for Carrum which will see an elevated rail track built along with a new station has "raised expectations of developers to get inappropriate high rise projects approved along the beautiful foreshore areas."

<h2>Election wonks think the election will be won or lost in Melbourne's sandbelt</h2>

It's a widely held belief this month's election will be won or lost in Melbourne's Sandbelt - specifically the four seats along the Frankston railway line, the very same area which this opposition policy applies to.

A quick look at the Apartments.com.au <a href="/developments">project database map</a> shows a smattering of higher-density projects along the Mentone to Frankston foreshore.

There are zero projects located between the foreshore and railway line however we are monitoring a handful of projects located east of the railway line in Seaford, Chelsea, Edithvale, Aspendale and Mordialloc.

The bulk of the projects that are currently listed are broadly located in General Residential Zone areas.  See <a href="http://mapshare.maps.vic.gov.au/vicplan/">VicPlan</a> for an overview of the current zoning along the Menton to Frankston foreshore.
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Liberal party promises two-storey height limits for Bayside suburbs

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The ALP announced that Pakenham will see a lot of level crossing removal love if the Andrews Government are re-elected with 4 level crossings set to be removed through a combination of elevated railway and a new road bridge.

Cardinia Road to the east of Pakenham's main centre will 'likely' see a road bridge constructed over the railway corridor according to an ALP media release and a new almost 3km long elevated section of track will be constructed to remove the three level crossings around Pakenham station.

Pakenham station itself will be rebuilt and the ALP are dubbing it a "super-station [that] will mean a dedicated V/Line track and third platform to separate the regional and metropolitan trains at the new station."

"This will deliver a seamless interchange for passengers wanting to connect to the high-frequency services which will be serviced by the new, bigger High Capacity Metro Trains," according to an ALP media release.

From West to East, McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road are the three level crossings that will be removed through the construction of the new elevated track and station.

Clyde Road in Berwick, Hallam South Road in Hallam and the South Gippsland Highway have been on the initial list of 50 level crossing removal projects from day one and according to the ALP, those level crossings will be removed by 2022.

<h2>Wider context</h2>

It is not clear if the 3 initial Pakenham branch level crossings and the newly announced 4 level crossings will be completed at the same time.

Beyond the 7 identified level crossing removal sites on the Pakenham branch, there are still 6 which have not been identified for removal.  They are located at Station Street in Officer, Brunt Road in Officer, Station Street in Beaconsfield, Webb Street in Narre Warren, Progress Street in Dandenong South and Webster Street east of Dandenong Station.

The Cranbourne branch of the Pakenham/Cranbourne line has two active level crossing removal projects (Abbots Road in Dandenong South and Thompsons Road in Cranbourne) and 3 level crossings remain without plans to remove them - potentially 4.

Shared with the Pakenham Branch, Webster Street east of Dandenong Station, Greens Road in Dandenong South, Camms Road just north of Cranbourne Station and Evans Road - should it be re-opened to traffic without a level crossings like the ALP have announced - are the last remaining level crossings on the Cranbourne branch.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/CrossingWatchin/status/1055995304342773760/photo/1">@crossingwatch</a> on twitter.
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ALP announces four level crossing removals in Pakenham

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The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) has provided a response to Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s <a href="/news/alp-unveil-planning-related-policies-including-banning-embedded-networks-in-new-apartment-developments">announcement late last week</a> that a re-elected Andrews Labor Government would introduce new reforms to the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria.

<blockquote>
The UDIA Victoria welcomes Minister Wynne’s announcement this morning that the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria will be reviewed if an Andrews Government is re-elected.

Victoria continues to experience unprecedented population growth, and apartments are a preferred form of housing for a broadening range of households. We simply must be able to increase the housing stock across our city. Prescriptive design requirements minimise product diversity and stifle innovation.

It is essential that any review has a clearer focus on good design outcomes, allowing space for innovative product, rather than prescriptive structural outcomes that create an unnecessary burden on permit applicants in what is an already tight market.

UDIA will consult with our members, and put forward a detailed submission to the Victorian Government on behalf of the industry.

-  Danni Addison, UDIA CEO for Victoria
</blockquote>

According to the UDIA's residential index report:

<ul>
<li>The residential development sector is a significant driver of the Victorian economy. In FY16/17 the construction of new dwellings made a contribution to the Victorian economy of more than $20 billion. This contribution is expected to increase to over $22.9 billion in FY17/18.</li>
	<li>The residential development sector sustained over 162,000 jobs in Victoria in FY16/17. This figure includes jobs sustained directly in the sector as well as in support industries such as property and business services, financial services, transport and distribution, manufacturing and other sectors. This is expected to increase to almost 185,000 full time, part time and casual jobs across the Victorian economy in FY17/18.</li>
</ul>
The Andrews Government has outlined the following reforms, should it be re-elected next month:

<ul>
<li>Increased apartment setbacks from neighbouring properties to improve privacy, natural light, airflow and to stop streets being turned into cold, dark wind tunnels</li>
	<li>Introduce minimum green space standards</li>
	<li>Ensure apartment exteriors are made from natural, durable and safe materials, such as brick, timber, concrete, metal, stone or non-combustible cladding</li>
	<li>Put in place mandatory construction management plans to put an end to residents being disturbed by noise from construction workers or rubbish removalists outside reasonable hours</li>
</ul>
The Andrews Government had previously introduced blanket bans on certain materials in Victoria, in addition to forming a taskforce to oversee the removal of dangerous cladding from buildings. $4 million will also be invested towards enabling Victoria’s architects to collaborate with the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA) to produce better apartment layouts and developments which demonstrate global leadership in design, sustainability and liveability. 

The Victorian State Election will be held on Saturday 24th November. The electoral roll closes on November 6th at 8pm.  If you are in Victoria and need to update your enrolment, see <a href="https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/elections/2018StateElection">vec.vic.gov.au</a>

<ul></ul>
Lead image: Escala Apartments NewQuay Docklands
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UDIA responds to Andrews Government's proposed reforms to the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria

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The first in a fleet of 65 new High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMTs) will begin testing on the mainlines before their progressive roll out on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines in 2019.

The seven-car, 160 metre long trains undergo final assembly at the Newport workshops with the main body of each carriage manufactured by CRRC and shipped to Australia from China.  Bogies, traction systems, pantographs, gearboxes and braking systems are all manufactured in various regions of Victoria.

Similarly, X'Trapolis trains which predominantly operate on the Belgrave, Lilydale, Glen Waverley, Alamein, Mernda and Hurstbridge lines, have their carriage shells manufactured in France and final fit-out is carried out at Alstom's workshops in Ballarat. A small order of X'Trapolis trains is currently being fulfilled as well.

HCMTs will be the longest passenger trains on the metropolitan network when they begin rolling down the Pakenham/Cranbourne lines. The seventh carriage, as well as an updated interior fit-out, will allow a single train to carry 1,380 passengers - a marked increase from existing rolling stock that operates in Melbourne.

The new fleet of trains will be limited to the Pakenham/Cranbourne line to begin with, however once the Metro Tunnel opens the new fleet will be the workhorse of the Sunbury line as well.

<h2>Government will enter caretaker mode tonight</h2>

As election writs are issued today, the government will enter caretaker mode at 6pm and the campaigns, although officially launched on Sunday, are now in full swing.

The ALP, aside from their North-East Link commitment, have focused almost entirely on major public transport projects as part of their election pitch. The Suburban Rail Loop, Melbourne Airport Rail Link and faster rail services to Geelong &amp; Ballarat, as well as full electrification to Melton and extra track and metro services to Wyndham Vale round out their top list.

The opposition Liberal party is focused on regional rail service upgrades and suburban extensions to Clyde as well as a road intersection grade separation program.  

The electoral roll closes on November 6th at 8pm.  If you are in Victoria and need to update your enrolment, see <a href="https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/elections/2018StateElection">vec.vic.gov.au</a>
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Victorian Election 2018

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