A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Urban Taskforce

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The recent Greater Sydney Commission policy on industrial and urban services land across Sydney is too narrow in its scope.
An ‘Information Note’ and a policy document from the Greater Sydney Commission’s (GSC) ‘Thought Leadership Series’ titled A Metropolis that works outlines the GSC’s policy on employments lands and advises planning authorities to take a very narrow view of land use across metropolitan Sydney.
The advice is issued in a pre-election environment where concerns have been expressed by some community groups about the extent of apartment development in Sydney.
While the GSC’s policy picks up on the Greater Sydney Region Plan objective on industrial and urban services land it does not refer to the exception to the objective for the Parramatta Road area as outlined on page 133 of the Region Plan.
This leaves land owners in an uncertain position on the relevance of the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy which gave clear envelopes and new uses for current industrial land in the corridor.
The GSC document implies that there is a significant shortage of industrial land across Sydney but major areas are planned for industrial use south west of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, the extension to the Western Sydney Employment Hub and areas of proposed industrial land in the North West and South West of Sydney.These land areas need to be released.
The Urban Taskforce believes that the proposed ‘retain and manage’ approach to industrial land in the Eastern City is too restrictive and will eliminate many sites that could provide large precinct developments that incorporated jobs, infrastructure including parks, child care, health and community centres and residential development.
Community concerns about the extent of apartment development in Sydney can be partly resolved by incorporating infrastructure, parks and community services for education and health within a mixed use development.
An example is East Village in Zetland that incorporates a car service centre, a medical centre, a Montessori Academy and a supermarket as well as a sky park and 206 apartments.
Another example is Central Park on Broadway where child care, health centres, parks and community facilities are provided along with the apartments.”
The Urban Taskforce proposes a new approach to balancing Sydney’s growth along with the need for urban services and industrial uses as outlined in our 6 point plan:
1. Ensure that at least 10,000 hectares of industrial land is zoned in North West and South West Sydney and around the Aerotropolis.
2. Release fifty percent of the Retain and Manage industrial land in the Eastern City and the Central City for mixed use development that includes urban service uses.
3. Identify industrial land in the Eastern City and the Central City that is economically unviable but would provide sites for mixed use precincts with significant housing as well as jobs.
4. Develop a more detailed analysis of urban service uses that are compatible with mixed use development and define the percentage of job producing areas within mixed use zoning.
5. Develop a more detailed analysis of industrial uses and their preferred location in the city including freight and logistics.
6. Establish a high level assessment body to give guidance to land owners and developers on which lands are appropriate for mixed use development that includes urban services.
The Urban Taskforce is developing its own Thought Leadership Report on the changing nature of jobs in metropolitan Sydney and where industrial and urban service jobs are best located.
The report will also look at ways to diffuse the current concerns about new apartment development by proposing an approach that can provide infrastructure and community uses with a mixed use development that also includes jobs.
Chris Johnson is the Urban Taskforce CEO 
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Greater Sydney Commission approach to industrial land is too narrow: Chris Johnson

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
The announcement by the NSW Government that stamp duty will be pegged to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a welcome small step towards reducing the cost of selling a home says the Urban Taskforce.
The announcement by NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet that the rate of increase in the average rate of stamp duty will be reduced is a small step forward in addressing the cost of housing.
The Urban Taskforce has argued for some time that the transactional tax on selling a home is a distortionary tax as it discourages owners to sell.
This is particularly critical as the ageing population nears retirement and many large family homes are occupied by only one or two people.
It would seem to be desirable to free up these homes for families and for retirees to move to a smaller home at this stage in their lives but the stamp duty cost is a disincentive to do this.
Unfortunately State Government Treasuries around Australia have become wedded to the massive income they get from stamp duty so they are not keen to phase out this tax. The exception is in the ACT where the government is phasing out stamp duty and replacing this with a land tax.
The Urban Taskforce believes that land tax, where smaller payments are made annually related to the value of the land, should replace stamp duty as a fairer way for states and territories to gain income from property rather than adding a tax to the sale of a house.
With house and apartment sales dropping in NSW stamp duty is reducing and this will impact on the state budget. We are concerned that in a pre-election environment the NSW government seems to be taking an anti-development approach to new housing and that this will slow down the production of new housing particularly in Sydney.
This will clearly flow on to a reduction in the number of jobs generated by the housing industry in NSW which are currently around 300,000.
The NSW Government must factor in the impact on jobs that would flow from proposed policies which seek to dramatically reduce migration with a flow onto the number of new homes needed each year.
The Greater Sydney Commission’s recent plans for Sydney’s growth over 20 and 40 years should be the framework that growth is managed within. This is particularly so as the plans were supported by a long term transport plan and an infrastructure plan.
Chris Johnson is the CEO of Urban Taskforce Australia
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NSW stamp duty reform a small step forward: Chris Johnson

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EXPERT OBSERVER
New research by the Grattan Institute and CommSec reveal NSW is slipping further and further behind Victoria in the key areas of economic growth, unemployment and construction work completed.
Disappointingly, for the second year in a row, NSW has failed to keep pace with Victoria, slipping further behind in relative economic growth according to the CommSec’s latest ‘State of the States’ report. This is very alarming and has significant negative consequences. Part of this decline is due to the state government’s complex planning system, which is hindering housing production and making homes even more unaffordable.
A report by the Grattan Institute notes that both NSW and Victorian state governments are facing significant population pressure. However in the lead up to the state election, the NSW government has adopted a populist ‘anti-growth’ rhetoric, suggesting migration intake should be halved, winding back critical planning reforms designed to increase housing supply and exempting key electorates, such as Ryde, from additional growth.
The NSW government lacks clear, strong leadership to effectively manage population growth and is constantly caving to every action group opposed to change. As a consequence housing supply has dropped off, especially in accessible areas close to transport and services, where housing is most suitable. Home ownership is declining, and more and more people are spending a large percentage of their income on housing costs.
The Grattan institute report suggests that the NSW government must go further to ensure enough housing is built, particularly in established suburbs. The NSW planning system is hugely complex and obtaining approval to build new homes is a risky and onerous process. There are huge delays in processing development applications and rezonings. This just adds to the cost of housing production and deters investment.
The Grattan report also suggests that all states should follow the lead of the ACT and replace ineffective stamp duties with broad-based property taxes. 
The Urban Taskforce has always supported a broad-based property tax as a much fairer and equitable method of taxation, as opposed to inefficient stamp duties. We applaud the ACT government for introducing this approach.
Chris Johnson is the Urban Taskforce CEO
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It's unsurprising that NSW is 2nd to Victoria: Chris Johnson

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Despite a pre-election anti-development environment in Sydney there are many quality examples of urban renewal with-in Sydney as well as Singapore, London and New York. Local politicians should learn from these projects.
The Creating Communities Conference attended by over 300 people last Friday demonstrated many examples of how to create quality development that give a positive rebuttal to the anti-development rhetoric that is occurring in the lead up to next year's NSW election.
It was very timely to see so many excellent urban developments from around the world to remind us in Sydney that growth and new developments can add excitement and positive new places for communities to live, work and relax.
Gordon Adams, the Head of Planning at the Battersea Power Station Development Company, explained the importance of political leadership to drive this massive urban renewal project in London. The projects size was large enough to get the London Underground's Northern Line extended to the site and this has generated a ripple effect of urban renewal in the surrounding areas.
Ultimately Battersea (pictured above) will have 3,500 apartments, 15,000 jobs including the biggest Apple office in the UK, parks, child care, restaurants and community facilities.
The combination on metro rail, a centre for jobs and a large number of new homes has created a new city within a city.
Marianne Kwok, Design Director, Kohn Pedersen Fox in New York was the key master planner for that cities major urban renewal project at Hudson Yards over underused railway yards. A new station was added to the New York subway and the famous elevated pedestrian network of the High Line weaves through the site and the buildings.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/17/Hudson.JPG" alt="">
Hudson Yards (pictured above) will have 4,000 new homes, 1 million square feet of office space, three new parks, child care, shops and restaurants and some amazing public art works.
Rahul Mittal, Director Design, Cistri Singapore gave a detailed overview of how similar Singapore was to Sydney in population terms but that Singapore was much denser but still very liveable.
He positioned Singapore as an example of how the balancing of new development with an extensive metro rail network and a strong greening policy can lead to positive results.
The mood at the Creating Communities Conference was very upbeat about how quality new development can add value to the residents and workers in new precincts and how a level of excitement can occur with new stimulating developments.
A number of emerging Sydney urban renewal projects were presented that matched the quality of the international examples.
Dominic Sullivan outlined the rationale behind PAYCE's Melrose Park proposed development, Neil Arckless from Lendlease presented the mixed use precinct of Darling Square. Sasha Kovic and Scott Clohessy from Frasers Property outlined the concept behind the Ivanhoe project that will house social, affordable and market housing as well as a new school and parklands.
The greenfield housing development at Willowdale was presented by Stockland's Sophie Pickett-Heaps along with Stockland's focus on building communities. Toga's Fabrizio Perilli gave an excellent outline of his Surry Hills Village project that carried the laneway culture of the suburb into this new development.
With a multitude of quality urban renewal projects presented from different world cities and from different parts of Sydney there is no doubt that the development industry is making a very positive contribution to the future of urban living.
The current negative debate about over development in Sydney needs to be balanced by the very positive examples of how other cities have passed through this growth phase and by the emerging examples of quality development across Sydney.
The Urban Taskforce calls on all politicians in the lead up to the NSW election next March to take a positive approach to quality new development rather than encouraging the fear of change in their electorates that will create an ant-development attitude to garner short term votes.
Sydney needs politicians that are committed to the long term future of Sydney for future generations. 
Chris Johnson is the Urban Taskforce CEO
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Political leaders must learn from quality urban renewal projects: Chris Johnson

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates a sharp drop in apartment approvals in NSW and Victoria.
The overall housing approval figures are falling in NSW and Victoria with the major falls being in the apartment market.
House approvals in NSW have dropped from 2,504 based on trends in March 2018 to 2,336 in August 2018 while house approvals in the smaller state of Victoria were more robust at 3,174 in August 2018.
It is the apartment market where approvals are falling fastest with NSW having 3,764 in September 2017 but this has fallen to 3,041 in August 2018. The Victorian apartment approvals have fallen even further from a high of 3,542 in December 2017 to less than half of this in August 2018 at 1,642 approvals.
It appears that confidence in the apartment market in both Melbourne and Sydney is slowing rapidly with many developers indicating that presales are much less than a year ago.
The Urban Taskforce urges governments to develop policies that support new housing supply as population growth targets have not changed. The pre- election environment in NSW has led to back downs on a number of planning policies including the ‘Missing Middle’ code, the Sydenham to Bankstown Planned Precincts and planning proposals in Ryde.
The concerns by some community groups about the extent of new development in Sydney seems to have led to a move away from housing supply targets and this is lowering confidence in the development industry.
Chris Johnson is the Urban Taskforce CEO
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NSW and Victorian apartment approvals falling fast: Chris Johnson

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The NSW Government must appoint a new Government Architect to replace Peter Poulet (Pictured above).
The recent move of the current NSW Government Architect, Peter Poulet, to a reduced role in the Greater Sydney Commission leaves a vacant leadership role for design in the NSW Government.
For 200 years NSW has led Australia in having a champion for the design of the built environment with a state architect.
The current Government Architect has successfully managed the transition of the role from one of designing buildings to one of setting the framework for the quality of buildings and their urban setting.
Peter Poulet has set policies and produced guides and systems that champion design quality at a time when the community has raised concerns about increasing density in urban areas.
He has also chaired the Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Awards jury and demonstrated a willingness to work with the industry.
We thank Peter for his contribution the New South Wales.
The Urban Taskforce is concerned that there seem to be a number of senior executives leaving the Department of Planning and Environment at a crucial time in the growth of the state’s cities.
The development industry needs stability and strong leadership in planning particularly with the current down turn in home prices and in housing approval numbers.
The recent government back downs on key policies related to town houses, planning policies in Ryde and on the planned precincts on the Sydenham to Bankstown line also indicate a softening in support for development.
There are clearly important roles in the Central District of Greater Sydney but there are also opportunities for someone of Peter Poulet’s experience to develop design quality across Greater Sydney generally and the Urban Taskforce would support this.
The Urban Taskforce encourages the NSW Government to ensure that the tradition of the NSW Government Architect continues particularly as an advocate for the quality design of greater urban density as populations increase.
Chris Johnson is the CEO of the Urban Taskforce
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NSW Government Architect role important for the state’s urbanisation: Chris Johnson

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The green light announcement for the release of the Bayside West Plan has more than half the area as being subject to further investigation,.
The media release from Planning Minister Anthony Roberts (pictured above) says the green light has been given to land use planning for the Arncliffe, Banksia and Cooks Cove Precincts but more than half the area is subject to further investigation. 
The announcement stated that the ‘finalisation of the Bayside West Plan was a big step forward’ but the map within the Plan clearly indicates that all of Cooks Cove and Arncliffe West are ‘subject to further investigation.’
There are a number of illustrations linked to the media release but these only show bicycle paths and parks with no images of actual buildings. It seems in a pre-election environment that announcements are mainly focusing on open space, walkways and cycle-ways. A Green Plan will guide planning and the design of open space.
The areas close to the railway stations at Banksia and Arncliffe do have significant density with expanded retail centres and apartment dwellings.
The Urban Taskforce looks forward to more detail planning and rezoning across the whole of the Bayside West Precinct including the large areas marked as being subject to further investigation.
See map below from the Bayside West Precincts document:
<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/2018/9/10/BAYSIED.jpg" alt="">
Chris Johnson is the Urban Taskforce CEO
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Bayside West plans subject to further investigation: Chris Johnson

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The Urban Taskforce has announced hospitality trailblazer Justin Hemmes as its 2018 Property Person of the Year. 
“Justin Hemmes has revolutionised Australia’s hospitality industry by bringing a new level of sophistication, creativity and ingenuity to Sydney’s dining and entertainment landscape”, says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. “His innovative properties, like Establishment, ivy, Coogee Pavilion, The Collaroy and The Newport offer unique, memorable and internationally renowned experiences, and have transformed Merivale into a peerless hospitality powerhouse”. 
The Urban Taskforce represents the development industry’s risk-takers and Justin Hemmes has been an outstanding entrepreneur in the way he has acquired old hotel sites and venues across Sydney and turned them into must-visit destinations. 
Since taking the reins of his family's fashion business in 1997, Justin has made a major mark on commercial property development in Sydney, dominating the hospitality sector and expanding the Merivale portfolio to include a host of the country's most ambitious and successful hospitality transformations. his Merivale portfolio now includes over 70 venues that have galvanised their local cultural economies and magnetised tourists from around the world.
The redevelopment of Hotel CBD in 1995 was one of the first projects fronted by Justin. Taking a true hands on approach by working on site as a brickies labourer for a year and a half, Justin drove the design and refurbishment to turn what was a bookstore and commercial space into a multi-story hotel. Hotel CBD pushed societal boundaries by reimaging the concept of pubs as a predominantly male domain to places where both men and women could happily socialise for any occasion. From this, the first multi venue pub was born; presenting a variety of different spaces for people to make their own. 
In the mid-nineties he purchased the Slip Inn and redesigned the original pub and its four adjoining terraces to accommodate beautiful bars and the Chinese Laundry nightclub, completely reinvigorating a desolate pocket of Sydney’s CBD. In 2000 he opened Establishment in the burnt-out ruins of the former George Patterson House on George Street; creating a nine-story entertainment complex now home to fine dining, a boutique hotel, private event places and the award-winning 240-seat Cantonese restaurant Mr Wong. 
In 2007, Merivale launched the ambitious $160 million ivy project to create an urban oasis in the heart of the city. This 20,000 square metre mixed-use development is home to 12 boutique shops, 18 bars, nine restaurants, a rooftop pool, a garden atrium and a large ballroom. He also had the foresight to create and activate two surrounding laneways, providing Sydney with the way of life enjoyed in European cities. A sanctuary in the middle of the CBD, ivy quickly became the destination, helping shape Sydney into a truly great global city. 
Ivy has won a host of awards including: 
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National Hotel of the Year at 2014 AHA National Awards for Excellence 
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IDEA09 Interior Design Excellence Awards - IDEA09 Overall Winner and Hospitality Winner and Multi-Residential, Highly Commended
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Australian Institute of Architects National Awards 2009 - Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture and National Award (Urban Design)
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Australian Institute of Architects (NSW) 2009 - Lloyd Rees Award for Outstanding Urban Design and Commercial Architecture Award.
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Justin’s enthusiasm for designing, building and operating exciting venues does not stop. After his developments in the city, he has reinvigorated the top end of Oxford Street with the Paddington, Fred’s, Charlie Parker’s and The Chicken Shop. He transformed the derelict beachfront Coogee Pavilion from a pub into a dynamic lifestyle destination and re-envisioned the landmark Newport Arms Hotel as The Newport. New ventures have increased Merivale’s footprint across Sydney even further, from Queens Hotel and Vic on The Park in Sydney’s thriving Inner West to The Royal in Bondi, Tennyson Hotel in Sydney’s South-East and The Collaroy on the idyllic Northern Beaches. And he’s also forecasting an even bigger redevelopment of the ivy site. 
Urban Taskforce Chair Peter Daly says “We are amazed at what Justin has achieved across Sydney in a manner that has set new standards for every project. His innovations always cause ripple effects that have added energy to surrounding buildings and areas that were previously degraded. He is a very worthy winner of Property Person of the Year award for 2018 and he joins distinguished former winners that include Harry Triguboff (twice), Lang Walker, Bill Moss, Greg Goodman, Wal King, Bob Rose, Garry Rothwell, Ross McDiven, Tony Perich, Steve McCann, Iwan Sunito, Joe Khatter and Sarkis Nassif.” 
The 2018 Property Person of the Year Award dinner appropriately will be held at Justin’s landmark venue, ivy, on 28 November. A crucial motivation for these annual events is to raise funds for the two charities supported by the Urban Taskforce: Warrah Homes and St Vincent’s Prostrate Cancer Research. The Urban Taskforce has raised more than $4million for these charities over the past 17 years. Justin and Merivale also support various charities— including Ronald McDonald House, the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Royal Hospital for Women. 
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Justin Hemmes named Urban Taskforce Property Person of the Year

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The proposed value capture policy by the City of Parramatta Council has not responded to earlier industry concerns that the policy could stop development.
The Draft Planning Agreement Policy to go to the meeting of the City of Parramatta Council on 10 September has not responded to industry concerns despite referral to an Independent Panel Review.
The Urban Taskforce presented concerns to a council meeting on 25 June and specifically requested deferral to a workshop with industry groups.
The concern our members had was that the consultant advice that council was getting on the policy did not seem to understand real world economic viability. We expected the Independent Panel to request submissions or hold public hearings as required by item 4 of the council resolution that established the panel but it seems they only relied on advice from council’s consultants.
The Review Panel in item 9 of their overview state ‘This review did not specifically test the 50% value sharing … as to feasibility.’ The review only relied on advice provided by council’s consultants. These are the same consultant that the Urban Taskforce met with previously where a number of errors in testing feasibility were found.
The Urban Taskforce urgently requests the City of Parramatta Council to have a detailed workshop with the development industry as we originally requested and as was required by the motion that established the Review Panel. We recommend that council defer the item until there has been proper industry input into the financial viability implications of the policy.
The value capture policy was evolved in the first half of 2017 when the housing market was very healthy and put on exhibition on 23 August 2017. Since this time there has been a big drop in home sales prices and in apartment pre-commitments which is leading to a drop in the economic feasibility of projects. The Urban Taskforce assumed we would have the opportunity to convey these concerns to the Review Panel and that this would have led to a rethink of the policy.
Chris Johnson is the Urban Taskforce CEO
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Parramatta value capture will stop development unless industry input is considered: Chris Johnson

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The announcement by the NSW Department of Planning that a record 42,529 housing completions occurred in Sydney in the year up to June 2018 demonstrates the success of earlier policies but approvals are dropping fast.
The current record housing completions in Sydney of 42,529 over the year to June 2018 are a result of the record approval of nearly 60,000 homes in the year to September 2016. 
Unfortunately approvals in Sydney have now dropped to 52,277 in the year to June 2018 and this will flow on to reduced housing completions in the coming year.
The 42,529 completions is well above the average required of 36,250 a year required across 20 years and this high supply number has helped reduce the cost of new homes.
Our concern is that a number of policy settings from the three levels of government are now slowing down housing approvals.
The tightening of bank lending to house purchasers is reducing the number of buyers, the levies on foreign investors has reduced these purchasers and recent back-downs on planning policies for increased densities in key precincts in Sydney has undermined confidence in the housing development industry.
The Urban Taskforce developer members have been working very hard over recent years to follow the NSW Government’s lead in where to build new housing but in a pre-election environment the government has put the brakes on planning in these areas and this will lead to a big drop in housing supply in one to two years-time.
The Urban Taskforce encourages the NSW Government to get behind the need to plan for and support a consistent flow of new houses across Sydney so that the large number of jobs involved in housing are sustained.
Chris Johnson is the Urban Taskforce CEO
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