Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Werribee

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A former Ray White franchisee is alleged to have breached the Estate Agents Act 1980 while operating as Ray White Werribee.
The Sarain Pty Ltd is the 10th agency alleged to have been underquoting since the Taskforce Vesta crackdown by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV).
The CAV has applied to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to hold an inquiry in relation to The Sarain Pty Ltd (ACN: 143 731 006) and its director, Surinder Sarain, 42, of Ormond.
It alleges that the company and Sarain contravened the Estate Agents Act 1980 when the company was trading as Ray White Werribee.
Ray White advised Sarain had operated at the brand’s Werribee office for about two-and-a-half years from July 2013 to March 2016.
The grounds of inquiry include that the company and Sarain:
<ul>
<li>advertised 14 properties for sale in the western suburbs at a price that was less than the:
<ul>
<li>vendor's reserve price as stated on the sale authority, or</li>
<li>estimated selling price, or</li>
<li>lower limit of the estimated selling range as stated on the sale authority.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>failed to notify the Business Licensing Authority within seven days of employing agents' representatives, and</li>
<li>failed to meet certain trust account record requirements.</li>
</ul>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Former Ray White Werribee agent alleged to have been underquoting

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Sixty cow carcasses with radioactive material are buried underneath a piece of land in Werribee in Melbourne's west which the Victorian state government plans to sell to a Chinese consortium with plans for a $20 billion education precinct.
The cost of cleaning up the radioactive waste could reach $300 million, with another $770 million needed to remove thousands more cow carcasses considered a biological hazard, Fairfax Media reported citing documents it obtained about the site.  
The discovery has the potential to jeopardise the deal between the state government and Investors Direct, the exclusive bidder on the 775-hectare site. 
The site was part of the old State Research Farm where scientific testing on animals was conducted for decades.
Consulting company Coffey Environment, which assessed the site in 2009, noted in its report that "animals that have been subjected to testing with radioactive tracer dyes" were buried at the site. The report lists the cow carcasses as a "possible biological and radiological hazard" and says the contamination could impact both soil and groundwater.
Fairfax Media quoted the report as saying that "the tracer dye used was predominantly tritium" which "has a half-life of approximately 12 years". The report adds that "these practices were understood to have ceased at the site in the mid 1990s".
As it decays, tritium releases radioactive isotopes that, according to overseas reports, can be dangerous to human health for about 120 years.
Radioactive isotopes can enter the human body via food that has been grown in contaminated soil. Just to the south of the contaminated site are many of Werribee's market gardens.
The news article said the state government has said a recent study has indicated no radioactive material has polluted soil or groundwater on the property, but that report is yet to be made public.
The investor consortium has former Victorian premier John Brumby as an adviser. It  plans to build an  Australian Education City  which will be home to 80,000 residents and 50,000 students.
The Victorian state government and VicUrban were told that radioactive cow carcasses were buried on four hectares of land in Werribee in early 2009, when Brumby was premier. 
The burial of radioactive cows was confirmed by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), which has not revealed why the cows were treated with radioactive tritium dyes. The DPI has, however, "indicated historic burial of potentially radioactive carcasses" over a number of zones within the greenfield site.
The article cited a government spokesman as saying that the Victorian government was in contact with the Environmental Protection Agency.
"Ongoing discussions continue with EPA and the environmental consultants about how best to deal with the material, potentially onsite containment or offsite treatment and disposal," the spokesman said. "Recent and extensive testing of the site has been conducted as part of phase 2 due diligence confirmed that there is no risk to residents or groundwater.":
Negotiations between the state government and the Australian Education City bid are said to be "advanced", with a decision on the site originally scheduled for February 15.
The Investors Direct consortium is led by former Price Waterhouse Cooper executive Bill Zheng, and has the backing of Chinese institutional and corporate investors.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Radioactive cow carcasses found at Werribee site with plans for a $20 billion education precinct 

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Two land holdings with a total of 7,614m2 have been sold in Werribee, Victoria, by Werribee Council for the redevelopment of Werribee’s Activity Centre.
The properties were recently rezoned to Activity Centre Zone.
One site, The Bridge Hotel, is located at 197-199 Watton Street, Werribee which was built circa 1926. The two-storey brick building includes an alfresco area, two dining rooms, private function room, full commercial kitchen, large freezer and cool rooms. The first floor provides accommodation and a private residence.
The land area is 4046m2 and equates to $1334.65 per square metre. Sale price was $5,400,000.
The second property, 201 Watton Street, Werribee, a Toyota car dealership, has a land area is 3568m2 which equates to $1,443.39 per square metre. Sale price was $5,150,000.
Both sold through Robert Cubelic and Charles Cini of CVA Property Consultants.
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Victoria's Werribee Council buys two local land holdings

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Property prices around Melbourne's western suburb of Werribee is expected to be driven high with the proposed $20 billion China-backed Australian Education City should the State Government agree to the development.
The project, over 400 acres of greenfield land at East Werribee, is forecast to bring 80,000 new residents and 50,000 student, according to Savills' Julian Heatherich.
 He said there is no project that really compares with the scale of this proposal save for South Australia's ill-fated Multi Function Polis of the 1980s.
"Perhaps the difference is that the AEC would be located 20 minutes from Melbourne’s well-established and highly successful education sector, now the world’s fourth most popular student destination,’’ he said.
"Part of the success of Melbourne as a student destination was the cultural affinity that it had with China. 
"Chinese property investors and developers have strong links with Melbourne in business and education, many having themselves having attended school here and or have relatives that live here.
``You only have to look at the massive recent apartment investment in the CBD and suburbs like Box Hill and Glen Waverly to see that Chinese investors are very happy to do business in Melbourne,’’ Mr Heatherich said.   
He said the Australian Education City would become the largest research and development park in the southern hemisphere.
"Dairy Innovation Australia Ltd, which has announced it will soon cease technical consulting operations at its 180 Princes Highway, Werribee office and laboratory facility, would be one of the first vendors to test the market with the new project in the wind.
"It will be interesting to see just how the sale of this property is affected by the discussion around this project’s likely impact on the city of Werribee, especially given its highway exposure, 6000 square metre site and adaptability to a range of uses in accord with residential and educational growth.
"Should Education City get the tick of approval from the Victorian Government this sort of facility and others like it are going to attract a premium the likes of which has hitherto not been seen in Melbourne’s west."
 
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Melbourne's $20 billion Education City to drive property values

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Werribee and surrounds have been in the news of late, principally due to increased public interest surrounding the pending announcement of the successful consortium that will take on East Werribee as one of the nation's largest urban development projects. East Werribee aside, there's no shortage of additional projects both present and future that are set to reinvigorate Wyndham.

In addition to key infrastructure projects such as the Sneydes Road interchange, medical and retail projects feature prominently. The increase in higher-density dwellings also looms large within Wyndham, as the number of apartment projects continues to mushroom.

Below is an overview of the most significant projects currently within Wyndham.

<h2>Wyndham Harbour</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image153.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wyndham Harbour is making progress, with Lighthouse set to commence"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image153.jpg?itok=ScOyiUCN" title="Wyndham Harbour is making progress, with Lighthouse set to commence" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wyndham Harbour is making progress, with Lighthouse (above right) set to commence</figcaption></figure>A number of key elements of the Wyndham Harbour development have changed since Apartments.com.au first <a href="/expert-insights/buying/wyndham-harbour-a-precursor-to-how-the-west-might-be-won">covered the project during 2013</a>. While the harbour/breakwater is still under construction, an expected ferry service via Point Cook to Melbourne which would have bolstered the precinct has not eventuated.

Furthermore little has been said about the intended rezoning of land adjacent to the precinct which proponents at the time suggested would make way for three ten level apartment buildings. Regardless the $440 million marina development continues and with Wyndham Harbour Pty Ltd working on delivering the development since 2004, the marina is finally set to open during Summer 2016.

Wyndham Harbour's second major apartment development, Lighthouse Apartments, is expected begin construction prior to the year's end with the SJB Architects-designed complex set to add a further 137 dwellings to the area.

<h2>East Werribee</h2>

Metropolitan Planning Authority's <a href="http://www.mpa.vic.gov.au/east_werribee">East Werribee Employment Precinct</a> shapes as the project of distinction in Melbourne's outer west. 775 hectares of largely greenfield land is being released by the State Government for the purposes of a mixed-use city. Expected within the development is 142 hectares dedicated toward retail/office/apartments and industrial uses, 135 hectares solely toward residential development and 123 hectares of open space.

Designated a 20-minute city, East Werribee shapes as a development which will draw surrounding residents in rather than require they commute to Melbourne's CBD for instance.

<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/image152_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australian Education City's impression of Werribee East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="197" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image152_0.jpg?itok=mWBTQkKK" title="Australian Education City's impression of Werribee East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australian Education City's impression of East Werribee</figcaption></figure>East Werribee has been earmarked as the largest development to take place in greater Melbourne and with the successful bidder due to be announced, the <a href="http://australianeducationcity.com/">Australian Education City</a> (AEC) consortium has been the highest profile group to make a play for the new city. Touted as the boldest development scenario for the sprawling site, AEC if successful are likely to include a host of skyscrapers if their perspective images are anything to go by.

<h2>Werribee projects on the go</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image175.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Werribee projects, both under construction and envisaged"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="774" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image175.jpg?itok=JCb21xhX" title="Werribee projects, both under construction and envisaged" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Werribee projects, both under construction and envisaged</figcaption></figure>St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee shapes as the most significant project on the cusp of construction. Valued at approximately $100 million, the new facility will be located within the East Werribee precinct.

Expected to be completed during late 2017, the hospital will feature a 112-bed private hospital, six operating theatres and a day procedure unit among a host of other uses. A new 80-resident aged care facility will be built alongside the hospital which is in addition to a new $20 million, four level Baptcare aged care facility which is being built by Devco in central Werribee.

Elsewhere and Probuild continue works on Werribee Plaza. Now titled Pacific Werribee, the 140,000sqm expansion is midway through what will eventually become a $370 million redevelopment.

Also under construction is 116 Watton, an apartment complex which has been touted as "A catalyst project in Wyndham City Council’s new urban development plans for the main street of Werribee." With 116 Watton under construction, the incursion of higher density projects within Werribee proper is set to increase.

A number of mid-rise developments are in the offing with commercial and residential projects of up to seven levels in the pipeline.
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silvermb

An overview of Wyndham's grand development plans

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What had originally intended to be a media release packaged up as a transport article has morphed into something of a grander question of future sustainability and design for Melbourne's burgeoning west after some banter at Apartments.com.au. Last Thursday saw Planning Minister Matthew Guy announce the rezoning of Wyndham Harbour, excerps of which are found below.

<blockquote>
State Government Rezones Wyndham Harbour

Today Minister Matthew Guy has announced the rezoning of a significant 10.37 hectare parcel of land in Wyndham City, Werribee in Melbourne’s west, facing onto Wyndham Harbour and Port Phillip Bay. This signals a boost in confidence from the State Government and a clear commitment to encourage infrastructure and development within Melbourne’s west.

“Clearly rezoning the land is a statement of intent to deliver a critical mass of people, a viable population catchment and a thriving seaside community to service a proposed new Port Phillip ferry,” commented Lyons’ CEO, John Roysmith. It is envisioned that Wyndham Harbour will become a thriving, focal hub within Melbourne’s west. Wyndham Harbour will eventually become home to Victoria’s largest luxury marina, providing up to 1000 berths as well as incorporating a stylish master planned residential and retail precinct set to include an exciting combination of cafes, restaurants and specialty stores. Amenity aplenty will be provided along the Wyndham Harbour boardwalk, with 390 car parks, a marina club and a proposed new Port Phillip ferry service.

This vibrant coastal community will help provide much needed infrastructure and amenity for City of Wyndham, identified as one of the fastest growing local government areas in Melbourne. By 2026 over 20% of Melbourne’s 900,000 expected additional residents are projected to reside in Melbourne’s west, as the west is forecast to almost double in population with significant growth forecast to continue within the western corridor.

Also under construction at Wyndham Harbour is an apartment building designed by Fender Katsalidis Mirams containing 104 apartments (sold out), and a second five level apartment building designed by SJB architects containing 140 apartments is due for release later this year.
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The last paragraph above is of particular interest, the supply of 244 apartments into an area flush with detached housing. That stage one has sold out speaks volumes of the ever increasing propensity for individuals to choose apartment living over the traditional house/land package, even on Melbourne's fringe; Caroline Springs being the prime example with multiple apartment buildings up to nine levels at all stages of development. Apartments on the fringe? Absolutely!

Given appropriate transport links (i.e. pending Melbourne-Werribee ferry service and adequate rail services) the option of higher density living around activity centres/transport nodes should always be preferred, regardless of the location. This would decrease vehicle trips, alleviate stresses on Melbourne's already over burdened transport infrastructure while also providing essential services and amenity within a shorter distance to a greater number of people. Example, Joe Blow lives in Werribee close to both Wyndham Harbour and the Princes Highway, and commutes to Melbourne for work. Walk to a fast ferry terminal, jump on for Melbourne's CBD or alternatively continue to drive his car every morning into the rolling car park that is the Westgate Freeway.

Things must change before the urban errors that are Derrimut and Truganina (close to Wyndham Harbour) are replicated elsewhere in Melbourne's west. Truganina is a depressing excuse of a hole; no transport links, no amenity, no services, no entertainment/retail offerings... and no hope. Suburbs such as these that provide no stimulus are breeding grounds for social problems. I know, I've had the misfortune of working there many times over. Now some may say I'm completely wrong, but luckily Wyndham Council is not amongst them.

<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/Image352.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Wyndham City Council &amp; Bird de la Couer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="202" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image352.jpg?itok=v6arwJ9L" title="Images © Wyndham City Council &amp; Bird de la Couer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images © Wyndham City Council &amp; Bird de la Couer</figcaption></figure>Above left is Wyndham City Council's vision for Werribee and right sees Bird de la Couer's Alamanda Point Cook project; clearly apartment living will in due course become far more prevalent in Melbourne's west, as it should. Given there's only one auto crossing over the Yarra to Melbourne's west for the foreseeable future, high density housing options around transport hubs/activity centres is a highly efficient way to tackle a multitude of urban blunders that exist on the western fringe. The pace of urbanisation in these areas is highly dependent upon the correct implementation/realisation of mass use transport infrastructure projects, and seeing the Melbourne-Werribee ferry come to fruition would be a great start.

And one more request while I'm at it, if the green field sites in the initial image below of Wyndham Harbour are to be developed in the future, a nice mix of midrise buildings punctuated by open space would be the ticket.
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