Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Victorian Planning Authority

<html><body>
The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) and Monash Council is inviting members of the community to have their say on the PMP Printing site in Clayton as part of Phase 2 of its community engagement process.

The PMP Printing precinct is a 10-hectare site located on the corner of Carinish Road and Browns Road in Clayton currently zoned for industrial land uses. Currently occupied by a printing factory, manufacturing at the site has significantly decreased over recent decades, according to the VPA.

<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/pmp-printing-site-plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="10-hectare site located on the corner of Carinish Road and Browns Road in Clayton. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pmp-printing-site-plan.jpg?itok=9qh6P_8o" title="10-hectare site located on the corner of Carinish Road and Browns Road in Clayton. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>10-hectare site located on the corner of Carinish Road and Browns Road in Clayton.</figcaption></figure>The VPA's vision is to renew the 'Strategic Site' as a predominantly residential neighbourhood supported by a mix of businesses, pedestrian friendly streets, a town square and local parks for active and passive use.

<blockquote>
The PMP Printing site has the potential to accommodate a large share of Monash’s future population growth, providing opportunities for people to live and work within the municipality. The renewed precinct will have a higher density and greater mix of housing than the surrounding established suburbs of Monash. 

The precinct will transition from lower scale three storey townhouses adjacent to existing neighbours up to eight storey buildings towards the centre of the precinct. Commercial buildings along Carinish Road are also proposed up to eight storeys.

- Victorian Planning Authority
</blockquote>

To achieve its vision for the site, the VPA has prepared a concept plan outlining the development intent at the PMP Printing site to ensure that the proposed density is served sufficiently with an appropriate level of infrastructure. This concept plan has been informed by earlier community engagement and technical reports. 

The delivery of infrastructure is being carefully considered by the VPA against the following principles:

<ul>
<li>Principle 1 - The 20 minute neighbourhood</li>
	<li>Principle 2 - Transport</li>
	<li>Principle 3 - Open Space</li>
	<li>Principle 4 - Building design</li>
	<li>Principle 5 - Employment</li>
	<li>Principle 6 - Housing affordability and diversity</li>
</ul>
Following phase 2 of the community engagement process, the concept plan will form the basis of the comprehensive development plan for the site, which will go through a planning scheme amendment process. The VPA and Monash expect to undertake further community engagement during the Amendment advertising process.

<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/pmp-printing-site-community-newsletter-february-2019.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the PMP Print site renewal. Image: VPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pmp-printing-site-community-newsletter-february-2019.jpg?itok=k4C1B5iV" title="Artist's impression of the PMP Print site renewal. Image: VPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the PMP Print site renewal. Image: VPA</figcaption></figure>The PMP site is located within <a href="/developments/clayton-vic-3168">an area of Clayton undergoing significant change</a>, with the neighbouring former Clayton Primary School site to the north due to be redeveloped into a residential village known as Eastwood. Located at <a href="/buildings/eastwood-monash-clayton-29-browns-road-clayton">29 Browns Road</a>, Eastwood will comprise 147 apartments in addition to 72  townhomes, around a common green space, and connected by leafy pedestrian-friendly streets.

To the south on the opposite side of Carinish Road, Cedar Woods is in the throes of redeveloping the former Sigma site into a master planned community called Jackson Green. <a href="/news/cedar-woods-launches-huntington-at-jackson-green-in-melbournes-south-east">As mentioned on Urban.com.au last week</a>, Cedar Woods has launched the third building in the development, Huntington which has already experienced strong sales enquiries.

<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/eastwood_huntington.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="L-R: Eastwood and Huntington"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="181" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/eastwood_huntington.jpg?itok=lusvFAHU" title="L-R: Eastwood and Huntington" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>L-R: Eastwood and Huntington</figcaption></figure>To get involved and have your say on the future redevelopment of the PMP Printing site <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/pmp-printing-strategic-site/p/key-principles-pmp/">click here</a>. The VPA will be accepting community input and feedback until the 22nd March.

Lead Image: Victorian Planning Authority
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

VPA and Monash seek community input for PMP Printing Strategic Site

<html><body>
The Victorian Planning Authority has been busy in many corners of the city and state but today we'll have a look at one precinct renewal project that is tucked away in Melbourne's outer south-east, the Berwick Health and Education precinct.

On land that used to host the Casey airfield, the planning work the Victorian Planning Authority has undertaken in consultation with stakeholders would see a longer-term transition for an entire precinct located to the south of Berwick station.

Chisholm TAFE and Monash University for many years were the lead tenants in the area with their respective Berwick campuses inhabiting both sides of Clyde Road.  Federation University now owns and operates the former Monash Campus.

In 2010, the public selective-entry Nossal High School opened next to the University campus and in the previous decade, Casey Hospital opened on its site adjacent to the railway line.  

Since then, the local private hospital - St John of God - has opened a new campus opposite the publicly funded Casey Hospital.

<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/berwick_he_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Future Urban Structure at the Berwick Education and Health activity centre. Image: VPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/berwick_he_1.png?itok=_Z43wM2Y" title="Future Urban Structure at the Berwick Education and Health activity centre. Image: VPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Future Urban Structure at the Berwick Education and Health activity centre. Image: VPA</figcaption></figure>Using the local code - Amendment C207 to the Casey planning scheme - the work undertaken by the VPA and other stakeholders has been split in two parts.  Part 1 covers the land you see in the map above.  Part 2 includes a smaller parcel of land located north of the railway line and to the west of Clyde Road.

Amendment C207 will include rezoning Part 1 land from various existing zones to Comprehensive Development Zone 2, insert a new incorporated document titled 'Berwick Health and Education Comprehensive Development Plan, April 2017' and amend a schedule to set a 5 per cent public open space contribution rate for non‐residential subdivision and retain a 10 per cent contribution for residential subdivision.

The areas to the south of the railway line and west of Clyde Road has for multiple decades hosted light industrial employment and wholesale outlet uses and immediately adjacent to Berwick station, many automotive and fast food business inhabit the land.

Over the long-term, as per the future urban structure, the land around Berwick station would transition to have commercial/trade uses at ground level with apartments above in buildings ranging from 4 to 6 stories.

Land around the edges of the University campus and High School will be office/commercial in focus with minimum building heights set at 6 levels.

New pedestrian connections across the Monash Freeway and railway corridor to the east of Berwick station are also on the cards.

Part 1 on Amendment C207 has been finalised and was submitted for approval in September 2018.  It is anticipated to accommodate up to 8,500 jobs, 11,300 students, 751 hospital beds and 1,025 high-density dwellings.

For more information on the Berwick Health and Education precinct, see <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/berwick-health-education/">vpa.vic.gov.au</a>.
</body></html>

Alastair Taylor

Spotlight on south-east Melbourne: Berwick Health and Education precinct

<html><body>
The Victorian State Government has today released the<a href="https://vpa-web.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ARDEN-VISION_2018_WEB.pdf"> final Vision for the Arden urban renewal precinct</a>, which represents the first step in establishing the Arden precinct.

The Arden precinct currently occupies 50 hectares of former industrial land bound by Macaulay Road, Dryburgh Street and the Moonee Ponds Creek, which is set to become a mixed-use precinct providing housing and employment opportunities.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne, Minister for Major Projects Jacinta Allan and Lord Mayor Sally Capp were on hand at the site of North Melbourne Station to release the Vision.

Arden is envisaged as a new jobs hub supported by affordable housing and directly serviced by the new North Melbourne Station (formerly Arden Station) which is currently underway as part of the $11 billion Metro Tunnel project.

<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/fogarty_street_arden.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artists impression of the Fogarty Street boulevard. Image: Arden Vision"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fogarty_street_arden.jpg?itok=2mq3y1rp" title="Artists impression of the Fogarty Street boulevard. Image: Arden Vision" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artists impression of the Fogarty Street boulevard. Image: Arden Vision</figcaption></figure>The new North Melbourne Station will connect Arden which is situated on the doorstep of the city to Parkville, the CBD and Melbourne’s booming western suburbs.

The Vision outlines a plan to transform Arden into a major employment and residential destination accommodating up to 34,000 jobs and housing options for up to 15,000 people.

<blockquote>
Arden will be a new destination for Melbourne, setting the standard for urban renewal. It will contribute to a future Melbourne that is not only the world's most liveable city, but also one of the most forward-looking.  

...

The precinct will have its own civic heart and character. It will remain connected to its Aboriginal and industrial heritage as it changes to support a diverse resident and worker population. It will become a new neighbourhood of Melbourne with quality and affordable housing, a thriving network of open spaces, active transport links, and adaptable community facilities, schools and work spaces.

Arden will be at the forefront of sustainable development, embracing new ways to live, learn, work and travel in an energy efficient district.  Water will be safely managed to become a visible feature in the landscape, while green spaces, trees and water will help the precinct become a cooler, greener version of the city.

The Moonee Ponds Creek corridor will be revitalised as a new green spine for Melbourne. It will be a celebrated waterway with a valued environmental and cultural heritage, serving recreational, biodiversity habitat and active transport functions. The creek corridor will be an essential link for Arden and neighbouring urban renewal precincts.

- The Vision for Arden excerpt
</blockquote>

The Vision is the result of the extensive community consultation undertaken since 2016, and provides a set of actions to guide the redevelopment of Arden.

Actions include providing an accessible precinct for young and old, facilitating the change from an industrial precinct to an innovation precinct and delivering a strong investment in community infrastructure.

A future Arden will be environmentally sustainable with well-connected open spaces, and cycling and walking paths, for the local community to enjoy.

The State Government and City of Melbourne will now work together to prepare detailed planning for the precinct. Local community members and businesses will have the opportunity to have their say as planning for this vital project for Melbourne continues.

<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/arden-precinct-civic-heart-680x450.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's Impression of Arden Precinct's Civic Heart. Image: Victorian Planning Authority"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arden-precinct-civic-heart-680x450.jpg?itok=x0RhmngV" title="Artist's Impression of Arden Precinct's Civic Heart. Image: Victorian Planning Authority" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's Impression of Arden Precinct's Civic Heart. Image: Victorian Planning Authority</figcaption></figure><h2>Arden Vision at a Glance:</h2>

Arden will:

<ul>
<li>Create a new destination for Melbourne that is a great place to live, learn, work and visit</li>
	<li>Accommodate more than 34,000 jobs and 15,000 residents by 2051</li>
	<li>Deliver a major transport hub around the new North Melbourne Station</li>
	<li>Enhance the Moonee Ponds Creek corridor to become a valued asset for existing and new communities and the natural environment</li>
	<li>Create two new urban boulevards which will create a civic heart for Arden</li>
	<li>Build on Parkville’s growing role as a technology, life sciences, health and education precinct</li>
	<li>Provide at least 6 per cent of all new housing in the precinct as affordable for low to moderate income households</li>
	<li>Reinforce natural and built heritage to create a new character for the precinct</li>
	<li>Be developed under urban design guidelines that build on Arden’s evolving character</li>
	<li>Be protected by innovative solutions to manage flooding, make better use of water and expand spaces for recreation and biodiversity</li>
	<li>Deliver innovative community hubs and two to four new schools.</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/northmelbourne_laurenstreet_1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="North Melbourne Station will be a catalyst project for the Arden Precinct. Image: Metro Tunnel"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/northmelbourne_laurenstreet_1024x576.jpg?itok=_Gm4xp0p" title="North Melbourne Station will be a catalyst project for the Arden Precinct. Image: Metro Tunnel" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>North Melbourne Station will be a catalyst project for the Arden Precinct. Image: Metro Tunnel</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
We’re getting on with growing Arden to be a great place to live and an exciting place to work and visit. Matthew Guy botched inner city planning. We’re getting it right to create jobs, and deliver the public transport, homes and services Victorians need.

-  Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The Metro Tunnel will be in the heart of the Arden precinct – making it a great place to live and work, and connecting it to the rest of our city and state.

- Jacinta Allan, Minister for Major Projects 
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We’re looking forward to partnering with the Victorian Government, together with our community, to put in place the right planning, infrastructure and community needs to deliver the Arden Vision.

- City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Cr Sally Capp
</blockquote>
</body></html>

Final Vision for the Arden Precinct released

<html><body>
This week Laurence &amp; I sit down with Stuart Moseley, the CEO of the Victorian Planning Authority.

We talk about the role the Victorian Planning Authority plays in the state, the challenges Victoria may face and where consultation is heading in the context of new ways to undertake it.   We also chat about Melbourne's employment clusters and how the VPA interfaces with other government departments and authorities.

You can also subscribe to the podcast through <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/urban-melbournes-weekly-podcast/id1356864009?mt=2">iTunes</a>!

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/425516658&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>

 

 

 
</body></html>

Weekly Podcast: Episode 9 - Special guest Stuart Moseley, CEO of the Victorian Planning Authority

<html><body>
Last month the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) appointed Stuart Moseley as its new CEO just prior to the introduction of the Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017 on 1 July, which reinforces the VPA's role as the state’s key strategic and place-based planning authority.

The VPA is a Victorian Government statutory authority that reports to the Minister for Planning and whose main objective is to ensure Melbourne and Victoria’s regions "remain great places to live."

Mr Moseley is a registered planner and PIA Fellow with 30 years of experience in planning, urban management and project delivery, including as chief executive of the City of Adelaide. Before joining the VPA, Mr Moseley worked as the Deputy Director General (Planning Group) for the Queensland Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, and has previously worked in consulting and in the New South Wales and South Australia governments.

Urban.com.au asked Mr Moseley to provide a bit of insight into his new role as CEO of the VPA and to discuss some of the work the authority does and challenges they face.

<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/arden-precinct-civic-heart-1024x576_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Arden Urban Renewal Precinct is just one of many VPA projects. Image: VPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arden-precinct-civic-heart-1024x576_0.jpg?itok=7EWVf2vW" title="The Arden Urban Renewal Precinct is just one of many VPA projects. Image: VPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Arden Urban Renewal Precinct is just one of many VPA projects. Image: VPA</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: Are you able to provide some insight into your role as CEO of VPA? What are some of the outcomes you're hoping to achieve?

Stuart Moseley: At the VPA our job is to unlock growth of state-significant areas, precincts and sites on Melbourne’s expanding urban fringe, in Melbourne’s existing suburbs and in our regional cities and towns.

As CEO it is my role to lead a talented team of planners, engineers, mapping specialists and demographers to ensure we plan for the growth of Victoria over the next 30 years.

As planners we must be adept at casting our minds well into the future to anticipate the infrastructure, housing, employment and other needs of our population. We often create plans that will guide particular areas’ growth and investment for many years to come – having an indelible print on Victoria’s fabric – so it is important we consult widely and get the planning right.

We take a broad, birds-eye view of our state and plan strategically. Local councils also play an essential role in planning for change in their municipality, but as a state authority we take a Victoria-wide approach to planning. I am hoping to strengthen the VPA’s relationships with various stakeholders, to achieve effective planning outcomes for Victorians.

UM: The VPA works closely with a number of stakeholders from developers to local community groups in addition to other government bodies such as Development Victoria. Can you discuss the difference in roles and responsibilities between the VPA and Development Victoria as I think a lot of people have a difficult time keeping up with the various government bodies which focus on planning and development particularly with the numerous restructures over the last 5 years.

SM: I understand there are a lot of government authorities to keep track of! The primary difference between us and Development Victoria is that we are a planner, while Development Victoria is a developer.

We undertake planning and rezoning, for precincts comprising either public or private land, while Development Victoria develops publicly owned land and delivers projects on that land.

The VPA is primarily focused on land use planning for areas undergoing significant change. It is our job to ensure these areas have appropriate infrastructure, planning zones and regulations to succeed. For example, in our growth areas we are often responsible for rezoning land from farming to urban uses, which leads to the creation of new integrated communities. Our priority is to make sure these new areas will be great places to live.

Therefore, our precinct structure plans include land use overlays that reserve land for particular uses – whether that be a new school, a future train station or a park. We collaborate closely with an extensive range of stakeholders – such as education providers, facility providers and VicRoads – to guarantee positive outcomes for the future community.

UM: And further to the above what is the relationship between the VPA and the Minister for Planning's office?

SM: The VPA reports to the Minister for Planning, undertaking planning projects according to the Minister’s priorities.

The Minister has a Department that advises him on high-level strategies (like Plan Melbourne and the regional growth plans), on planning legislation, on the operation of the planning system and the setting of state planning policies. Our job is to give effect to all of these requirements by delivering plans for particular areas and sites.

UM: How does the VPA approach these large scale urban infill projects to achieve the best outcomes for the sites while balancing the needs and desires of the community and other local stakeholders with government policy?

SM: One of our most publicised planning projects is for major urban renewal at Arden. Arden is a future jobs hub in North Melbourne based around a new Metro station that will become an extension of the central city, being a base for 34,000 jobs and 15,000 residents.

Last year the Minister for Planning launched our draft framework plan for Arden, and invited members of the community/stakeholders to have input into this plan. We also held several engagement forums with community members and business owners – standard practice across all of our plans. We are now in the process of finalising the framework plan and will incorporate some of the suggestions raised by community members.

Balancing the needs of various stakeholders and community members is no easy feat, but we pride ourselves on our open door policy and the fact we engage very widely when creating plans. Planners must be strong negotiators, have an ability to adapt plans where necessary and be willing to sit down with a wide range of groups. We pride ourselves on doing just that to ensure we create places that people want to live and enjoy.

UM: And lastly, what do you see as some the greatest challenges facing Greater Melbourne at the moment and how do you see the VPA's role in addressing these?

SM: One of Greater Melbourne’s biggest challenges involves planning for the unprecedented scale and pace of population growth. The VPA plays a key role by ensuring our new neighbourhoods (be they on the urban fringe, in renewal areas or in our regional cities and towns) provide for new jobs, housing and open spaces and coordinating the infrastructure and services needed to support them.
</body></html>

VPA's new CEO Stuart Moseley discusses his new role

<html><body>
The path Broadmeadows and surrounds will take in order to become a successful urban renewal showcase has become all the more clearer.

The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) and Hume City Council have released the draft Greater Broadmeadows framework plan that, in time, will guide the area's transition from a somewhat maligned suburb to a precinct that can fully realise its potential. 

Key to Broadmeadows’ renewal and growth are a handful of major transport and infrastructure projects that will capitalise upon the area's already strong transport links.

<blockquote>
Broadmeadows already has so much key infrastructure and with the right planning and investment, we are sure the suburb will become a powerhouse of Melbourne’s north.
<cite>VPA Acting Chief Executive, Steve Dunn</cite>
</blockquote>

Chief amongst these is the transformation of Broadmeadows' town centre; initiating increased development along with a heightened pedestrian experience are key targets of the freshly released plan. The notation of diversified housing types within the town centre points toward the arrival of higher density housing stock.

<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/image66_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Broadmeadows itself can expect heightened development activity. Image: VPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_6.jpg?itok=78h6yjS_" title="Broadmeadows itself can expect heightened development activity. Image: VPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Broadmeadows itself can expect heightened development activity. Image: VPA</figcaption></figure>Also on the agenda is the push toward making the Meadowlink strategic priority area a thriving, 20-minute neighbourhood. This in part depends upon a significant expansion of the Meadowlink cycle network that will ultimately link four of the five priority areas within the Greater Broadmeadows framework plan.Also in line for change is the Maygar Barracks site, the Campbellfield business hub and the Upfield Ford site.

An increasing population and the need to diversity the area's jobs base have been highlighted by key figures within the Greater Broadmeadows framework plan. It's anticipated that by 2050, an extra 20,000 people will call the the Greater Broadmeadows area home, whilst jobs may expand from 27,000 in 2011 to as many as 60,000 by 2050.

From a public transport infrastructure standpoint, an extension of the Upfield train line and a new train station at Campbellfield can also be expected.

<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/image65_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Five Hume precincts are earmarked for renewal. Image: VPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image65_2.jpg?itok=YGfr2206" title="Five Hume precincts are earmarked for renewal. Image: VPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Five Hume precincts are earmarked for renewal. Image: VPA</figcaption></figure>Hundreds of hectares of land has been identified as subject to urban renewal within the Greater Broadmeadows framework plan. Post a public comment period that runs until 26 May, the VPA will finalise the plan then submit it to Hume City Council and the Minister for Planning for approval.

A result of two years of scoping and consultation, the draft Greater Broadmeadows framework plan can be viewed <a href="https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/greater-broadmeadows/">here</a>.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LyoXizgw-04" width="100%"></iframe>
</body></html>

Victorian Planning Authority

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Victorian Planning Authority

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News