There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

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That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

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That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

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Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

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Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

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The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

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Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358868]

The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358863]

Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358862]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

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Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

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Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Ten ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333366]

“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Community

New Life Darling Harbour residences have a unique setting within Ultimo&rsquo;s rich and significant history. Pyrmont-Ultimo was once the most important industrial suburb in Sydney powering NSW into the 20th Century

The history of Ultimo is very much connected to the Harris family, the dominant landowners in the area for over 100 years who gave Harris Street its name. In the 1800s, they built the substantial villa &ldquo;Littlebridge&rdquo; here.

As a building boom hit in the 1870s, rows of terraced houses, worker cottages, factories, breweries, foundries and warehouses increasingly dominated the landscape. In 1938, the aroma of tea and coffee filled the air when iconic Australian tea company Bushells acquired the land for a tea warehouse, coffee grinding and roasting facility.

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In the 1960s, the Harris Street premises became the TAB&rsquo;s headquarters and nerve centre of a rapidly expanding betting business. It became one of the largest employers of women in the state, operating a complex system of telephones connecting, recording, and tallying accounts between hundreds of metropolitan and country TAB branches and racecourses.

According to historians, no suburb has contributed as much to the economy and amenity of Sydney as Pyrmont-Ultimo. It embodies the seeds of this nation&rsquo;s industrial success since the late 1800s.

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Few places enchant with such diversity and sophistication as Sydney. From hawker-style diners to hatted restaurants, it&rsquo;s a city that has it all, and New Life is in the heart of it.

While the residences deliver high-quality amenity, a focus was still placed on life outside, within the community.

NewLife Darling Harbour&rsquo;s principal architect, Brendan Randles, lead the team that drove the innovative and artful city development saying,

&ldquo;Quality of life is important to us. What is happening outside our homes is as important as what is offered inside. We want local environments to thrive alongside the people and communities who live there.&rdquo;

&ldquo;We take locations and transform them. We work with local communities, councils and stakeholders to create vibrant environments. We collaborate with the best professionals and most creative industry minds to bring new life to every project,&rdquo; he added.

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The <a href="/news/architectus-and-ingehoven-on-sydneys-latest-super-skyscraper" target="_blank">Architectus</a>&nbsp;designed residences pay homage to the site&rsquo;s semi-industrial history, delivering a collection of 200 apartments, with a range of single-storey one, two and three-bedroom apartments, two-level terrace apartments and penthouses.

The nine-storey building has a limited selection of two-bedroom&nbsp;apartments still remaining within the fully-completed residential development.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=9040]

According to historians, no suburb has contributed as much to the economy and amenity of Sydney as Pyrmont-Ultimo. It embodies the seeds of this nation’s industrial success since the late 1800s.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

How NewLife Darling Harbour brings to life the site’s location 

There&#39;s been a push for increased amenity within apartment buildings, as residents seek to have everything in one place.&nbsp;

Developers across Melbourne have taken note, and are building apartment projects with extensive communal facilities so residents can interact with neighbours and invite friends over in a larger space.

The type of amenity varies by development, whether it&#39;s a&nbsp;shared living and dining space, rooftop communal gardens, or luxury lap pools and spas.

In the first part of our Shared Spaces, we&#39;ve taken a look at four apartment developments across Melbourne which have dedicated spaces for residents to unwind.

1. Hawthorn Park, Hawthorn East 
Developer: Dahua Group

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=171605]

Hawthorn Park is truly a landmark suburban development with world-class amenities on offer exclusively to residents. &nbsp;

Among these include plenty of bookable lounge and dining rooms with fully equipped chef&rsquo;s kitchen.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=171601]

Two of the four buildings that form Hawthorn Park link via a sky terrace and boardwalk that accompany the sky pool, perfect for memorable occasions and everyday affairs.

The development boasts 2,000sqm of landscaping designed by Jack Merlo, as well as outdoor facilities, including hammock lounges, lawns and landscaped walkways, alfresco dining and vegetable gardens.

2. 4 Ballarat Street, Brunswick 
Developer: Assemble

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94542 project_image_fid=160739]

Located in the heart of Brunswick, Assemble&rsquo;s new rent-with-the-option-to-buy project, 4 Ballarat Street, focuses on bringing communities together.

&ldquo;4 Ballarat St.&nbsp;has been designed to bring people together offering residents an enriched and connected life beyond their four walls&rdquo;, said Assemble&rsquo;s Rebecca Shackleton.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94542 project_image_fid=160741]

The development boasts a shared rooftop garden, designated dog park, green planting space and a shared clothesline on level eight.

Other shared facilities include a parcel room, lending library, multi-purpose room and workshop space.

3. Riverbank, Abbotsford 
Developer: Salta Properties

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4136 project_image_fid=156275]

Riverbank, one of two buildings at The Park House, resides on the banks of the Yarra River, not only connecting residents to the surrounding nature, but through world-class amenities at your fingertips.

Unrivalled building amenity exclusive to each residence has been provided to ensure occupants will be able to create a sense of lifestyle and community within the broader Park House project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4136 project_image_fid=166464]

The development, designed by SJB, boasts a pool, gym, cinema, resident&rsquo;s lounge and library, kids playroom, deluxe eight-seater cinema, bike workshop and golf simulation room.

SJB has aimed to transform the space into a &lsquo;new neighbourhood&rsquo; with an improved public realm thanks to the common facilities.

4. The Evermore, Southbank 
Developer: Landence Group

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2087 project_image_fid=180823]

The Landence Group&rsquo;s latest Southbank development, the Evermore, features a range of shared spaces that present a sense of escape from the everyday.

Influenced by the world&rsquo;s grand hotels, the development boasts two private dining spaces for each of its buildings that overlook central courtyards.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2087 project_image_fid=180836]

Dining rooms sit adjacent to inviting communal lounges provided for residents&rsquo; relaxation and enjoyment.

Communal lounges incorporate high-quality materials like marble, dark timber, and brass trims, and are ideal for some quiet &lsquo;me-time&rsquo; or relaxation with guests and other residents.

A new wave of luxury apartment living is arriving in Melbourne, with discerning buyers seeking high-end amenities, communal resident spaces and elegant design.

max.kwok_55688

Shared Spaces Part I: Four Melbourne apartments with communal resident space

Sales have launched at the new Ormond apartment development, Walsh Grange.

The contemporary collection of just 23 one, two and three-bedroom apartments is being developed in a joint venture between CQ Property Development and Loi Projects, who had the local architecture firm Telha Clarke design the modern low-rise building.

Their focus was to create a feeling of connection, through shared public spaces, and surrounding gardens and trees.

Prices start from $479,000 for the near 50 sqm one-bedroom apartments. All apartments, as high as the near 100 sqm three-bedroom apartments, are priced under $1 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108897 project_image_fid=180972]

Named after its corner location bordering Walsh and Grange Street, Walsh Grange a rare new development for Ormond, which has quietly been one of Melbourne&#39;s most sought-after suburbs, on the fringe of the popular Bayside area. Ormond is&nbsp;now blessed with bustling retail precincts, extensive amenities, and great education options.

Access to major road networks, spacious public parks and gardens, and a nearby beach also provide convenient access to all of life&rsquo;s necessities.

Within 10 minutes you&#39;re by the bay at North Road foreshore, where there&#39;s a beach-side bike path stretching around the southern bay for kilometres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108897 project_image_fid=180981]

Ormond maintains the community charm of the Bayside lifestyle, with numerous restaurants, caf&eacute;s and nearby shopping strips, including Carnegie, Bentleigh and Caulfield.

The development will likely be a hit with families, given the close proximity to a number of Melbourne&#39;s best schools, including&nbsp;Kilvington Grammar, Bentleigh Secondary College and McKinnon Secondary College.

Monash University, one of Australia&rsquo;s top tertiary institutions, is also nearby.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108897 project_image_fid=180974]

Ormond is near some of Melbourne&rsquo;s best parklands, with playgrounds, sporting grounds and facilities adding further opportunities for family fun and entertaining.

Walsh Grange has been designed to deliver the security of community and the comfort of a private, premium residence.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108897]

In recent years, Ormond has undergone a transformation, now blessed with bustling retail precincts, extensive amenities, and great education options

Sales launch at Walsh Grange, Ormond's newest apartment development

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EXPERT OBSERVER

Mike Day recommends six planning actions for councils, developers and planners to ensure regional township projects are embraced by the community:

1. Councils could develop building codes and guidelines which reflect and respect their distinctive local settings. Mike says developers and planners should respect a town’s character by integrating complementary developments into the existing urban pattern rather than introducing conventional suburban subdivision patterns and built form.

2. Engage and consult early with the community. Local residents are inevitably ‘local experts’ that have travelled extensively. When they are involved early in the planning process they can provide feedback and advise the changes they want to see to create a town they are proud of and will love to continue calling home. Councils and planners can get meaningful input from the community through engaging with residents, planning design forums where the community and stakeholders explore solutions and design ideas through interactive workshops, and social media. By capturing residents’ feedback, designers and planners can ensure the community’s views are reflected in the design and development of any future projects.

3. Create jobs for the local community. Creation of mixed-use neighbourhoods or business hubs and Government projects will attract business and work opportunities for local residents. In Mike’s extensive experience on regional projects, he has found residents are very receptive to development plans that provide local jobs, particularly for the youth of a community, which invariably assists in addressing many social issues.

4. Reinforce and expand existing walkable neighbourhoods. Compact, mixed-use, walkable neighbourhoods provide opportunities for social connection and a reduced reliance on cars. With remote working becoming more popular, living in closer proximity to local amenities can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, and will also foster a stronger community and sense of belonging, particularly among new residents moving from major cities.

5. Provide housing diversity. Communities that combine single dwelling homes, townhouses, apartments, and specialised housing such as seniors housing integrated with the township, enables ageing in place and attracts residents of all ages and incomes. Regional communities are receptive to diverse housing options if they maintain the essence and unique character of their townships.

6. Maintain community engagement in perpetuity. Mike says councils, planners and developers must get feedback from the community at all stages of planning and development. Interactive mapping and community forums provide locals with the opportunity to voice their opinions and achieve built form outcomes they feel meet local needs. Mike highlights the importance of getting a true cross-section of the community, not just the vocal minority, through expressions of interest for community involvement. Ongoing community input on regional projects will ensure the critical attributes of the town is retained.

Mike Day is a partner at award-winning Australian urban planning and design practice Hatch RobertsDay
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Mike Day recommends six planning actions for councils, developers and planners to ensure regional township projects are embraced by the community

Planners must avoid ‘suburbanisation’ of regional towns, Community is Key: Mike Day

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Expert Observer

The COVID-19 pandemic has created widespread isolation throughout our communities. People are feeling increasingly disconnected from not only their physical surroundings but also their social ties. This has only been exacerbated by the looming uncertainty around job and financial security, continuous changes to restrictions and surprise cases emerging when we all least expected them. 

However, one thing is for certain in these times: That nothing is certain. Many of us are looking for the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, where some form of normalcy is restored. Many of us are also disillusioned to this beacon of hope, coming to terms with the new reality we find ourselves in presently.

Our collective resiliency as a nation is entering recovery mode, with the enduring Australian spirit guiding us through the challenges of the pandemic. The repeated blows dealt by the pandemic have been felt the hardest in our communities where our ability to live, work and socialise has been severely impacted. Our relationships and connections within our communities have been challenged  during these trying times. As restrictions continue to ease, more than half of us think this will have a positive effect on our relationships. 

According to the ABS, one in 11 people think that life will never return to normal. With this frightening insight into the new Australian mindset, one space where we need to focus on to secure strong economic and social recovery is at our communities and their citizens. 

<h2>Citizens as local experts for guidance on fostering a modern day community</h2>

As Australian cities look towards economic recovery in the new post COVID-19 world, it is now more important than ever to recognise the important role that strong and resilient communities play in driving growth and connectedness. These are the backbone of our economy and social frameworks. A highly functioning community with involved and committed members is one that that will drive growth. 

These types of community tend to thrive more in ‘people-first places’, where it is less about what is built and more about what the community can be and will become in the future. These places go beyond green belts and access to transport to consider the broader wellbeing of a community. Social cohesion, promotion of healthy lifestyles and addressing digital needs are strongly taken into account and considered throughout the planning process. 

This development ideology is well and truly embedded throughout EG’s ‘Build In Good’ (B.I.G) development philosophy. These developments create a new category in residential living focused on social impact. People-first locations with a community spirit, spaces to meet and relax, multiple housing options for long-term living and a technology-led environment that enables convenience and connection are all at the heart of these B.I.G developments. 

The Flour Mill at Summer Hill, a real-life example of this B.I.G philosophy brought to life, is quickly becoming a thriving community with the guiding vision to build a neighbourhood that was caring and inclusive, an environment that ensured connectivity, fostered physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing. Well connected by heavy and light rail, boasting community gardens, public park with an established tree canopy, this is a people-first place that champions and reflects the needs of the community that inhabit it. It’s popular fortnightly Flour Mill Markets were recently named among the best in the Inner West.  

<h2>Social planning and community empowerment</h2>

So how can developers work towards futureproofing our built communities so they can grow in our new post COVID-19 reality? It begins and ends with the people that make these new communities. Drawing upon their knowledge, experiences and expertise as locals for guidance. This starts with extensive community consultation, to fully understand the real needs that impact citizens in their day to day lives. This consultation process and continued community engagement (with existing and incoming residents) helped ensure that the development at the Flour Mill delivered on the promise of building a home which honored the footprint and history of the building and industry that came before them. 

Going back to the basics of community and social planning is key, especially as we navigate our way through these trying and uncertain times. Co-creation between key community members and developers should be heavily encouraged and supported throughout the planning process. This close collaboration allows communities to voice their needs from the outset and promotes a healthy working relationship with the developers crafting the physical components of the planned community. The co-creation process indirectly also further establishes these burgeoning communal connections that will continue to thrive and prosper well after the ribbon cutting ceremony. Staying to foster neighbourly connection is what distinguishes a development from a community.

Creating a connected community begins with the intentional decisions we make in our day-to-day relationships. Connection is the foundation on which we build everything else. And as we build this connected life, we make it possible to build a more connected world, where we create neighbourhoods and workplaces that support and connect us all. 

Now more than ever before, our connections have been tested thanks to the pandemic. It is now time to focus our energy and efforts into forming strong communal ties, that will outlast the most trying of times. As activist Wael Ghonim once said, “The power of the people is much stronger than the people in power”. For me, these words have never run truer than in our new reality as we all look to recovering and healing, together. 

David Workman, Divisional Director – Urban and Community Planning, EG
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Establishing connected communities in a post COVID-19 world

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Stockland, one of Australia’s largest diversified property groups, has opened its latest display village at Cloverton to the public.

Currently viewed by appointment only, the display home village features 21 inspiring homes from 11 of well-known Melbourne home builders. Stockland are hoping to add to the existing 2,000 residents already living in the Kalkallo community with a plethora of first home buyers looking to take advantage of the HomeBuilder Grant that was recently extended to March 31 2021.

“Cloverton is set to be the future city of Melbourne’s north. The community is already flourishing with three parks, a popular café, an early learning centre and a primary school set to open in 2022. There’s plenty on offer now and into the future for our community,” Stockland Project Director, James Westh said.

The 21 homes in the display village have been built by 11 different builders including: Porter Davis, Metricon, Carlisle Homes, Simonds, Eight Homes, Bentley Homes, Mimosa Homes, Home Group, Homebuyers Centre, Boutique and ABC Homes.

<h2>Other Stockland Developments</h2>

Waterlea, Rowville

<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/waterlea.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/waterlea.png?itok=Av8aT59w" width="580"></a></figure>Another community project by Stockland is Waterlea, a sustainable 6 Star Green Star urban community. Set in 40 plus hectares of natural habitat and green open spaces, the neighbourhood sits at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne’s southeast suburb of Rowville. 

It has been designed by the Group GSA Architects.

Haven, Altona North

<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/haven.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="289" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/haven.png?itok=8JYHOjlq" width="580"></a></figure>Other Stockland projects include Haven in Altona North, comprised of two, three and four bedroom townhouses designed by SJB architects. It has prices ranging from $605,000 - $805,000 available for purchase off the plan.

Another, is the Terraces at Minta in Berwick (pictured below), 46 residences set for completion in 2021 with a lower price point of $450,000 - $550,000 making both these projects eligible for the extended HomeBuilder Grant.

<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/minta_terraces.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/minta_terraces.png?itok=1ZtqlPhe" width="580"></a></figure>
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The display home village features 21 inspiring homes from 11 of well-known Melbourne home builders.

urban.com.au

Stockland's new Kalkallo community display village opens in Cloverton

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Today, Stockland Research reveals that, as we enter the new decade, purchasing property is top of mind for Australians. The results also show that there is a strong desire for more social connectivity and sustainable home features becoming standard.
Stockland's 2020 property survey has shown that Australians are heading into the new decade with a positive outlook on home ownership with over 40 per cent planning to buy their own property in the next five to ten years. 93 per cent of purchases are expected to be made by those under 35 years old. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/20/7_STOCKLAND%20HOME%20BUY.jpg" alt="" width="593" height="360">
People are willing to look further afield with 36 per cent of those surveyed considering moving interstate, and 44 per cent respondents in New South Wales specifically entertaining the idea of crossing borders. Amongst these respondents, the main reason for considering this move include for better lifestyle, 57 per cent; better job opportunities, 42 per cent; and to buy the home you want for less, 32 per cent. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/20/7_RUNNING.jpg" alt="" width="592" height="360">
"It's great to see that home ownership remains a key goal for Australians with many starting 2020 with increasing optimism around achieving this" says Stephanie Vainin, general manager residential sales at Stockland. "Purchasing your own home is still seen as a sense of security for many Australians and this won't change anytime soon.
"The way in which Australians want to live will continue to evolve in 2020 and beyond with many considering that interstate move now more than ever, and an increased demand for features that encourage personal connectivity to communities and improved health and wellbeing." 
Over 60 per cent of Australians would forgo a traditional backyard for a small home with less outdoor space if it meant they were more connected to neighbours and close to community parks and green spaces. 
Survey respondents top features for a dream community of the future also included more walking paths community gardens and recreation spaces and fewer roads.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/20/7_STOCKLAND%20COMMUNITY.jpg" alt="" width="586" height="373"> 
Ms Vanin explains, "With 24/7 technological connectivity and busy lives, people and increasingly looking for low-maintenance homes located within communities that offer great amenity, social connectivity and physical closeness with their neighbours and wide community. 
"The actual home is still important, however, features that allow for more community living are shifting higher and higher on homeowners' priority lists. That old sense of belonging and knowing your neighbours is more important than ever before." 
Results show that Australians will be even more environmentally conscious this decade with over half, 54 per cent, of the survey respondents stating sustainable and environmental home features are more important to them than they were ten years ago, and 22 per cent stating the purchase of ethical and sustainable items for their home are important. 
A quarter of the respondents also stated they would specifically like automated recycling in their future home, with those over 55 years old the most excited about the prospect. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/20/7_BINS.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="357">
"Buyers are much more attuned to the benefits of sustainable home design today than they were a decade ago. The costs of many features such as LED lighting and solar panels are also much more affordable today and buyers now understand the long terms cost benefits of these features for future energy savings to them and the broader benefits to the environment," notes Ms Vanin
This week, Stockland has launched its <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/start" target="_blank">2020 residential summer campaign</a>. The campaign is built upon the idea that "A day can change a decade" and by taking a step into the home buying journey today, you can set yourself up for the whole decade ahead. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

How will Australians live over the next decade, Stockland Research

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GUEST OBSERVATION 
Imagine a community of 200,000. Convivial, walkable, six times the density of Manhattan but with a smaller ecological footprint. It provides low-cost services and affordable housing mixed with productive uses such as recycling, farming and trading. It’s a city within a city.
But the streets aren’t wide enough to allow cars. The houses seem makeshift and the drains need work. The adaptations make it look like a place under perpetual construction.
In fact, the landlords and local leaders have incrementally built their houses and urban amenities over the last 40 years. They have self-organised to provide services such as gas, electricity and water. Non-government organisations (NGOs) have often provided extensive support to help with this process.
The only catch is this community has been built on unused public land. Now the residents face threats of resettlement to allow for “development” projects planned by the state. After spending six months in such a place, I can attest to their simultaneous desire to live their lives and the fear of uprooting that underlies their daily life.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/285576/original/file-20190724-110158-11gasn9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Sahajul, a local elder, recollects the struggles he faced to kick-start Karail as a place. 
Mohammed Jilani/Open Studio, Author provided
The story of a billion people
The place is Karail, the largest informal settlement in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhaka" target="_blank">Dhaka</a>, but the story is not particular to there. A billion people live in such places around the world. That number is slated to reach <a href="https://unhabitat.org/books/world-cities-report/" target="_blank">3 billion people in the next 30 years</a>.
This means informal settlements are one of the major ways developing cities are being produced. Conventional planning approaches such as slum clearance, cookie-cutter high-rises, peripheral resettlement and back-to-village programs have often failed to manage them.
UN-Habitat, the body with global responsibility for issues of urban growth, advocates city-wide <a href="https://www.citiesalliance.org/about-slum-upgrading#Why_not_tear_down" target="_blank">slum upgrading</a> and integration with metropolitan plans. Such programs are explicitly “<a href="http://www.monppab.org/content/libraryfiles/160.pdf" target="_blank">participatory</a>” and inclusive. Specifically, UN-Habitat <a href="https://unhabitat.org/quick-guide-for-participatory-city-wide-slum-upgrading-city-wide-slum-upgrading-for-sustainable-urbanization/" target="_blank">recommends</a> member states “recognise the rights and contributions of slum dwellers and change the view that they are illegal”.
However, these recommendations are non-binding. It is up to the state and NGOs to implement policies on the ground. While funding agencies and local civic bodies have important roles too, they are ineffective in formulating the upgrading programs by themselves.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/285568/original/file-20190724-110187-1f79zyw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/285568/original/file-20190724-110187-1f79zyw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
An overhead view of Karail. 
Google Earth, Author provided
What’s the plan for Karail?
In Karail’s case, the land belongs to the Ministry of Science and Information &amp; Communication Technology (MoSICT). It plans to establish a <a href="https://bhtpa.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bhtpa.portal.gov.bd/page/fd2c28e6_99ab_43d4_8262_ff8d87165be7/Draft%20Feasibility%20Study%20Report-%20Mohakhali.pdf" target="_blank">software technology park</a> to replace the settlement. In 2014, several NGOs providing pro bono legal aid filed petitions in court challenging the authority to carry out evictions on such a massive scale. The final verdict is still pending, but the word on the streets in Karail is that the wheels are in motion to make the project happen by any means.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/285624/original/file-20190724-110175-kuy1wu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/285624/original/file-20190724-110175-kuy1wu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
The existing settlement and proposed development plan. 
Tanzil Shafique and BHTPA, Author provided
If the project proceeds, the demolitions will begin soon. The resettlement plan for the project proposes six options, none of which are slum upgrading.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/285573/original/file-20190724-110162-3hzn1q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/285573/original/file-20190724-110162-3hzn1q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
 Kurail is an established community that is home to at least 40,000 families. 
Tanzil Shafique, Author provided
In the best-case scenario, about 6,000 economy flats (roughly 25 square metres) will be built on site. Remember, at least 40,000 families live in Karail. The other options – including off-site resettlement or cash compensation – are far worse.
The draft plan shows no understanding of the site as an existing city, nor are there any attempts to integrate slum upgrading into the project, as UN-Habitat recommends. Note that the objective of the project is “to establish knowledge-based industries contributing to the national economy and helping achieve the goals of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vision_2021" target="_blank">Vision 2021: Digital Bangladesh</a>”. The project is predicted to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.theindependentbd.com/printversion/details/133535" target="_blank">create 30,000 jobs</a>.
Such is the cruel irony of “development”. For an estimated investment of <a href="https://bhtpa.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bhtpa.portal.gov.bd/page/fd2c28e6_99ab_43d4_8262_ff8d87165be7/Draft%20Feasibility%20Study%20Report-%20Mohakhali.pdf" target="_blank">AU$300 million</a>, the project will generate <a href="http://www.theindependentbd.com/arcprint/details/113909/2017-09-14" target="_blank">30,000 future jobs</a>, replacing the estimated <a href="https://torturedocumentationproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/poverty-and-violence-in-korail-slum-in-dhaka.pdf" target="_blank">116,000 jobs that Karail supports</a>. The project will displace 40,000 families from their current affordable housing and build high-rise apartments to house only 6,000.
In a city already on the <a href="https://www.thedailystar.net/city/dhaka-traffic-jam-congestion-eats-32-million-working-hours-everyday-world-bank-1435630" target="_blank">verge of collapse with traffic congestion</a>, the project is set to attract more traffic to the centre. Vehicle-based infrastructure will replace the non-motorised walkable neighbourhood of Karail. The cost of losing the accumulated social capital of the people of Karail only makes it worse.
‘Development’ that fails people
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/285575/original/file-20190724-110166-1u7jv7n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/285575/original/file-20190724-110166-1u7jv7n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
The housing in Bhashantek Rehabilitation Project exemplifies how not to resettle a community. 
Tanzil Shafique, Author provided
Such “<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://press.princeton.edu/titles/9564" target="_blank">development</a>” in pursuit of a techno-ideological spectacle, without a sense of equitable well-being, is empty and is particularly threatening to informal settlements due to land value. Even when the state operates with the best of intentions and provides off-site resettlement, it has proven to be disastrous in Bangladesh, as exemplified by the <a href="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1080519.pdf" target="_blank">Bhashantek Rehabilitation Project</a>.
As Karail’s case shows, conventional “development” and policymaking do not know how to deal with such settlements. Planning is conducted with <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14649357.2015.1071870" target="_blank">half a mind</a> in the absence of empathy. “Inclusive cities” and “sustainable development” become empty motherhood slogans.
New practices can only emerge when we begin to learn how the other half lives and become allies in their struggle. Will Karail survive the onslaught of development? Well, it has survived decades of adversity so far and there is never any scarcity of hope.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/120600/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/285570/original/file-20190724-110162-1siaz6o.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Karail is a place of learning to hope. 
Tanzil Shafique, Author provided
Tanzil Shafique, PhD Researcher in Urban Design, University of Melbourne
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/what-sort-of-development-has-no-place-for-a-billion-slum-dwellers-120600" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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What sort of ‘development’ has no place for a billion slum dwellers?

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The international research is clear. Stimulating and positive environments early in life provide optimal foundations for children’s ongoing development into adulthood. This in turn makes a difference to the productivity of society at large.
Communities are important environments in which young children grow and develop. There is limited research, however, on how communities can best influence early childhood development.
To address this evidence gap, the <a href="https://www.mcri.edu.au/kics" target="_blank">Kids in Communities Study</a> (KiCS) set out to investigate the influence of community-level factors on young children’s development. This <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11205-014-0578-x" target="_blank">research</a> has identified a promising set of factors (listed in table 1) that lay the foundations of a good community for early childhood development.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/241545/original/file-20181021-105757-gwxo5j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/241545/original/file-20181021-105757-gwxo5j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
What we currently know is that by the time Australian children start school, those in more disadvantaged communities have three times the level of developmental vulnerability compared with those who are most advantaged (<a href="https://www.aedc.gov.au/resources/detail/2015-aedc-national-report" target="_blank">18.4% vs 6.7%</a>). In simple terms, young children living in Australia’s poorer areas are already on a more disadvantaged trajectory. The evidence suggests these trajectories are challenging to change once established.
What is it about where you live that makes a difference?
The design of communities can impact the healthy development of children. In particular this involves family access to resources to promote good development.
International research shows that disadvantaged communities with limited resources and opportunities can generate poor child development outcomes. And these can then persist from one generation to the next.
Conversely, there are also many factors that can promote healthy child development, even in low-income communities. These factors include parents and families who actively participate in the community, active community organisations, and neighbourhoods that are safe to walk in and have good places to play.
As Australia faces increasing pressure to accommodate population growth, well-designed communities offer real potential as a platform for impact. Indeed, there is interest globally – e.g. “<a href="https://childfriendlycities.org/" target="_blank">child-friendly cities</a>” – and in Australia – e.g. “<a href="https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/ccch/CCCH_Collaborate_for_Children_Report_The_Evidence_Nov2014.pdf" target="_blank">collective impact</a>” – in <a href="https://ssir.org/articles/entry/collective_impact" target="_blank">place-based approaches</a>. This is stimulating the policy agenda at all levels of government.
This policy agenda recognises “communities” as central for delivering better and more equitable early childhood development. However, this enthusiasm is hampered by the limited available evidence about the most effective ways communities can support good early childhood development.
The Kids in Communities Study
The Kids in Communities Study investigated the potential influence of community-level factors in five domains on early childhood development. These domains are:
<ul>
<li>physical environment</li>
<li>social environment</li>
<li>socio-economic factors</li>
<li>access to services</li>
<li>governance.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/241759/original/file-20181023-169828-byrc0p.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/241759/original/file-20181023-169828-byrc0p.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
The Kids in Communities Study (KICS) conceptual framework. Author provided
A mix of surveys, focus groups and interviews were conducted with community members (families, service providers, stakeholders). The results were combined with data from 25 Australian urban and regional communities. This mixed methods approach was essential to better understand local context and make sense of the data.
We were particularly interested in understanding why some communities, when matched by disadvantage, showed <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11205-016-1333-2" target="_blank">better (“off-diagonal”) or as expected (“on-diagonal”) child development outcomes relative to their socio-economic profile</a>. This is measured by the Australian Early Development Census. Teachers complete this census every three years for all children starting school.
Foundational community factors: using data to drive action
From this work, KiCS identified the set of foundational community factors associated with early childhood development. These are the factors that lay the foundations of a good community for early childhood development.
Foundational community factors can help better understand what helps or hinders early childhood development at the community level. They provide a source of local information that can contribute to developing interventions that move beyond the individual level, which have shown limited sustained success, to the broader community level (e.g. place-based initiatives), which has the potential to benefit many children and families in the long term.
They are a combination of factors that showed a difference in disadvantaged communities that had “good” versus “poor” early childhood development outcomes (differentiating factors), as well as those that most KiCS communities perceived as important for families with young children (important factors). Table 1 shows which foundational community factors were related to these outcomes.
Foundational community factors are important; they allow us to move beyond anecdotal information to a discussion grounded in evidence about how the community is tracking to inform place-based initiatives.
These factors help communities strengthen stakeholder engagement and can inform policy recommendations using the best local data. Examples include informing and involving local residents and organisations, discussing key “shared” issues, identifying priorities, planning and implementing community interventions, and monitoring change over time.
This can empower communities to better understand and recognise their resources and opportunities to improve early childhood development. That in turn helps to direct effort into areas that make the most sense.
The full technical report on Foundational Community Factors for Early Childhood Development: A report on the Kids in Communities Study is available <a href="https://www.mcri.edu.au/kics" target="_blank">here</a>.
For the manual of data collection please email: kics.study@mcri.edu.au.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/104933/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;">
Sharon Goldfeld, Deputy Director, Center for Community Child Health Royal Children's Hospital; Co-Group Leader, Policy and Equity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne 
Billie Giles-Corti, Director, Urban Futures Enabling Capability Platform and Director, Healthy Liveable Cities Group, RMIT University 
Geoffrey Woolcock, Senior Research Fellow (Regional Community Development), Strategic Research Projects, University of Southern Queensland 
Hannah Badland, Principal Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University 
Ilan Katz, Professor of Social Policy, UNSW; Karen Villanueva, Research Fellow, Healthy Liveable Cities Group, RMIT University, and Researcher, Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute 
Robert Tanton, Professor, National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM), University of Canberra 
Sally Brinkman, Associate Professor, University of Adelaide; Co-Director, Fraser Mustard Centre, Telethon Kids Institute
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/working-out-what-makes-a-good-community-where-young-children-can-thrive-104933" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Working out what makes a good community where young children can thrive

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A new list of masterplanned community sales has been released, with Stockland placing three times in the top five.
The National Land Survey by Research4 reports on vacant land sales in new residential communities around Australia.
Stockland’s Aura community on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast claimed first place with 746 sales in the past year.
Stockland Elara in Sydney’s north-west was the second most popular community with 674 sales in the 2017-18 year, while Stockland Highlands in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor ranked fourth with 632 sales.
Andrew Whitson, Group Executive and CEO, Stockland Communities, said it was an outstanding result for the company.
“Our closest competitor achieved a market share of 5 per cent in the June quarter, highlighting our strong national position in the creation of masterplanned communities,” he said.
“We have a long track record for delivering many of Australia’s best new communities and a clear vision for meeting the future housing needs of Australian families.
“These latest national land survey figures confirm that our focus on liveability, affordability and the owner occupier market has made Stockland the first choice for home buyers in masterplanned communities.”
Whitson said is currently sell over 75% of its product to owner occupiers and over 50% to first home buyers.
AT Aura, more than 20,000 new homes will be created on the 24 square kilometre site over the next 30 years. 
Other products in the company’s development pipeline include the Highlands community in Victoria  and the Elara community in Sydney.
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