Brisbane-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co Developments</a> has officially launched its $250million COMO apartment development in Varsity Lakes, while simultaneously commencing construction.&nbsp;

Building work is now underway at COMO following the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a> as contractor to deliver the boutique development which will rise on a 2857 sqm site overlooking Lake Orr at 22 Lake Street.

When completed, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels located in the heart of Varsity Lakes.

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The project, which will sit alongside Bond University, will deliver a diverse array of apartment designs comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences that have already attracted interest from local and interstate investors as well as an array of owner occupiers looking to gain a foothold in the precinct.

Red &amp; Co, which has largely focused on the Brisbane market in recent years where it has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects, has designed COMO to combine tranquil, lakeside living with the vibrant urban convenience of the vibrant Varsity Lakes village.

“We’re thrilled to announce a start to construction of COMO in conjunction with the official launch of the project, our first for the Gold Coast,” said Red &amp; Co Director and Co-Founder David Laverty.

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“COMO is superbly positioned to capture the essence of the Varsity Lakes village lifestyle and its thriving café and dining precinct, while delivering a much-needed diverse supply of premium residences for the local market.

“Pre-launch inquiries have been strong among both local and interstate investors and owner-occupiers, including downsizers and upgraders who appreciate the value proposition that COMO represents.”

Prices at COMO start from $1,000,050.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the COMO development incorporates an extensive range of amenities for residents including a 25-metre rooftop lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, as well as multiple rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts, a wellness and activity centre, gym, sauna, plunge baths and landscaped gardens.

“COMO presents a rare opportunity to secure a stylish, lifestyle-focused home in one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after neighbourhoods,” added Laverty.

“The rooftop will be the epicentre of fun for residents with an array of amenities for residents that are quite unique for a boutique project such as this, all while offering spectacular vistas across the Gold Coast as far north as Southport and south to Burleigh.”

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&nbsp;

Red &amp; Co has chosen the Varsity Lakes site for its proximity to top-tier schools, major shopping hubs, such as Robina Town Centre and its CBD offering, as well as key Gold Coast transport links, including Varsity Lakes Train Station.

COMO will be located just a short walk to shops, cafes and restaurants in Varsity Lakes and just a 10-minute drive to the Burleigh Heads beachfront.

With construction currently underway, Red &amp; Co anticipates COMO will be completed in 2028.

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Joel Robinson

Red & Co to launch debut Gold Coast development Como Varsity Lakes as construction commences

Longstanding Gold Coast developer Raptis has acquired a prime development site on Surf Parade for its next Broadbeach apartment project.

Progressing towards completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-sterling-broadbeach-6-8-george-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Sterling Broadbeach</a>, 90 apartments on nearby George Avenue, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a>, led by second-generation family man Evan Raptis, has picked up a block on the corner of Surf Parade and First Avenue.

The site had been earmarked for a luxury apartment project with 33 full-floor apartments across a 37-storey tower. Raptis will go back to the drawing board and create a building more appropriate for the site. The development application will be lodged later this month.

Evan Raptis told Apartments.com.au the site ticks all the boxes.

"Broadbeach is a suburb we've developed several buildings over the years. Surf Parade ticks all the boxes for the type of apartment development we want to deliver."

Raptis had several pre-lodgement meetings with council to ensure they are aligned in the development.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0d58573-07a4-47a8-9f5e-fbf35fb03dc3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-05%20at%204.58.23%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=iczZEd_4_o4UL0PHMPJGfy_q3tv96J5i" />

Surf Parade has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular streets in Broadbeach for development.

South East Queensland developer Mosaic Property Group kicked it off with Marella by Mosaic. Bassar Group sold out Infinity on the street, while for its&nbsp;first Gold Coast development, Polycell grabbed a Surf Parade site for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rochester-broadbeach-143-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Rochester</a>, which is nearly sold out.

Melbourne-based developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched its fourth Gold Coast project on the exclusive strip. The Eveleigh Broadbeach will have 100 apartments across a 31-storey building designed by Rothelowman.

GV Property Group site development specialists Antonio Mercuri and Luke Reaby, who both amalgamate sites and sell shovel-ready sites to developers up and down the Gold Coast, sold Surf Parade to Raptis.

Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development

Less than two years after breaking ground, Gardner Vaughan Group is celebrating the topping out of Bask, its second development in the exclusive coastal enclave of Bokarina on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.&nbsp;

Located only minutes from the beachfront, the two seven-storey luxury apartment towers, known individually as Mydas and Caretta, offer a selection of one-to-four-bedroom residences with views of Lake Kawana, the Glasshouse Mountains, and Bokarina Beach.&nbsp;

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Gardner Vaughan Group Commercial Director Sam Gardner said the milestone marks the home stretch for construction, with first residents expected to be able to move in from Spring 2026.&nbsp;

“This is a significant milestone in bringing this development to life and represents our confidence in this region’s long-term growth and appeal,” Gardner said.&nbsp;

“With 85 per cent of apartments already sold, buyers are joining an established, coastal village that offers the very best of the Sunshine Coast – seasonally patrolled surf beaches, renowned restaurants, and links to established health and retail.&nbsp;

“The final collection of three- and four- bedroom apartments range in size from 127sqm to 300sqm, each with two or three secure car parks and storage, and with construction fast approaching completion we don’t expect the last few apartments to remain on the market for long.”&nbsp;

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Local restaurateur Luke Stringer, who co-owns and manages the award-winning Bocca Italian and Playa Mexican restaurants in Bokarina, has lived in the beachside suburb for 18 months and worked there for more than three years, and said the beachside suburb was thriving.&nbsp;

“It’s fair to say Bokarina is finally stepping into the sun and there’s a lot to love about the place,"&nbsp;Stringer said.

"It’s such a great community, where you see the same smiling faces every morning and everything’s within easy reach – it’s the perfect hub in the middle of the Sunshine Coast.

“When we first opened Bocca Italian, we were the lone restaurant, but it’s been amazing to see how the area has grown. The more venues that open, the busier it gets for everyone. When Playa Mexican opened its first Saturday night, Bocca had a record night and Playa was packed too, which blew us away how everyone is thriving.&nbsp;

“There’s a great energy around the place now, and people are really embracing Bokarina as a food and lifestyle destination.”&nbsp;

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Stringer joined other buyers at Bask Bokarina and the Gardner Vaughan Group team to celebrate the topping out at a special event in February.&nbsp;

Located in Kawana Waters, midway between Caloundra and Maroochydore, Bokarina locals enjoy scenic walking paths around Lake Kawana, playgrounds, beachfront boardwalk and parklands, alongside all the convenience of a masterplanned beachside community.&nbsp;

“You see people jogging or swimming in the morning, then grabbing coffee at the cafes, people are really embracing the area and all this growth is bringing more people to Bokarina,” Stringer added.&nbsp;

To take advantage of the vistas, each of the 135 apartments at Bask is designed with full size windows and high ceilings that provide an abundance of natural light.&nbsp;

Prices for the remaining three-bedroom apartments start at $1,599,000 and four-bedroom apartments start at $3,149,000.&nbsp;

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The mixed-use development also features ground-level retail space for cafés, dining options and boutiques, including the soon-to-be-opened ‘Corner Shop’, by the team behind Noosa’s well known ‘Organika’.

Sam Gardner said Gardner Vaughan Group’s 37-year history building and developing across South East Queensland has contributed to the success of its second development in Bokarina, which follows the recently completed Zinc Apartments.&nbsp;

“We care how people live and this is reflected in the way we approach the design and delivery of every development,” he said. “Furthermore, as a builder-developer we have full control over the construction program and our 100 per cent completion rate is something people can draw confidence from.”&nbsp;

Founded by civil engineers Guy Gardner and Darryl Vaughan in 1989, the family-owned business has evolved from a consultancy firm to an award-winning builder-developer, with projects across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

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Gardner Vaughan Group tops out Bask Bokarina apartments

Prolific Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> has launched its fourth new Gold Coast development in as many years.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a>, led by Daniel Faigen and backed by Eddie Hirsch, co-founder of United Petroleum, has unveiled The Eveleigh, on a prime 1,100 sqm site at 7-9 Surf Parade in the heart of Broadbeach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a> will deliver 100 apartments across 31 levels, making it the company’s largest Gold Coast project to date. It builds on the success of its three earlier developments, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/hemingway-1267-1273-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach">The Hemingway in Palm Beach</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/emerson-kirra-100-musgrave-street-coolangatta">The Emerson at Kirra</a>, both completed, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yves-mermaid-beach-7-9-mermaid-avenue-mermaid-beach">Yves Mermaid Beach</a>, which is nearing completion.

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The announcement of The Eveleigh affirms the company’s sustained confidence in the Gold Coast market which continues to remain undersupplied. It also increases the value of Hirsch &amp; Fa​igen’s Gold Coast development portfolio to more than $700 million since the company first entered the market in 2021 with Hemingway.

The company has enlisted its preferred architecture firm Rothelowman to design The Eveleigh, which will offer a thoughtfully curated lifestyle, including a substantial wellness precinct, communal recreation areas, children’s play spaces, work-from-home facilities, and shared lounge and dining areas.

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Designed for the prime market demographic of downsizers and interstate lifestyle investors in mind, The Eveleigh has been crafted to offer an increasingly rare blend of affordable luxury in a tightly held market. Uniquely positioned in the heart of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after lifestyle suburb of Broadbeach, the project will also boast uninterrupted beach and hinterland views.

The Surf Parade site is just a short walk to the bustling Broadbeach dining and retail precinct, Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and convention centre, and an easy stroll to Kurrawa Beach and the recreational amenity of Pratten Park on the Broadbeach foreshore.

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“We’re excited to be proceeding with our fourth project on the Gold Coast in what is certain to become the new luxury precinct in Broadbeach,” says Anthony Bueti, the CFO of Hirsch &amp;a​mp; Faigen and a shareholder of the group.

“With the likes of Mosa​ic and Abedian &amp;a​mp; Co also launching quality projects in the area, the transformation will cement Broadbeach as the premier lifestyle and amenity suburb on the Gold Coast.

"After four years in the Gold Coast market, and with three successful projects completed, The Eveleigh is the product of everything we have learned to love about the Gold Coast and it will be an incredible addition to our growing portfolio in one of the most vibrant property markets in the country. We continue to remain very confident in the high-end Gold Coast property market.”

Urban Activation Director Matt George is handling sales for The Eveleigh, having sold out The Emerson, The Hemingway, and Yves, all before construction was completed.

Melbourne builder MAXCON has already commenced construction on The Eveleigh. They are forecasting a mid-2028 completion.

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Hirsch & Faigen unveils The Eveleigh in Broadbeach

Two years after securing development approval for the final stage of its award-winning Thornton Precinct on the doorstep of Penrith Station, Urban Property Group is set to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mayfair-on-penrith-172-lord-sheffield-circuit-penrith-nsw-2750">Mayfair on Penrith</a>, around 400 apartments designed to reflect two of Sydney’s most iconic structures.

The builder-developer has continued refining the design plans for the two-building development on a significant 8,280 sqm site on Sheffield Circuit, recognising the importance of the prime parcel as one of the closest developable sites to the station.

UPG enlisted architecture firm SJB to design the project. The team said they drew inspiration from both the General Post Office in Martin Place and East Circular Quay to help shape the design. The two-level colonnade, in particular, reflects the famous GPO building, which dates back to the 1860s.

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There will be one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments on offer, with interiors by Cox Architecture. Residences will sit above a retail podium featuring hospitality and lifestyle operators such as One Playground and Volcano’s Steakhouse, contributing to an activated ground plane within the broader Thornton precinct.

A communal rooftop with a pool and views towards the Blue Mountains will provide shared open space for residents. The development is positioned between Ron Mulock Oval and Westfield Penrith, with the Nepean River and Great River Walk also nearby, placing daily amenity and green space within walking distance.

&nbsp;

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Mayfair is being delivered by Urban Property Group, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly 40 years’ experience across Sydney. The project will be the first in Penrith to be offered with Resilience Insurance’s 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy, which Urban Property Group has adopted across a number of its recent developments. The developer also has a 4.5-star iCIRT rating, one of the best ratings in market providing further confidence to buyers.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said providing additional assurance to off-the-plan buyers has become increasingly important.

“Anything we can do to give confidence in our product is a plus,” Elias told Apartments.com.au.

“Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. They’re making their single large investment, which is their home, and providing confidence is something that we feel is paramount.”

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The LDI policy provides a 10-year warranty covering structural defects, with independent inspections carried out during construction and protection for owners if defects arise post-completion.

Mayfair represents Urban Property Group’s sixth and final development within Thornton, consolidating the masterplanned precinct immediately east of the station.

The developer, which builds its own projects, has already commenced construction. SRM Residential is handling the sales campaign.

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Urban Property Group to close the curtain on award-winning Thornton precinct with Mayfair on Penrith release

Bankstown

Spring Square by Poly is set to become a game-changer in the world of community living. The first of its kind in Sydney's southwest, this sprawling masterplan promises to redefine the way people think about their living spaces.

Drawing inspiration from Bankstown's rich history, Spring Square aims to deliver an enriched urban neighbourhood experience that extends far beyond the four walls of an apartment.

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The community will be spread across five towers, each boasting a range of modern and varied living options, including one, two and three-bedroom floorplans.&nbsp;

But it's the range of retail and commercial amenities that will truly set Spring Square apart. From childcare facilities to a state-of-the-art gym and a range of healthcare services, residents will be able to access everything they need right on their doorstep.

Spring Square will also be dotted with communal spaces, offering places to meet, eat, and unwind. Interconnecting walkways will allow residents to explore the precinct at their leisure, while green parks will provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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The gardens at Spring Square are the highlight, offering a diverse playground for residents of all ages. From lush lawns to native trees, outdoor barbecue and kitchen spaces to al fresco-style leisure areas, this is a space designed to bring people together, with a range of seating nooks scattered throughout the gardens.

But it's not just about the green spaces. Spring Square will also be home to a range of small cafes, bars, and outdoor al fresco dining options. These will spill out onto the podium and ground level, creating a vibrant social hub inspired by the multitude of cultures that call Bankstown home.

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alisonwarters@gmail.com

Poly Global delivers an urban oasis in the heart of Bankstown

Poly Global's latest development, Spring Square by Poly, is set to offer residents a unique and unparalleled view of Sydney's expansive districts, including the CBD and Olympic Park.

Located in the south-western region of Sydney, Bankstown's elevated position makes it one of the highest vantage points in the area, and the developers made sure the architects took full advantage of this in their design of Spring Square by Poly.

Scott Carver handled the designs of the project, utilising the outlooks in their design, with each residence fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows providing views of the landscaped plaza below. This means residents can take in the bustling movements of the area and appreciate the lush greenery surrounding them from the privacy of their own homes.

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Residents of Spring Square can choose between two finishing schemes for their homes; Latte, a lighter coffee tone, and Mocha, a richer chocolate-coloured hue. Both options provide a warm and inviting neutral canvas that allows residents to tailor their interiors to their personal taste.

Each courtyard and balcony in Spring Square has been designed with generous space for entertaining, barbecuing, and even growing potted gardens. The outdoor spaces have been seamlessly integrated with the living and bedroom areas to allow natural light and fresh air to flow freely throughout the home, bringing the outdoors in.

The building takes on a striking contrast of tonal brick, extensive glazing, and vertical louvres which work together seamlessly to redefine the area's skyline.

Consisting of five towers, Spring Square offers a range of one, two, and three-bedroom residences with various single and double-storey layouts, as well as cross-over arrangements.

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The mix of living options caters to a diverse range of residents, providing a flexible and dynamic living environment.

Extensive glazing to each apartment not only maximises natural light but also provides unobstructed views of the surrounding district.

Nestled in a serene locale, the kitchens boast a sleek and modern design, replete with ample space and high-end appliances. The 20 milimetre Caesarstone benchtops, powerful gas cooktops, and contemporary chrome tapware add to the elegant vibe, while the tinted mirror splashbacks elevate the overall aesthetic.

For those seeking solace and comfort, the bedrooms in this space offer just that. The large windows invite the morning sunlight and fresh air, creating an inviting ambiance, while the plush carpets add an element of warmth and coziness to the space.

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Some of the bedrooms even feature outdoor balconies and courtyards, allowing residents to bask in the first light of the day from the comfort of their bed.

Designed with both style and functionality in mind, the bathrooms in this space are a true work of art. Equipped with wall-hung vanities, streamlined shower screens, and both a shower and bathtub

One, two and three-bedroom apartments are still remaining in Spring Square with prices starting from&nbsp;$447,450 for a one-bedder.&nbsp;

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How Scott Carver designed the apartments at Spring Square by Poly

The development is located at the northern end of Bankstown’s commercial precinct and positioned perfectly to enjoy all the burgeoning region has to offer.&nbsp;

Envisioned to create a new benchmark for integrated living, Spring Square will connect residents to the distinct charm of Bankstown, which is overflowing with high end amenity, abundant recreational spaces and a lively food and entertainment scene.

On the doorstep of Spring Square lies quality education, retail and supermarkets, restaurants and cafes, as well as entertainment options like Hoyts Cinema and the Bryan Brown Theatre.&nbsp;

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The newly built Bankstown RSL Club is also directly next door and Bankstown train station is an easy few minutes’ walk.&nbsp;

As the most significant commercial hub of South West Sydney, Bankstown is also well connected with public transport and roads like the M5 and Hume Highway, providing links to the north, south, east and west with ease.&nbsp;

As the region is at the forefront of a revival, with impetus from the NSW Government’s plan to implement the Sydenham to Bankstown Urban Renewal Strategy well underway, a number of neighbourhoods, public spaces, town centres and community services will also be redeveloped and enhanced.&nbsp;

A new Sydney Metro train line is also in progress, which will connect Bankstown to key employment centres – providing further travel options and improved accessibility. Slated to open to the public by 2024, the new Metro line will be located just 300-metres from Spring Square.

This boost to the local economy has also seen the uncovering of plans for a brand new Bankstown-Lidcombe hospital, with the $1.3 billion health precinct a major boost for the area. Improved civic spaces are also on the cards, as well as a Western Sydney University campus right in Bankstown’s CBD, which will be just 400-metres from the development site.&nbsp;

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Upon completion, Spring Square is set to comprise&nbsp;five towers, with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom offered across the site.

A range of single and double-storey layouts will be constructed, as well as crossover arrangements, with the residences to benefit from&nbsp;Bankstown’s central location within Sydney, along with its elevation, making it one of the highest vantage points.&nbsp;

Residents will be able to take in expansive district, Sydney CBD and Olympic Park views, with each of the towers designed to maximise these outlooks.&nbsp;

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As the most significant commercial hub of South West Sydney, Bankstown is also well connected with public transport and roads like the M5 and Hume Highway, providing links to the north, south, east and west with ease. 

How Spring Square by Poly taps in to its burgeoning location

With the up and coming suburb in Sydney's South West on the cusp of expansion and the new type of residential product planned by Poly Australia, the area is tipped to become a hotspot for owner-occupiers, and particularly first home buyers.&nbsp;

Within each home, the level of finishes and fittings belies the affordable first home buyer price point.&nbsp;

All have been thoughtfully curated and colour matched to ensure an elegant harmony throughout.

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The masterplanned community has been designed to create a genuine sense of neighbourhood, complete with communal gardens and a broad mix of amenities. This includes integrated retail, commercial and childcare spaces making up just a small part of nearly 6,600 sqm of total amenity space.

Comprising a generous mix of apartments, in various configurations, from studios, up to three-bedrooms, Spring Square by Poly has a price point that few other developments can hope to match - which is only bolstered by the fact all the studio apartments have all already been sold.&nbsp;

Once the nearby Metro is up and running in 2024, these homes will arguably be one of the few opportunities in Sydney where you can purchase a brand new two-bedroom residence for $695,000, within an estimated 30-minute commute to the CBD.

In a host of ways, convenience is built into the plan of Spring Square, with public transport to the CBD and Parramatta accessed right in the heart of the precinct.

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But even simpler connectivity occurs when residents can live upstairs, work close by and enjoy the retail and entertainment options immediately downstairs. Al fresco retail, landscaped communal gardens, a children’s playground, shaded seating areas, and barbecue facilities form just a fraction of the year-round amenities available at the development.

Poly Australia are no stranger to projects of this stature, having significant experience in multi-stage delivery of large-scale integrated retail, commercial and residential offerings.

With substantial urban renewal funding earmarked by the NSW state government, Spring Square by Poly will be poised to take advantage of all the recently renewed investment plans.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7054]

Why owner-occupiers are tipped for Spring Square by Poly

Defined by its diversity, Bankstown is a hidden gem among Sydney.&nbsp;

International developer, Poly Australia are taking to the suburb to deliver their latest residential project, Spring Square, which is set to give new life to the south-west suburb.&nbsp;

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The masterplan has been inspired by vertical communities around the globe, tailored to uplift Bankstown, enlivening its people and their lifestyle.

“With Bankstown in the midst of such growth, this new precinct will deliver a completely new lifestyle experience for those who live here and those who visit,” said Poly.

Spring Square at 32 Kitchener Parade, has been designed to complement and enhance its architectural neighbours, with its contrast of tonal brick, extensive glazing and vertical louvres working harmoniously to redefine the district’s skyline.&nbsp;

Built across five towers, a mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences will be delivered, with a range of single and double-storey layouts, as well as crossover arrangements.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7054 project_image_fid=47630]

Bankstown’s central location within Sydney, along with its elevation, makes it one of the highest vantage points.&nbsp;

From here, you can take in expansive district, Sydney CBD and Olympic Park views, with each of the towers designed to maximise these outlooks.&nbsp;

“We’ve designed Spring Square to really take in these views and it's been built so you can enjoy all the outlooks."&nbsp;

“This is something completely unique for the south west.”

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With sustainability no longer an optional extra for residential design, Poly Australia is implanting a raft of measures at the Bankstown precinct to follow suit, including greywater recycling, central hot water system, solar panels, and air-conditioning with high energy efficiency ratio. The project is also BASIX rated for water efficiency.

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The masterplan has been inspired by vertical communities around the globe, tailored to uplift Bankstown, enlivening its people and their lifestyle.

Spring Square by Poly launches to market

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GUEST OBSERVATION
A rail line to the northwest growth areas of Sydney has been proposed many times. In 2010, the state government and bureaucracy sought discussions with Infrastructure Australia and the Commonwealth about funding an extension of the heavy-rail system from Epping on a North West Rail—Hills District Line. In 2012, the new transport minister (and now premier), Gladys Berejiklian, changed the plan, opting for a single-deck robotic privatised metro similar to those proposed by property developer and rail operator Hong Kong MTR. The government decided to close the Bankstown line for <a href="https://www.sydneymetro.info/" target="_blank">Sydney Metro</a> conversion and upzone surrounding suburbs for “urban activation”.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/263282/original/file-20190312-86717-16i983z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
OpenStreetMap Contributors, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY</a>
Days before Christmas 2018, we transport analysts received a gift: an update to the station <a href="https://opendata.transport.nsw.gov.au/dataset/train-station-entries-and-exits-data" target="_blank">barrier counts dataset</a>. The government had not released this annual snapshot since 2014. (An interactive data visualisation tool is available <a href="https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiZGIxNjBiNTMtNjFiZS00NWExLTg1NjgtYWE4Y2FjN2FhZGZiIiwidCI6ImU4OTExYzI2LWNmOWYtNGE5Yy04NzhlLTUyNzgwN2JlODc5MSJ9" target="_blank">here</a>.)
The below analysis uses average workday (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) patronage to describe the changing demand across the Sydney rail network (<a href="https://www.railmaps.com.au/sydney.htm" target="_blank">click here for a map</a> of the network) and determine where the need for transport infrastructure investment is greatest.
The analysis clearly show that the metro conversion of the Bankstown line should not be Sydney’s top-priority investment. The numbers make clear the need to invest the state’s limited funds in the western and southern corridors with matching investment in the CBD. The Bankstown project should be deferred.
Demand on Sydney’s western and Illawarra heavy-rail corridors has surged since 2004 (when barrier counts began). These are two of the city’s most important transport trunks. The Bankstown line has much lower patronage with modest growth.
Every transport infrastructure investment must deliver value for money by reducing operating costs and improving mobility. If we fail to invest wisely, Sydney risks becoming uncompetitive as talent and businesses leave for better-connected and more liveable cities.
The Bankstown decision from a 2012 perspective
To determine if the Bankstown conversion was the highest priority in 2012 we need to consider the information available to the minister at the time. Let’s start with the obvious questions: in 2012 was the Bankstown line or its major stations under significant load or growing quickly?
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZAzc9/2/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
The above chart shows five of the top 20 stations were in the CBD, six were on the Eastern-Illawarra line, and nine were on the West and North lines. Bankstown line stations were not especially popular: Bankstown station was 27th most popular, Campsie 35th, Lakemba 53rd and Marrickville 63rd.
Another reason to justify the Bankstown line conversion would be rapid growth. However, in 2012 the ten stations with the fastest growth since 2004 were in the CBD and on the West, South, North and Airport lines.
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/7mOg9/1/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
From 2004 to 2012, Parramatta grew by 4,600 passengers on an average workday, and Hurstville by over 4,100. Growth at Campsie and Lakemba was a mere 1,000 passengers a day, and only half of that at Bankstown.
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1aTzv/2/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
So when the development decision was made the Bankstown line stations were not major stations, nor under significant load, nor growing quickly. This raises questions about the Metro conversion investment.
The Bankstown decision from a 2018 perspective
Passenger demand grows on a train line for many reasons. In 2012, Berejiklian might have been aware of a coming surge in patronage on the Bankstown line. In 2018, have we seen such a surge?
Sydney railway patronage has indeed surged overall, growing by over 450,000 people on an average workday since 2004. By 2018, the distribution of these passengers had changed significantly. Ashfield, Epping, Hornsby and Kogarah slipped out of the top-20 stations to be replaced by Mascot (17th), Auburn (18th), Lidcombe (19th) and Museum (20th).
Bankstown line stations had become less important:
<ul>
<li>Bankstown slipped to 33rd most popular</li>
<li>Campsie rose to 35th</li>
<li>Marrickville was steady at 62nd</li>
<li>Lakemba plummeted to 67th.</li>
</ul>
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0paex/1/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
From 2012 to 2018, Town Hall ranked first for patronage growth with a workday increase of 28,900 passengers. Parramatta was fourth with 15,400 and Hurstville 16th with 4,600.
On the Bankstown line Campsie ranked 33rd with growth of 2,000 and Bankstown 49th with 1,400. Estimated patronage at four of the stations – Wiley Park, Yagoona, Lakemba, Regents Park – actually fell.
After land around Canterbury was transformed into many massive apartments, patronage at the station grew by 1,300 workday passengers since 2012. Even with the development, it still had only 3,200 workday passengers, leaving the station 91st in the whole sprawling network.
Comparing sections of the network
Multiple stations operate in concert and to be thorough we also need to consider how sections of the network compare.
The ten Bankstown line stations from Marrickville to Bankstown had 36,800 workday passengers in 2012. By 2018 this had grown by 7,000 to 43,800 workday passengers. It is still a relatively quiet line.
The North line from North Strathfield to Epping had eight stations with 36,100 workday passengers in 2012. By 2018, this had grown by 12,700 workday passengers to 48,800.
Over the same period, the 13 stations on the Illawarra line from Arncliffe to Sutherland grew by 15,600 to 79,400 workday passengers.
The three Eastern Suburbs line stations from Kings Cross to Bondi had higher patronage in 2012 than the Bankstown line with 40,200 workday passengers. Patronage on those three stations alone also grew much faster, by 17,600 in six years to 54,800.
Patronage on the Western corridor (Macdonaldtown to Blacktown) has grown by 58,000 to over 225,000 workday passengers. On the Illawarra corridor patronage grew 25,000 to over 103,000.
Remember, patronage on the Bankstown line grew by only 7,000 in this 2012-18 period.
Looking at key stations between 2004 and 2018:
<ul>
<li>Bankstown patronage grew by 25%</li>
<li>Stanmore, which doesn’t have a lift and gets only one train every 15 minutes, grew by 33%</li>
<li>Burwood grew by 64%</li>
<li>Parramatta by 79%</li>
<li>Newtown by 100%</li>
<li>Homebush by 125%.</li>
</ul>
In the Illawarra corridor:
<ul>
<li>Hurstville station grew by 66%</li>
<li>Erskineville by 97%</li>
<li>Banksia, Carlton and Allawah stations all had over 100% growth.</li>
</ul>
The City Circle from Redfern to Circular Quay and back grew by 159,000 workday passengers from 236,000 in 2004 to 395,000 in 2018 – a 67% increase.
In 2012, the city’s first transport priority was another north-south harbour crossing. However, it was decided instead to build the Sydney Metro under the harbour and then take both of the CBD’s north-south heavy-rail corridors. This significantly increased the cost and complexity of expanding the heavy-rail system.
Sydney’s second transport priority was always a western relief line. Every transport investigation since the 1971 Sydney Area Transport Study has identified this need.
What next?
On February 11, the state Labor opposition <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/labor-commits-8-billion-to-fast-track-sydney-metro-west-20190211-p50wyi" target="_blank">promised $5 billion</a> for the Western Metro, in addition to $3 billion previously promised by the federal Labor opposition.
On March 4, the state Coalition government <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nsw-premier-says-construction-of-metro-west-line-to-begin-2020-20190303-p511g6" target="_blank">announced $6.4 billion</a> for a Western Metro, with the construction date to be brought forward.
The government announcement was made after the caretaker period for the March 23 state election had begun, so no technical or financial documentation was released. The government statement said the final business case was not complete, indicating that the Western Metro project was still in the early planning stages.
With a slowing economy and falling house prices there will be a post-election reprioritisation of NSW project spending. When this happens, the next government should give higher priority to the western rail corridor than the Bankstown corridor.
Postscript
Any discussion of infrastructure decisions should note the affected electorates. The seats around the Bankstown line and their <a href="http://pastvtr.elections.nsw.gov.au/SGE2015/la/state/tpp/index.htm" target="_blank">vote tallies</a> in the last state election are:<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/111844/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<ul>
<li>Summer Hill (Labor 70.13% two party preferred in 2015)</li>
<li>Canterbury (Labor 65.69%)</li>
<li>Lakemba (Labor 71.56%)</li>
<li>Bankstown (Labor 63.97%)</li>
<li>Auburn (Labor 55.93%)</li>
<li>Fairfield (Labor 67.79%).</li>
</ul>
Mathew Hounsell, Senior Research Consultant, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/which-lines-are-priorities-for-sydney-metro-conversion-hint-its-not-bankstown-111844" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Which lines are priorities for Sydney Metro conversion? Hint: it’s not Bankstown

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The backdown by the NSW Government on it’s Planned Precincts along the Sydenham to Bankstown corridor is yet another pre-election move that will put new housing on hold.
For some years the NSW Government has been promoting the redevelopment of land around proposed new metro stations along the Sydenham to Bankstown line as the correct approach to provide new housing for Sydney's booming population.
The government committed to Priority Precincts around rail stations which sent signals to the private sector that these precincts were where new development should occur.
Many private developers purchased land to help realise the government's vision.
We now hear from the media that the government has done a backflip (to use the media's term) and is handing the planning powers back to the local councils.
The media comments from representatives of the Canterbury Bankstown and Inner West councils are now saying that the decision puts an end to high rise development around the stations.
The same councils also complained about the NSW Government's new Housing code for town houses and terrace houses and the NSW Government quickly allowed the two councils to delay the code for over a year.
Clearly the NSW Government is spooked by community concerns about the extent of development that the government's own planning rules proposed.
Rather than taking an advocacy role to explain to the community that 725,000 new homes will be required over the next 20 years in Sydney, and that development around stations on a new metro rail line is good planning, the government seems to be moving away from its leadership role.
With an election 9 months away it is clear that the government is happy to put the planning for new housing on hold.
This will only lead to a collapse in housing supply in a few years’ time which will push house prices up again.
The Premier's rhetoric that the solution to housing affordability is for more supply has clearly been replaced by putting supply on hold.
What were called Priority Precincts to help with supply then became Planned Precincts at the end of last year and are now seen by the suppliers of new housing as being 'Paused Precincts'.
On 25 June 2017 Anthony Roberts, NSW Planning Minister, issued a Media Release on the Sydenham to Bankstown corridor where he said: 'It is fundamental that we harness the benefits of the Sydney Metro.Supply was the key to tackling housing affordability in Sydney and growth strategies such as the Sydenham to Bankstown corridor will make a positive impact.'
He also announced that Canterbury, Campsie, Lakemba and Belmore have been made priority precincts. A year later it seems that the benefits of the metro have been diminished and that supply of new housing is not the key to housing affordability.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with the councils along the Sydenham to Bankstown line to ensure that development opportunities for new housing are still available.
Chris Johnson is the CEO of Urban Taskforce
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cjohnson-8xfqfuuCSq

Sydenham to Bankstown planning backdown will be bad for future housing supply: Chris Johnson

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A two bedroom Bankstown unit has sold for $461,000 making it Sydney’s cheapest weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-bankstown-126280498" target="_blank">10/48 Reynolds Avenue</a>, the property is marketed as ideal for renovation.
It last sold in 1996 for $155,000.
It features two bedrooms both with built-ins as well as an open plan living and dining area with balcony.
The kitchen has tiled floors and gas cooking.
Other feature includes a double lock up garage.
Shops and public transport are all within close proximity of the property.
The property was offered through WT Newey &amp; Co agent Carl Zaubzer.
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