Maribyrnong councillors have voted unanimously to object to a plan for 232 townhouses at the former Australian Defence Industries site on Gordon Street. The vote overruled a draft council submission that had supported the developer, Orion West. Councillors cited community opposition, contamination risks from the old landfill, the loss of wildlife habitat and a lack of affordable homes. Orion West declined to comment. Council's submission will now be amended.
Daylesford is drawing residents who want to live there year-round, not just visit, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showing permanent population growth over the past decade. Middleton Field, a new neighbourhood at the town's eastern entrance, offers architecturally designed townhouses and larger homes, close to the Sunday Market and Raglan Street. Within it, The Village has released its Central and Northern townhouses, which were designed by Breathe, the Melbourne practice led by Jeremy McLeod. Hygge Property's Catherine Webster says the homes suit downsizers and buyers wanting low-maintenance living.
Developer Peet has lodged a development application for the first stage of its Onderra estate in Bruce, Canberra. The stage will comprise 128 townhouses, part of a 15-hectare estate of more than 1600 homes next to the University of Canberra. The $67 million project includes 13 buildings, with 37 two-bedroom, 78 three-bedroom and 12 four-bedroom townhouses. The estate will be built in stages over 15 years. The application is open for comment until 9 November.
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Nearly a third of The Grove, a premium townhouse development in Weston, has already been taken up. The project includes 60 two-, three- and four-bedroom townhouses beside Fetherston Gardens. Eleven dwellings sold before the public release, with seven more reserved. Prices start from $699,900 for a two-bedroom townhouse. Completion is planned for 2028, and more than 130 new trees are planned across the precinct.
Maribyrnong council has indicated support for a 232-townhouse development on former defence land in Melbourne's west, reversing its 2019 rejection. Developer Orion West lodged the proposal with the Department of Transport and Planning. The draft council submission cites efforts to address earlier contamination and access concerns, and says the application makes a significant contribution to housing. The submission has not been endorsed and could change. Nearby residents remain opposed, citing toxic risks, and David Glenny argued the site should be kept as public open space.
Blanche Street in St Kilda was gated at both ends overnight in the early 2000s after residents complained about traffic and noise. Its older duplex at number 34 has since been replaced by four townhouses. Two are being marketed for as much as $1.8m, and one includes a car turntable in its garage. Whitefox agent Jesse Jones said buyers from all levels of the market are showing interest in the area, and that the street's past still comes up with buyers.
